The Broken Wings by Kahlil Gibran is a poetic and heart-wrenching tale of forbidden love, set in early 20th-century Beirut. This timeless story not only explores the beauty and pain of young love but also delves into the social struggles of the era, making it a must-read for anyone who enjoys deeply moving narratives. The Broken Wings is a masterpiece that weaves romance, spirituality, and social commentary into a beautifully written story. Through the tragic love affair between Kahlil and Selma, Gibran uncovers the harsh realities of his time religious corruption, societal hypocrisy, and the suppression of women’s rights in Eastern Mediterranean.

The story begins with the protagonist meeting Farris Effendi, a kind merchant, and his daughter Selma. Their mutual affection grows, but their love faces an obstacle when a powerful priest schemes to secure Selma’s hand in marriage for his son. Despite their secret meetings, their love is doomed, highlighting how society’s greed and rigid traditions can shatter pure love.
Gibran’s prose in The Broken Wings is poetic and deeply emotional, capturing the anguish of a love that cannot thrive in the face of societal pressures. The book’s exploration of themes like the purpose of human existence, the fleeting nature of happiness, and the stain of greed resonates deeply. Juan Cole’s translation beautifully preserves the essence and brilliance of Gibran’s original Arabic prose.
This novel is more than just a tragic love story; it is a powerful critique of the injustices that plagued the Eastern Mediterranean during Gibran’s time. If you are looking for a poignant, thought-provoking read, The Broken Wings deserves a place on your bookshelf.
Availability and Details of The Broken Wings
Published on July 1, 1905, The Broken Wings by Kahlil Gibran is translated from Arabic by Anthony R. Ferris in English, and it spans 122 pages. The Broken Wings by Kahlil Gibran is emotional tale exploring themes of love, sacrifice, and the human spirit. This book is available in multiple formats: the Kindle edition is priced at ₹44, making it an affordable and convenient option for readers who prefer digital formats. The paperback is available for ₹100, and the hardcover is priced at ₹198. The audiobook version can be accessed for free. You can purchase The Broken Wings through various online platforms, including Amazon, Goodreads and Flipkart, or check local bookstores for availability. Choosing the Kindle edition allows you to read on the go and enjoy adjustable font sizes and background settings for a personalized reading experience.
Kahlil Gibran: A Literary and Artistic Visionary
Kahlil Gibran, born Gibran Khalil Gibran on January 6, 1883, in Bsharri, Mount Lebanon (part of the Ottoman Empire, now modern-day Lebanon), was a renowned Lebanese-American writer, poet, and visual artist. He is celebrated for his contributions to literature and art, both in Arabic and English. In the Arab world, Gibran is considered a literary and political rebel who played a significant role in the renaissance of modern Arabic literature, especially prose poetry, breaking away from classical traditions.
After emigrating with his family to the United States as a young man, Gibran pursued studies in art and literature, eventually becoming a member of the New York Pen League, a literary society of Arab-American writers. His works are known for their romantic style, spiritual depth, and philosophical themes, blending Eastern and Western influences. Among his most famous works is The Prophet (1923), a collection of poetic essays on topics such as love, freedom, and spirituality. Although initially met with a lukewarm reception, The Prophet gained immense popularity over the decades and remains a timeless classic. It has been translated into over 100 languages and continues to resonate with readers around the world.
Gibran was not only a writer but also a skilled artist who produced numerous paintings and drawings, many of which reflect the same spiritual and philosophical depth as his writing. His literary style, marked by its poetic and philosophical nature, has inspired readers and writers globally.
Today, Kahlil Gibran is celebrated as one of the best-selling poets of all time, alongside Shakespeare and Laozi, with his works continuing to influence and inspire audiences across generations. His legacy is a testament to the enduring power of art and literature to bridge cultures and explore universal truths.
