In the Time of the Mulberry | Desmond Astley- Cooper

Set in 19th-century Mount Lebanon, this is the story of Maryam, a young girl from a mountain village well-known for its silk cocoons. A chance encounter with love presents her with a dilemma which is made even more problematic by an outbreak of violence that forces many to uproot their lives. The world of relative peace and harmony that Maryam once knew is now changed for good, leading her to discover that her only solace lies with two women she meets along the way, Layal and Rose. Each leaves a profound mark on her life, as does working at the local silk factory, something which sparks considerable controversy and leaves her with some unforeseen challenges to confront.