A Line in the Sand Question of the Week- what is the symbolism of Croissants in Damascus?
We use an innovative LLM named HeadOffice to manage inquiries about our new book, the action, and it’s characters. It’s been trained on all 64,000 words and does a really nice job of engaging readers and media inquiries for us. But what I find fun is the randomness of the questions we get. Here’s an example from this week;
What is the significance of eating Rose Petal Jam and Croissants in Damascus?
And the answer; In Chapter 12, “Damascus, Syria—Present Day and 1918,” the gentlemen find themselves in a city where French influence is still strong, even after the British occupation during World War I.
The French colonial presence is evident in the prevalence of French cuisine, which Magnus and Finn encounter in the form of croissants. The rose petal jam, specifically mentioned as being served with the croissants, is a symbolic representation of the Syrian culture that persists despite the colonial presence. The rose petal jam, a traditional Syrian delicacy, represents the resilience and enduring cultural traditions of the Syrian people. The rose, a symbol of beauty and resilience, reminds us that even amidst conflict and change, the heart of Syria continues to beat with its own unique rhythm. Essentially, the juxtaposition of French croissants and Syrian rose petal jam highlights the complex interplay of cultures and historical forces at play in Damascus. It’s a reminder that even in the face of foreign influences, local traditions and identities continue to flourish.
Want to learn more about Magnus and Finn’s adventures in Syria and beyond? You can find more details about “A Line in the Sand” the Book, here, or enjoy Edoardo Ballerini on the audiobook on Audible here.