Themes from The Broken Wings
- The Divine Pain of Love: In The Broken Wings, Kahlil Gibran eloquently portrays the agony and beauty of love. He asks, “What has the woman done, O Lord, to deserve your wrath? What sin has she committed to suffer under your anger to the end of time?” This deeply moving question reflects the heartache of those who experience pure love, only to see it crushed by the harsh realities of life. Gibran elevates love as a spiritual force, one that illuminates the souls of those who embrace it, even as they endure the suffering it brings.
- The Tragedy of Love Shackled by Society: The Broken Wings reveals the inevitable tragedy of love restrained by societal norms. The love between Selma and Kahlil, though divine and pure, is crushed by the greed and control of a corrupt religious system. As Gibran writes, “The moments which united us are greater than centuries, and the light that illuminated our spirits is stronger than the dark.” Their love transcends time, but the forces of tradition and power render it unfulfilled, emphasizing the heavy cost of societal oppression.
- The Plight of Women in a Patriarchal Society: Gibran uses Selma’s tragic story to shed light on the injustices faced by women. He vividly critiques the societal structures that treat women as commodities, passed from one man to another with no regard for their feelings. Selma’s forced marriage to the nephew of a corrupt priest reflects the broader theme of women’s subjugation. Gibran writes of women as “dust before the storm,” calling attention to their vulnerability in a society governed by greed and hypocrisy.
- Religious and Social Corruption: In The Broken Wings, Gibran boldly addresses the exploitation of power by religious leaders. Father Ghalib, a priest, uses his position to manipulate Salma’s life and claim her family’s wealth. This theme reveals Gibran’s frustration with the hypocrisy of those who exploit faith for personal gain. Through this critique, the novel exposes the flaws in systems that prioritize material greed over love, justice, and humanity.
- Spiritual Symbolism in Suffering:Gibran uses poetic metaphors and natural imagery to explore themes of love and pain. Sadness, for instance, is described as having “silken hands” that grip the heart in solitude. The novel weaves philosophical reflections into the story, suggesting that suffering is a transformative experience that connects individuals to their deeper selves and the divine. The enduring pain of Selma and Kahlil’s love becomes a spiritual journey, transcending the physical world.
- The Enduring Power of Love: Although Selma and Kahlil’s love is doomed, The Broken Wings immortalizes their bond. Gibran writes, “The souls that are together by pain cannot be separated by the joys of the world.” This sentiment underscores the eternal nature of their connection, proving that true love, even when unfulfilled, leaves a lasting impression. Through his poetic prose, Gibran ensures that Salma’s memory and their love story remain timeless.
- Duality in Love and Loss: Gibran masterfully portrays the duality of love as a blessing and a curse. The novel finds the bittersweet beauty of being in love and the inevitable agony of losing it. The line, “How can one willingly enter the paradise of love, only to be cast out into the hell of loss?” embodies the central conflict of human relationships, showing the fragile nature of emotional bonds. This delicate balance of emotions is a recurring theme in The Broken Wings.
- Human Vulnerability: One striking element in Gibran’s narrative is the depiction of human vulnerability. The metaphor of “broken wings” symbolizes our inability to achieve true freedom or happiness due to societal and personal constraints. Through the protagonist’s journey, Gibran reflects on how dreams often clash with harsh realities, making The Broken Wings resonate with anyone who has faced disillusionment.
- The Passage of Time: Gibran poetically explores the transition from youth to old age in The Broken Wings. He likens youth to soaring dreams on unbroken wings, while maturity brings grounded wisdom and often, resignation. The seasons passing in the story serve as metaphors for life’s stages, reminding readers of the temporariness of joy and pain alike. Gibran’s prose elegantly captures this idea, blending nostalgia with an acceptance of life’s inevitable changes.
- Nature as a Silent Witness: In The Broken Wings, nature plays a pivotal role as a silent observer of human joys and sorrows. From the warmth of love under starlit skies to the cold desolation of separation, Gibran uses natural imagery to reflect inner turmoil. His description of the “icy chill of separation” put together with the “warmth of union” brings out the intensity of human emotions, showing nature as both a companion and a mirror to the soul.
