Rebecca Joubin is the perfect guide to understanding Syrian society and love. This introduction to the rich history of Syria's entertainment industry over the last 50 years is full of drama and startling insight. Joubin lived in Syria for almost a decade, married, ran an art gallery, and befriended the country's writers, actors, and directors. She reveals how, with cunning, humor, and surprising success, Syrian artists jousted with dictatorship and challenged their own notions of sex, marriage, and manhood in the hopes of building a freer and better society - even as they were accused of cowardice and collaboration. -- Joshua Landis, Director, Center for Middle East Studies, and University of Oklahoma
