Reviews

Fencing with the King by Diana Abu-Jaber

supersabs's review

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relaxing fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

jencolumb0's review

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adventurous reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.75

This book has languished in my TBR for more than a year but I am so glad I picked it up now. Though the story centers on generational trauma and a woman in her 30s learning to accept certain contours of the human condition (fear, finite moments, etc), the experience of Palestinian refugees since the final embers of the Ottoman Empire burned figure prominently, making this feel like an especially timely read. It was, indeed, the correct time for me to pick up this beautifully woven story. I enjoyed the multifaceted peek into Jordanian history and culture. The migration themes in this book were far less tragic than are typically seen in pop culture depictions of migration (never mind what’s published in the news) and, more deftly than most, reflected the complexity of migration throughout the life of a person and their family. I enjoyed the fact that the story ended in a HFN but found unsatisfying the efforts to resolve through a pair of letters the conflict with the main character’s uncle. I recognize that this resolution hews closer to who he is shown to be (and effectively loops into the bigger themes of migration and generational trauma) but it was not as satisfying as a full-on, airing of grievances, with a side of personal growth. Generally, though, this is a book that I am delighted to have picked up at this moment in time.
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sallymentzer25's review

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4.0

I enjoyed Fencing with the King by Diana Abu-Jaber, and it had me captivated from the start. This book contains genuine characters and vivid descriptions of the country Jordan while unfolding Amani’s search for answers about her family’s past history and heritage in Jordan, provoked by a poem written by her grandmother years ago. The prose flows easily as the story incorporates family dynamics and relationships, mystery and intrigue, and politics. The book wove Amani’s family history with Jordanian history and the plight of immigrants. Thank you to @BrookBrowse and W.W. Norton & Co. for an advance copy of this book.

ckzinger's review

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slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

2.5

kayann's review

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adventurous emotional mysterious reflective sad tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

emodanana's review against another edition

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hopeful inspiring mysterious reflective relaxing tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated

3.75

plaidpladd's review

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4.0

I had to read a book set in Jordan and I'm glad I chose this one. The family secrets aspect always grabs me, and the switching POV between different family members was really well done.

victorial's review

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adventurous mysterious reflective slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? N/A
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

kristinreadsbooks's review

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adventurous mysterious tense medium-paced

4.75

maryd_smallcraft's review

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adventurous medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes

4.0

Read with the Armchair Travelers Bookclub at ReadBooks in Virginia Beach.

Loved following the main character through Jordan and learning about her culture. Enjoyed the family history aspect as well.