Beirut on the Bayou: Alfred Nicola, Louisiana, and the Making of Modern Lebanon

Review

“Courage, ambition, and love of words. Raif Shwayri has it all at once.” ― L’Hebdo Magazine

“...a fascinating story.” ― Voice of America News

“Beirut on the Bayou weaves together the fascinating story of a family with roots in both Lebanon and, more recently, in Louisiana. Along the way, we learn more about the history of the Middle East, the tragedy of the Lebanese civil war, and the remarkable development of the Al-Kafaàt Foundation and educational institutions. Raif Shwayri successfully combines personal stories with grand history, all in a compelling voice and an entertaining style.” ― James Ketterer, Bard College

“Well written and charming at times, this book traces the history not only of Lebanon’s constant ‘realpolitik’ turmoil but also that of the enclave of humanitarianism in Al-Kafaàt. Raif Shwayri argues, somewhat wistfully―but at the same time, admirably―that someday and slowly, humanity will win out against violence.” ― Eugene Paul Nassar, Director and Founder, The Ethnic Heritage Studies Center, Utica College

Product Description

Tells the story of Lebanese immigrant Alfred Nicola, the fortune he began building as a peddler in Louisiana, and the family that founded Al-Kafaat University, an iconic institution serving the underprivileged and disabled of Lebanon, through two centuries of unrest in the Middle East.



About the Author

Raif Shwayri is a graduate of King’s College London and the University of Wales, a recipient of the John W. Ryan Fellowship for International Education awarded by the State University of New York, and has served as CEO of Al-Kafaàt Foundation and a trustee of AL KAFAAT UNIVERSITY in Lebanon.