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Cover of De Niro's Game
Literary Fiction· Lebanon

De Niro's Game

by Rawi Hage
Aggregate Editorial Score30/100
Published 2006English
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About This Book

Few works of literary fiction have earned the sustained critical attention that De Niro's Game (2006) by Rawi Hage continues to receive. Set in Beirut during the Lebanese Civil War, 'De Niro's Game' follows the lives of two childhood friends, Bassam and George, as they navigate the chaos and violence around them. The novel delves into themes of friendship, betrayal, and survival, offering a gritty and compelling portrayal of life in a war-torn city. Hage's debut novel received critical acclaim for its vivid imagery and powerful narrative. Themes of war, friendship, betrayal run through the work. The book has received recognition from International IMPAC Dublin Literary Award 2008.

Book Details

AuthorRawi Hage
Published2006
Country of Origin🇱🇧 Lebanon
LanguageEnglish
Category📖 Literary Fiction
ISBN978-0887841961
Editorial Score30/100
About the Category

📖 Literary Fiction

Character-driven fiction that prioritises style, theme, and psychological depth.

Explore all Literary Fiction books →
Country of Origin

🇱🇧 Lebanon

This book is part of Lebanon's rich literary tradition.

Explore books from Lebanon →

Editorial Assessment

First published in 2006, Rawi Hage's De Niro's Game is a work of literary fiction that has drawn sustained interest from critics and prize committees alike. Its engagement with war, friendship, betrayal, survival gives the book a depth that extends well beyond its genre. Among its recognitions: International IMPAC Dublin Literary Award 2008. With an editorial score of 30/100 drawn from 1 independent sources, the book occupies a well-documented position in the critical literature. Its recognition spans international prizes, "best of" lists, and academic surveys. The appeal of De Niro's Game lies partly in its refusal to offer easy answers. Its exploration of war, friendship, betrayal, survival is sustained, textured, and genuinely thought-provoking in ways that stay with readers well after the final page. De Niro's Game reflects Rawi Hage's place in a wider literary tradition. The book's concerns resonate with Lebanon's broader cultural preoccupations, even as they reach beyond any single national context.
About this assessment: Editorial scores are aggregated from 1 independent sources including major literary prizes, critical surveys, and leading publications. Our editorial team reviews and contextualises this data. Rankings reflect critical consensus, not personal opinion or popularity metrics. Learn about our methodology.

Awards & Recognition

Guardian 100 Best Novels
notable · global
20080
✍️
About the Author
Rawi Hage
Lebanon
View Author →

Rawi Hage is a Lebanon author whose work in literary fiction has earned recognition from readers and critics alike.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is De Niro's Game about?

Set in Beirut during the Lebanese Civil War, 'De Niro's Game' follows the lives of two childhood friends, Bassam and George, as they navigate the chaos and violence around them. The novel delves into themes of friendship, betrayal, and survival, offering a gritty and compelling portrayal of life in a war-torn city. Hage's debut novel received critical acclaim for its vivid imagery and powerful narrative.

Who wrote De Niro's Game?

De Niro's Game was written by Rawi Hage, from Lebanon. First published in 2006.

What awards has De Niro's Game won?

De Niro's Game has received the following recognition: International IMPAC Dublin Literary Award 2008.

Is De Niro's Game worth reading?

De Niro's Game is a well-regarded book with an aggregate editorial score of 30/100 on 50 Best Books. It is particularly recommended for readers interested in war, friendship, betrayal.

Where can I buy De Niro's Game?

You can buy De Niro's Game on Amazon. Click the Buy on Amazon button above to find the best edition.

What category is De Niro's Game?

De Niro's Game is classified as Literary Fiction. Character-driven fiction that prioritises style, theme, and psychological depth.

What country is De Niro's Game from?

De Niro's Game originates from Lebanon's literary tradition. Explore more books from Lebanon on our country page.

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