A good book, with a few caveats.

Saad Saad was born in Baghdad.
No chance! He did not choose this country whose only horizon that wars and embargoes, under the yoke of a tyrant who finally sees removed by the "savior" American.
Despite all the difficulties facing his family to feed his family, life makes its way on the smoking rubble where even love blooms. Leila Saad loves.
Las! Bombs and mortar rounds are there to remind you that it is pointless to train projects in such a country. The building where Leila dwelt just pounded!

This is the first part of the book that the author, as usual, excels in the art of narrative, philosophical tale tinged with humor as well as gravity.
The rest of the book chronicles the tribulations Saad who took the road of exile, wanting to flee a country he loathes. On stateless exile, it becomes illegal.
This is the theme that has chosen to explore the author. An important topic, serious and topical.

EE Schmitt knows to face the pitfalls that await the turning of the mined path. There are good times and profound reflections that are delivered to us.
Even so the story runs out of steam a bit and did not raise, as on other occasions, this wonder who to say "that's great!"
This book remains a good book, even if it's not one I would recommend to read first the one who would find this prolific author, one of the most gifted of our contemporaries.