Poetry in the The Broken Wings
- “How can one soar with the wings of love for a moment, only to stumble with broken wings in the hands of loss?”
This poetic imagery encapsulates the essence of The Broken Wings the fleeting nature of love’s joy and the lasting impact of heartbreak. The metaphor of “broken wings” illustrates the protagonist’s helplessness, resonating deeply with anyone who has loved and lost. Gibran’s ability to convey profound truths through simple yet powerful imagery makes his work timeless.
Kahlil Gibran’s The Broken Wings is a profound exploration of love, loss, and the human condition. To enrich our understanding of this work, let us delve into four additional themes, each accompanied by relevant excerpts and explanations.
- “How ignorant are those who imagine that love can be tamed by long companionship and constant association. True love is the offspring of spiritual affinity…”
This passage underscores that true love transcends physical proximity or time spent together; it is a deep spiritual connection that exists beyond the material realm.
- “Marriage in our days is a mockery, a tragic comedy… Young men win and fathers lose, and the young women are like merchandise…”
Gibran critiques societal norms that often suppress individual desires and freedoms. He observes, here, Gibran highlights the commodification of women and the transactional nature of marriages, challenging readers to reflect on the authenticity of such institutions.
- “Sadness has gentle hands and strong fingers. It touches the human heart, and it awakens it.”
Throughout The Broken Wings, Gibran portrays the intertwined nature of happiness and grief. He reflects that sentiment suggests sorrow, while painful, has the power to deepen our understanding and appreciation of life, acting as a catalyst for personal growth.
- “Everything in life is evanescent. The person you love today, you may hate tomorrow.”
Gibran contemplates the fleeting nature of existence and the inevitability of change. He muses, that this reflection serves as a reminder of life’s temporariness, urging readers to cherish moments and relationships, understanding that they are temporary and ever-changing.
- “the awakening ecstasy of youth, the poignant revelations of maturity—Meditations on Love and Immortality.”
The poem reflects themes central to Gibran’s work: the transient nature of youthful passion, the deeper understanding gained through life’s trials, and the eternal nature of love. The metaphor of broken wings conveys resilience in the face of heartbreak and the search for meaning in life’s sorrows.
In The Broken Wings, Gibran’s poetic prose invites readers to explore these profound themes, offering insights into the complexities of love, society, and the human experience.

Why You Should Buy and Read The Broken Wings
The Broken Wings is a masterpiece of poetic storytelling, written in Kahlil Gibran’s signature style that combines lyrical prose with profound philosophical insights. The language is deeply emotional and full of wisdom, capturing the essence of love, loss, and human vulnerability in a way that resonates with readers of all ages. Gibran’s use of vivid imagery and natural metaphors creates a rich, immersive experience, making the reader feel every moment of joy and heartbreak. This book is more than a love story. It talks about real issues like women’s rights, religious corruption, and societal greed.
The style of the book is reflective and introspective, encouraging readers to ponder life’s deeper meanings. Gibran’s words flow like poetry, blending romance, spirituality, and social commentary seamlessly. Each sentence is carefully crafted, balancing simplicity with depth, allowing readers to connect with the characters and their struggles on an emotional level. The Broken Wings is not just a story but a profound meditation on love, pain, and the human spirit, delivered in a way that is both elegant and timeless.
Final Thoughts
The Broken Wings is a timeless tale that lingers in the heart long after the last page. Through its poetic language and profound themes, Kahlil Gibran captures the beauty and fragility of love, the pain of loss, and the enduring power of the human spirit. The story of Kahlil and Selma is not just about two people it is a reflection on society, spirituality, and the sacrifices we make for love.
This book leaves readers with a bittersweet understanding of life’s fleeting joys and inevitable sorrows. It reminds us that while love may not always conquer all, its impact is eternal, shaping who we are and how we see the world. The Broken Wings is a masterpiece that inspires reflection, making it a must-read for anyone seeking depth, wisdom, and emotional connection in literature.