Reviews

L'attentat by Yasmina Khadra

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lisareymann's review against another edition

3.0

The writing... if I could give 5 stars simply for the imagery and gorgeous use of language, I would. There were many moments where I had to put this book down just so I could capture particular excerpts that made me want to melt from the profound perspectives of humankind. Read this book for that alone, for the story is bleak and unjust. The author clearly wanted to take her protagonist, and we the readers, through the heart wrenching realities of what it means to live amongst the conflict of Israel, but it’s a mammoth subject to comprehend and accept. There seems to be no understanding of what truly compels individuals to act in a manner of total sacrifice for their beliefs that can be reached without ramifications. Perhaps the ending is fitting, but for me, it’s tragic and undeserved.

beeshep's review against another edition

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1.0

We had to read this for school and it was a very intense book. It showed me a different side of life and did a very good job exploring the harder parts of some more controversial subjects. A really enlightening read, but you have to be prepared for the wild emotional roller coaster and the understanding that you will not comprehend some of the character's motivations. Sad but good read.

adele_courge's review against another edition

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2.0

I read this because it's the only Palestine adjacent book that my local library had. It was a little disappointing. I really didn't like the writing style (so many metaphors, we get it dude, you know words good for you) and the main character was so annoying and sexist. And most importantly, it felt like it only brushed the surface of the anger and despair of Palestinian people. I wish less time was spent on Amine's self pity and more on his wife or other family members, their history, their feelings, their choices.

cherircohen's review against another edition

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3.0

I'd probably give this 3.5 stars. It is really beautifully written. But I thought it was a pretty superficial take on what is a very complex topic. The story is very compelling but he just didn't get into it enough. It easily could have been a couple hundred pages longer. I was left really unsatisfied, nothing was developed enough.

tobyyy's review against another edition

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3.0

I read this in a matter of hours. I’d heard high praise of the author several years prior so when I picked this up at a secondhand bookstore, I was excited to read it. (Then, it sat on my bookshelf for several years until I recalled my initial excitement about it.)

Well, needless to say, I did not really like it. There was some beautiful writing throughout the novel, and no, novels about war probably shouldn’t be comfortable or fun reads. That’s why this book is a tough one to rate. Based on the plot, I’d rate it 2/5. Based on enjoyment, I’d also rate it 2/5. However, based on the writing and the feelings it evoked, I’d rate it a 3/5 - so that’s what I’m going to go with.

I can’t say I’d recommend this. It was not a terribly elucidating read, but there were some turns of phrase and some philosophical sections that saved this from being considered a waste of time. But I don’t understand where the fanatical praise of Khadra comes from based on this specific example of her (his) writing.