The Beekeeper of Aleppo

Nuri Ibrahim is the narrator of the story. He is not, however, the only main character. The “Beekeeper” of the book’s title refers to both Nuri and Mustafa. Both have equal importance in the book as Mustafa’s role in Nuri and Afra’s life is central.

Nuri describes everything that happens and how he feels honestly and openly, in great detail. He is very observant and sensitive. From his thoughts, reactions, and interactions, Nuri reveals important information about his life and character. He is a Syrian from Aleppo, son of a businessman who has a fabric shop. His father hoped he would take over the shop, but Nuri chose to be a beekeeper with his cousin Mustafa, whose love of bees was infectious and who was an inspiration to the dreamy, sensitive Nuri. Nuri is in his thirties at the novel’s opening, but the flashbacks in his narrative provide episodes from the earlier years of his life.

Nuri displays his sensitivity in his interactions with others, particularly in his roles as husband and father. His description of Afra and how much he loved her before the war is rapturous: “There was a whole world in her […] It wasn’t enough, I wanted more” (21).