A Disappearance in Damascus, a compelling book by journalist Deborah Campbell, received several prestigious awards in Canada in 2016. This is Campbell’s second book, following her earlier work This HEATED Place: Encounters in the Promised Land (2002). Drawing on her extensive experience as a journalist in the Middle East, A Disappearance in Damascus combines thorough research with engaging storytelling.
Campbell’s personal connection to the story goes back to her time as a student in her creative nonfiction class at the University of British Columbia, where she learned about the importance of maintaining journalistic integrity, especially in conflict zones. This principle becomes crucial when she befriends Ahlam, an Iraqi refugee, while researching a story on Iraqi war refugees in Syria.
As the narrative unfolds, Ahlam’s arrest by Syrian authorities becomes a turning point in the book rather than a starting event, creating a tense and gripping story. Campbell’s meticulous storytelling keeps the reader engaged as she navigates the complexities of the Iraq war and the risks involved in reporting from conflict zones.
Throughout the book, Campbell reflects on the ethical dilemmas faced by journalists in such situations and grapples with feelings of responsibility for Ahlam’s predicament. Her journey to secure Ahlam’s release leads her to confront her own fears and beliefs about agency and control.
Campbell’s ability to weave personal reflections into Ahlam’s story adds depth and emotional resonance to the narrative. By shedding light on the lives of individuals affected by war, Campbell humanizes the conflict and challenges readers to empathize with the experiences of those caught in its midst.
In the end, “A Disappearance in Damascus” is not just a story of survival and friendship but a poignant reminder of the ongoing repercussions of war and the resilience of the human spirit. Just as one ex-military man aptly observes, the impact of such conflicts lingers long after the fighting ends, never truly reaching a definitive conclusion.
