Reviewed by Astrid Iustulin for Readers' Favorite

Although complex books need extra effort, they are usually the ones that really reward the reader who will take the time to read them. Lion by Douglas Misquita is one of those books where disappointment is not an option. This intricate novel, set in the sixth year of the Syrian War, begins with the “Lion”, political prisoner Aslan Terzi. He is in prison, on the verge of suicide, but he unexpectedly recovers his freedom and finds new reasons to live. Many characters revolve around him, and each one is connected to the other in some way. It will take some time to understand their relationships, but everything will become clear in the end. A daring prison break in the very heart of Russia is the climax of the story.

Lion is an enthralling novel to be read with bated breath. Misquita presents unexpected turns of events and follows a clearly defined path. Despite its complexity, Lion is a consistent book from start to finish. Among the many exceptional elements that made me enjoy it so much, the painstaking chiseling of every scene is the aspect I liked the most. These are minutely painted, especially in the case of the war scenes in Syria. Misquita’s extensive research pays off, and the result is a remarkable picture of Syria in times of war. What emerges from this book has made me reflect on the current situation of that country. Though fictional, the characters benefit from the same attention and have traits that make them human and memorable. I really think that Misquita has found a remarkable way to bring reality into fiction.