This Sweet Rupture unflinchingly explores interwoven themes of family secrets, diaspora, food culture, and the impact of war on personal stories. Rooted in Omar Ramadan’s experiences as a son of Lebanese immigrants, and set in Canada, Lebanon, and the United Arab Emirates, the collection brings together intergenerational exchanges and present-day realities, from sweetened tea preparations to conversations about conflict zones to investigations of Canadian blizzards. The book speaks to Arab father-son relationships and incorporates Arabic, reflecting the hybridity of its speakers and their shifting sense of place. Resonant and intricate, This Sweet Rupture thoughtfully navigates cultural identity, war, memory, and family.

Omar Ramadan is a Lebanese-Canadian writer, poet, aspiring novelist, and PhD Candidate in the Department of English at the University of Calgary. His work and research revolve around Arab diaspora literature, particularly focused on systems of power, surveillance, and the lasting impact of 9/11 on Arab and Muslim communities in Canada. He is the author of the chapbook Sesame Love and his work has appeared in CV2 and The Polyglot. He lives in amiskwaciwâskahikan (Edmonton).

Omar Ramadan's profile page

“This collection is a lavish feast for the senses as the poems wind through the rugged and often poignant terrain of intimate human relations, and the effect of political violence on family connection. Many of these poems are also about food. So much delicious food. Ramadan’s gift with words and story made me want to eat the pages. A tender and rich debut collection by a brilliant young writer.” Suzette Mayr, author of The Sleeping Car Porter

This Sweet Rupture is waves hushing Vancouver and frost heaves drowning prairies; a tidal force punctuated by cassette tapes and six-seater sedans. Ramadan layers sonic patterns into sensory delights around the dinner table: an Oreo McFlurry, a bowl of lentil soup, a poetic conjuring of stories stuck between fathers and sons that find their way out in the swirl of sugared hot tea. A dazzling collection that makes room for memories of war that not even The Big One can wipe out.” Cristalle Smith, author of Invisible Lives

“Omar Ramadan’s This Sweet Rapture traces the minutiae of vulnerability, the texture of identity, and the redolence of memory amid the spectres of human cruelty. In urgent and tender language, Omar reminds us that, though the echoes, scars, and shadows of war surround us, we can draw strength from family love and the abiding power of beauty in community.” Uchechukwu Peter Umezurike, author of there’s more

“From Canadian coastal rains and prairie winters to the sand and seas of Bierut and Khor Fakkan, This Sweet Rupture emulates the warmth of each kitchen, mosque, or picnic, whether in a Dairy Queen parking lot or sandy beach. Heartwarming and heartbreaking conversations with family and fathers that yearn to shelter a sense of safety. Ramadan playfully reframes ignorance across each stanza through juxtapositions between Islamophobic encounters and things like McDonald’s removal of chocolate vanilla twist ice cream. These are haunting and humorous lessons in how to be human. Each poem is a whole world of love amongst our world of wars. Sugars and spices become portals, unravelling histories of manmade violence.” Kaityln Purcell, author of ʔbédayine