Beirut Fragments: A War Memoir

Beirut resident Makdisi, even when faced with the 1982 Israeli invasion and 15 years of civil war, has loyally remained. ``Beautifully crafted,'' said PW. Makdisi ``delineates the lives and emotions of those who chose to stay, emphasizing the joie de vivre of friends and acquaintances despite frequent shellings, aerial bombardments and fighting in the streets.'' (Nov.)