Each chapter of the book follows a different member of the Yacoub family as they progress through the years, reading more like a collection of short stories that provide a holistic perspective.

Alyan is generally praised for providing a perspective into the plight of the privileged as opposed to focusing solely on Palestinians who live in refugee camps.

Though Salma reads a life full of uncertainty, instability, travel, and loss, she keeps the negative to herself, telling Alia that she sees a quick pregnancy and Atef's love for her.

Though Mustafa's love for a working-class girl, Aya, could provide him a way out, his fear of disappointing his mother by marrying beneath their class leads him to devote himself entirely to his cause.

In Kuwait City, Atef becomes withdrawn and spends most of his time writing letters that he will never send to his late best friend in an attempt to process his emotions and spare Alia's.

Even more rebellious than her mother, Souad has a whirlwind marriage to Elie and has two children, Manar and Zain, who grow up completely Americanized in the United States.

[2] The Yacoubs provide an insight into the mental and emotional ramifications of the migration crisis as opposed to the physical impacts that are generally emphasized in popular discussion.

"[4] Publishers Weekly highlighted the author's writing, stating, "Alyan’s excellent storytelling and deft handling of the complex relationships ensures that readers will not soon forget the Yacoub family.