Annie Slemrod reviewed At the Edge of the City in the Daily Star saying, “Shayya’s ‘At the Edge of the City’ is an engaging multidisciplinary study of Beirut’s Pine Forest.” The article reflects on different essays in the book, complemeting here and critiquing there–an interactive form of engaging within the debate sphere on public space in Beirut.
“At the Edge of the City” encompasses so many different types of contributions that it can be tough to swallow as a whole. The best, such as linguist Fouad Asfour’s ruminations on the park in “Re: No Choice,” are thoughtful and enjoyable to read.
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One clear thread that runs through the collection is a sense of frustration and outrage at the closure of two-thirds of the park to all but a select group of citizens. This part of the park contains most of the Horsh’s green space, and is accessible only by those with a permit from the mayor’s office.
The Daily Star is the first to review the book, besides featuring it. Special thanks to Jim Quilty in this regard. You can enjoy Slemrod’s review at “Stories about the empty park.”