Siwar Al Assad's Guard Thy Heart (“A Coeur Perdu”)

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Translated from French, Siwar Al Assad's (A Coeur Perdu) Guard Thy Heart is a romantic thriller about Paul, a genteel United Nations attorney. Initially, the book appears to be about his relationships with women: his mother, wife, first love, and current conquest. 

Marisa is a kind, but overly doting mother who unintentionally inhibits Paul's emotional growth. At first, she seems like a simple woman because her son mostly responds to her with trite platitudes. However, as the story develops, it is evident that Marisa has both strong character and class. After all, Paul's mother quotes Victor Hugo, a hero for anti-slavery and romanticism, and she greets Lauren, a somewhat brazen woman with complete respect and graciousness. 

Elizabeth, a cut-throat American lawyer, pursued Paul like no other, and they eventually married. But instead of trying to understand her husband and accept him for who he is, Elizabeth imposed a multitude of expectations. Like a transnational deal that she might broker, the East Coast attorney pressured Paul to live in New York and take a more high-powered corporate position that didn't appeal to his civic-minded nature.

With the demise of his marriage, Paul reflects upon his life and realizes that Elizabeth was a pale imitation for his first love, Carla, a young woman who encouraged him to develop his ethereal side. When Carla disappeared from his life, around the time of his heart transplant, Paul was left wounded and emotionally impaired. This explains his infatuation with an enigmatic woman named Lauren who slightly resembles Carla in appearance, but less in demeanor.

As the novel progresses, Paul seeks to uncover the truth behind allegations waged against his father, Per. Per is a strong man, but somewhat of an insensitive womanizer.

I think Siwar's book is more about the illusions entertained in youth as opposed to actual romance between individuals. It's like Wordsworth's words, "Though nothing can bring back the hour Of splendor in the grass, of glory in the flower," which expresses the feelings one experiences only when young.

It is said that for people with high expectations, failing to reach one's goals can feel like heartbreak. I wonder if this is what Paul experienced. After all, isn't it easier to pretend to be heartbroken by another human being than to admit that one didn't accomplish everything he dreamed he might when he was young?

Alternatively, doesn't one experience disillusionment which can mirror the feelings of heartbreak when one discovers that their parents aren't who they once envisioned?

Ultimately, Siwar's first novel is as rich and complex as the author is unassuming and subtle. I think it's more than a romance novel. It's also political insofar as it highlights the dichotomy between old world and modern values; the East and West; autonomy and domination.

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