The album Beyrouth malgré tout (“Beirut Despite Everything”), recounting the life of Dr. Robert Sacy, is officially released today. A book signing event will be held on Thursday, October 31, at the No/mad Utopia Gallery in Gemmayzeh, with the presence of authors Sophie Guignon, Chloé Domat, and Kamal Hakim.
Beyrouth malgré tout, a new album by journalists Sophie Guignon and Chloé Domat, is illustrated by Lebanese artist Kamal Hakim and published by Les Escales Steinkis. This work plunges readers into the stirring story of Dr. Robert Sacy, an emblematic figure of Lebanese resilience. Through the journey of this 73-year-old physician, the modern history of Lebanon unfolds before us. From the civil war (1975-1990) to the rebuilding efforts of the 1990s and 2000s, including the creation of Beirut's first public pediatric department in 2016, Dr. Sacy’s tireless fight for social justice in a country plagued by inequality is vividly portrayed. His involvement with the youth during the popular uprisings of 2019 and the tragic destruction of his hospital in the Beirut port explosion of 2020 are also recounted.
It was amidst this chaos, in the ruins of the hospital devastated by the blast, that the authors first met Dr. Sacy—stunned, but standing tall. This encounter led to a powerful report for Arte, Liban : dans le chaos des hôpitaux, (”Lebanon: In the Chaos of Hospitals”), which was nominated at the prestigious FIGRA (International Festival of Great Reporting). Since then, despite Lebanon's economic collapse and the looming threat of renewed war since October 2023, Dr. Sacy continuously found the strength to stand up, time and again. His story, sensitively narrated by Sophie Guignon and Chloé Domat and beautifully illustrated by Kamal Hakim, serves as a window into today’s Lebanon—a poignant account of commitment, struggle, and hope for a better future.
Dr. Robert Sacy sadly passed away on May 10, 2024, succumbing to a heart attack. Beyrouth malgré tout is dedicated to his memory, honoring his unwavering dedication and unconditional love for his country.
To celebrate the launch of the album, a special signing session will take place on Thursday, October 31, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the No/mad Utopia Gallery in Gemmayzeh, with authors Sophie Guignon, Chloé Domat, and Kamal Hakim in attendance. Copies will be available for purchase on-site.
Beyrouth malgré tout is also now available in Antoine and Stephan bookstores across Lebanon. A unique opportunity to explore this essential work and pay tribute to the ordinary hero Dr. Robert Sacy was—a man who, against all odds, never stopped believing in Beirut and the future of Lebanon.
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