A Land of Permanent Goodbyes

Epigraph-Chapter 5

Reading Check

1. Helpers (Epigraph)

2. Destiny (Prologue)

3. Farrah (Part 1, Chapter 5)

Short Answer

1. Tareq’s family members die in the rubble of his home. When the bodies are found, the rescue workers wave goodbye and Tareq knows he will never see them again. He calls Syria the land of permanent goodbyes because the upheaval in Syria has made it so individuals are not likely to meet again. (Part 1, Chapter 3)

2. Tareq and his family are forced to comply with fundamentalist practices. Susan is forced to wear a hijab, Fayed must throw out his cigarettes, and Tareq removes all photos and music from his phone. The Daesh-controlled territory is strict and exploitive and Tareq’s family is expected to adhere to strict guidelines. Fayed is also forced to pay a fake fine. (Various chapters)

Part 1, Chapters 6-10

Reading Check

1. Iraq (Part 1, Chapter 7)

2. The Cubs of Daesh (Part 1, Chapter 9)

Short Answer

1. Tareq wonders why Musa still has his mother while his own was killed. Tareq feels guilty for thinking this way, not wanting Musa to experience what he has experienced.