The Broken Wings by Khalil Gibran

“The Broken Wings” by Khalil Gibran is a poetic novel. It depicts a tragic love story against the backdrop of turn-of-the-century Beirut. It was originally published in Arabic in 1912. The narrative revolves around Selma Karamy, a young woman engaged to a prominent religious figure’s nephew. A young man falls deeply in love with Selma, leading to secret meetings that are eventually discovered. Selma is then confined to her home, shattering their dreams and hearts. This novel sheds light on significant social issues in the Eastern Mediterranean during that era, including religious corruption, women’s rights, and the eternal dilemma of choosing between wealth and happiness.