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Cover of Death is Hard Work
Literary Fiction· Syria

Death is Hard Work

by Khaled Khalifa
Aggregate Editorial Score30/100
Published 2016Arabic
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About This Book

Death is Hard Work by Khaled Khalifa is a landmark work of literary fiction, first published in 2016. Death is Hard Work is a compelling tale of a family's journey across war-torn Syria to fulfill a father's dying wish to be buried in his hometown. Khaled Khalifa's novel is a profound meditation on death, family, and the enduring impact of conflict. It has been lauded for its vivid storytelling and its ability to capture the complexities of life in a country ravaged by war. Themes of family, conflict, death run through the work.

Book Details

AuthorKhaled Khalifa
Published2016
Country of Origin🇸🇾 Syria
LanguageArabic
Category📖 Literary Fiction
ISBN9780374135737
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

🇸🇾 Syria

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

Explore books from Syria →

Editorial Assessment

First published in 2016, Khaled Khalifa's Death is Hard Work is a work of literary fiction that has drawn sustained interest from critics and prize committees alike. Its engagement with family, conflict, death, journey gives the book a depth that extends well beyond its genre. 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. Readers coming to Death is Hard Work for the first time will find a work that rewards patience. The book's handling of family, conflict, death, journey is layered rather than didactic, and a second reading often reveals dimensions the first pass only hinted at. Within Syria's literary landscape, Khaled Khalifa occupies a significant position. Death is Hard Work is both a personal artistic statement and a contribution to a tradition shaped by the country's history and cultural concerns.
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

NYT Best Sellers
notable · global
20190
✍️
About the Author
Khaled Khalifa
Syria
View Author →

Khaled Khalifa is a Syria author whose work in literary fiction has earned recognition from readers and critics alike.

Designed to Feel
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Designed to Feel
Why Evolution Built Your Emotions, and How to Make Them Work for You
“The most eye-opening book on emotions I’ve ever read.”
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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Death is Hard Work about?

Death is Hard Work is a compelling tale of a family's journey across war-torn Syria to fulfill a father's dying wish to be buried in his hometown. Khaled Khalifa's novel is a profound meditation on death, family, and the enduring impact of conflict. It has been lauded for its vivid storytelling and its ability to capture the complexities of life in a country ravaged by war.

Who wrote Death is Hard Work?

Death is Hard Work was written by Khaled Khalifa, from Syria. First published in 2016.

What awards has Death is Hard Work won?

Death is Hard Work has received the following recognition: notable critical recognition.

Is Death is Hard Work worth reading?

Death is Hard Work 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 family, conflict, death.

Where can I buy Death is Hard Work?

You can buy Death is Hard Work on Amazon. Click the Buy on Amazon button above to find the best edition.

What category is Death is Hard Work?

Death is Hard Work is classified as Literary Fiction. Character-driven fiction that prioritises style, theme, and psychological depth.

What country is Death is Hard Work from?

Death is Hard Work originates from Syria's literary tradition. Explore more books from Syria on our country page.

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