What caused the war in Syria? How did a once beautiful country turn from its tolerant past, with churches and mosques built side by side, to its current state of violence and displacement?

This is the eyewitness account of Marwa al-Sabouni, a young architect based in war-torn Homs. Revealing the country's bitter conflict through the lens of architecture and writing with clarity, conviction and deep intelligence, she shares her personal experience of how the built environment directly affects the community that inhabits it, how the stage for civil war has long been set in her country, and how architecture might play a role in reversing the damage.

This compelling and timely book reveals uncomfortable truths and asks important questions. Ultimately, the author offers hope, as she provides insights into ways of rebuilding a proud country and a much-needed sense of identity.