Video version:

https://youtu.be/AgfKUejHnkg

Al Wadi (Part 2) catches up with Gabrielle Elia, author of 'Impressions of My Youth in Lebanon'.

We dive deep into Wadi Abu Jmeel's history - a bygone neighborhood once central to downtown Beirut - and the Lebanese Jewish community's position in a time of post-independence uncertainty for Lebanon.

Our discussion explores Gabrielle's childhood, full of an innocent joy that she retains. We also talk about relics both abandoned and restored of a once vibrant community's rich and troubled past.

Our conversation also touches on the storytelling craft, and why Gabrielle continues to write about a country she left over half a century ago.

If you haven't already, listen to the first episode of Al Wadi (Episode 170) released in June 2020:

https://soundcloud.com/thebeirutbanyan/ep170

And check out all her books (including 'Impressions of My Youth in Lebanon') via the following Amazon link:

https://www.amazon.com/s?k=%22Gabrielle+Elia%22&i=stripbooks

Special thanks to Christian Konjian and Charlotte Gaudreau for helping film in Montreal.

Soundtrack by Marc Codsi.

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Music by Marc Codsi. Animation & illustration by Sana Chaaban.