"With his book, Settis has clarified what conservationism and the protection of our cultural heritage should mean."
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Il Manifesto
“In language of extreme classicism—he is often compared to a Lebanese Proust—Majdalani imposes his rhythm, slow and mesmerizing, to bring us in step with his story … Throughout this epic tale he intimately weaves together the grand history of his country and his family, mixing fiction and reality in language of infinite sensuality.”
L’Express