The City of Jasmine tells the story of a young girl who clings to the memories of her home, guiding us on a breathtaking journey through her city. As she walks through its streets, she memorializes the moments that are closest to her heart—memories that refuse to be erased by time or tragedy. She stands up to proclaim her home is not a pile of rubble, but so much more. It is a place of beauty, resilience, and love—an enduring testament to the strength of both the city and its people.
Heather Brockman Lee’s illustrations are magical. She has captured the essence of Damascus with such remarkable precision and heart. The depth of detail in her portrayal of Syria and its people speaks volumes—every aspect feels authentic and deeply respectful. My Syrian friends and family have asked me if Heather has ever visited Syria, as her work resonates with such truth (she has not!). You can feel how much love she has poured into this book, and every spread is breathtakingly gorgeous. She has beautifully honored the soul of Damascus, and I feel incredibly fortunate to have had the opportunity to collaborate with her.
Damascus is home. And home is so many things, it’s special scents and hugs. Comfort, connection, chaos and laughter. For me, it was essential to portray my home with joy, not through the lens of trauma. To celebrate the beauty of the oldest capital in the world in its true light, capturing the warmth, culture, and spirit that define it. I wanted to normalize Syria as a place filled with both love and resilience, and that its beauty deserves to be seen and celebrated.
Story is a powerful tool- it has the ability to shift perspectives and expand our understanding of the world. There’s something truly transformative about how a well-told story can take us places we’ve never been and help us see through the eyes of others. I believe there’s nothing more powerful than that—because through story, we connect, empathize, and ultimately grow. It has the potential to change hearts and minds in ways nothing else can.
John Schu, you should have asked me what it feels like to have my book release coincide with the liberation of Syria—it’s honestly one of the most incredible feelings. As Syria steps into a new era, one where it’s redefining the labels that have been placed on it over the past decade, I am deeply honored that my book can play a role in this journey. It feels like a full-circle moment, to have my work be part of this significant shift, as the country embraces its resilience, beauty, and strength in ways that go beyond the struggles of the past. It’s a privilege to witness and feel like a part of this transformation.
The City of Jasmine releases on May 6, 2025. Pre-order a copy today!
