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littlepepperguy's review against another edition
5.0
A must read especially after Oct. 7th, 2023. Palestinian stories need to be read.
It's incredibly written and follows characters in such an interesting way. In the initial section of the novel, it follow a 15 year old boy, Subhi, working and living in Palestine before the Nakba. He has understanding of the world in a novice way so seeing everything unfold with the Israeli occupation from the perspective of quite a naïve character lends itself to a more in depth understanding for an outside since we're learning a lot of the background with him. Everything is so grounded in earnest feeling. It also has a dark sense of humor in it, illustrating the ways in which joy can root in the harshest suffering.
As the occupation sets in the story shifts to an adult perspective of a couple housing Shams and her sisters after they were separated from their parent's during the displacement of Palestinians. Shams is Subhi's childhood sweetheart and unbeknownst to either of them actually in the same city as him.
It's a beautiful story and an essential read. I'm going to read it again this week, it was that good.
It's incredibly written and follows characters in such an interesting way. In the initial section of the novel, it follow a 15 year old boy, Subhi, working and living in Palestine before the Nakba. He has understanding of the world in a novice way so seeing everything unfold with the Israeli occupation from the perspective of quite a naïve character lends itself to a more in depth understanding for an outside since we're learning a lot of the background with him. Everything is so grounded in earnest feeling. It also has a dark sense of humor in it, illustrating the ways in which joy can root in the harshest suffering.
As the occupation sets in the story shifts to an adult perspective of a couple housing Shams and her sisters after they were separated from their parent's during the displacement of Palestinians. Shams is Subhi's childhood sweetheart and unbeknownst to either of them actually in the same city as him.
It's a beautiful story and an essential read. I'm going to read it again this week, it was that good.
erzbetclark's review
challenging
emotional
funny
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
shefchuffle's review
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
4.0
charliebriggs96's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
informative
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
Nothing really happens in terms of “plot” but it does tell you a story about how the Nakba happened and does it in a concise way.
my_chellf's review against another edition
Library book returned. Would try and read when I have more time.
girlbeneathsea's review
challenging
emotional
informative
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
cherrythepie's review against another edition
emotional
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5