The Book of Khalid · Character

Im Hanna

An elderly Syrian woman in New York whose motherly presence keeps the young immigrants tethered to the old country's warmth and grief.

supporting

Also known as Hanna, Dear old Im Hanna

First appearance: iii via dolorosa

As a supporting figure in The Book of Khalid, Im Hanna is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

A peddleress who keeps their cellar in order and cooks for them, serving as a mother figure.

In the storyOn the Wharf of EnchantmentOpen this moment free

See Im Hanna in On the Wharf of Enchantment Book page

Free preview opens at this moment — character cards, Character Web, and themes sit beside the text as you read.

With Khalid (family): Im Hanna is Khalid's mother, a source of emotional grounding and traditional values in his life. With Shakib (family): Im Hanna treats Shakib like a second son, welcoming him into her home and…

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The fuller portrait of Im Hanna sits in Reading Lens — open the free preview to keep reading with notes on the page.

See Im Hanna in iii via dolorosa

Character Web

8 connections

A slice of how Im Hanna sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.

Relationship types

Family
Other

Character groups

Old World and Prophetic Voices
Protagonist
Immigrant Community Anchors
Institutional and Symbolic Figures

+3 more in the full Character Web

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

The emotional/psychological peak occurs in the narrator’s disillusioned pivot from the external, chaotic strug…

Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.

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Relationships

Khalid
family · positive
Im Hanna is Khalid's mother, a source of emotional grounding and traditional values in… How this plays out →
Shakib
family · positive
Khalid
family · positive
Im Hanna is Khalid's mother, a source of emotional grounding and traditional values in… How this plays out →
Shakib
family · positive
Khalid
family · positive
Im Hanna is Khalid's mother, a source of emotional grounding and traditional values in… How this plays out →
Shakib
family · positive

Khalid
Im Hanna is Khalid's mother, a source of emotional grounding and traditional values in his life.
Shakib
Im Hanna treats Shakib like a second son, welcoming him into her home and caring for him.
Khalid
Im Hanna is Khalid's mother, a source of emotional grounding and traditional values in his life.
Shakib
Im Hanna treats Shakib like a second son, welcoming him into her home and caring for him.
Khalid
Im Hanna is Khalid's mother, a source of emotional grounding and traditional values in his life.
Shakib
Im Hanna treats Shakib like a second son, welcoming him into her home and caring for him.

Relationship notes

How these ties play out is in the reading companion — open the free preview.

See Im Hanna in iii via dolorosa

In the story

Im Hanna appears across 11 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

On the Wharf of Enchantment
A peddleress who keeps their cellar in order and cooks for them, serving as a mother figure.
VI: The Summer Afternoon of a Sham
Mentioned as being left alone with Khalid on Sundays while Shakib goes out, indicating her role in Khalid's daily life.
In the Twilight of an Idea
Scolds Khalid for his idleness and suggests he be taken to Mar-Kizhayiah, believing his reading has affected his mind.
IV: The Last Star
Cooks the last dish of mujaddara as the group prepares for departure.
Priesto-Parental
Khalid's mother, who pleads with him to return home and obey his father, and secretly meets him in the Temple of Venus.
Flounces and Ruffles
Mentioned as a character in the broader narrative, though not directly present in this chapter's excerpts.
The Howdaj of Falsehood
Pleads with the priest for justice and mercy for her son, and publicly laments his excommunication.
Book the Third: In Kulmakan
Khalid's mother, who welcomes him home and represents the old ways of the village.
On the Open Highway
A poor peasant woman who offers Khalid overnight hospitality, sharing her meager meal of bread and olives.
V: Union and Progress
Returns from New York and encounters Khalid in Beirut, embracing him and commenting on his changed appearance and attire.
The Stoning and Flight
Khalid's mother, visits him in the hotel, begging him to come home.

Chapter companion notes

Spoil-light check-ins for Im Hanna unlock in the free preview.

See Im Hanna in iii via dolorosa

See Im Hanna in On the Wharf of Enchantment