IN THE COURTYARD OF MERCURY

At the age of sixty-three, Fatima, a devoted mother of eight with firm religious convictions, is at a crossroads in her life. Her world turns unexpectedly when she takes her 15-year-old nephew, Rashid, under her care. As she cares for Rashid, he surprises her with a probing question: "Were you once an actress?" Fatima, a devout follower of the Islamic faith, which prohibits television acting, is forced to confront long-held secrets to Rashid, even ones she kept from her husband, Abdulla. This tale delves into her childhood in Fahaheel, Kuwait, leading to a pivotal summer in 1976 in Lebanon that changed her life forever. It unravels the intricate connections she shares with three families that have played significant roles in shaping the woman she is today. Yet, in he midst of these intricate relationships, one burning question emerges: What made Fatima keep her past as an actress hidden from her husband? It"s a story of revelation, a woman"s journey to reconcile her faith, her past, and her identity.