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4.08 AVERAGE
4.08 AVERAGE
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
challenging
emotional
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
A collection of stories offering a range of perspectives on life within Gaza (before the current genocide), with a strong emphasis on the experiences of women and children.
As can be the case with short story collections, this turned out to be a rather mixed bag - some stories I enjoyed and worked for me, some rather less so. I enjoyed the rich impression of Gaza built up by the various different perspectives across the collection (Gazans are not homogenous, obviously). Well, the Gaza that was, since not much of it is left.
I did, however, find that I was left wanting a little more from most of the stories, even the ones I enjoyed. Something about either the writing style or the way the stories were told felt like I was being kept at a slight remove for most of the collection.
A mixed bag of stories, but still worth looking into if you’re trying to read more Palestinian voices and enjoy the short story format.
Some very impactful stories about life in Palestine, especially as a woman. A book I would definitely recommend
challenging
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
I thoroughly enjoyed this short story collection by Nayrouz Qarmout, a Palestinian author.
emotional
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
N/A
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
N/A
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
N/A
Strong character development:
N/A
Loveable characters:
N/A
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
N/A
Thanks Comma Press for gifting me a copy of this book. This is my honest review.
These short stories give us a glimpse into everyday life in (mostly) Gaza across several decades, featuring normal people and the ways they have adapted to a life under oppression. We see their dreams and relationships juxtaposed with the constant threat of coloniser violence.
While the writing is at times simplistic, it never fails to be emotional and, at times, devastating. I do recommend having some familiarity with Palestinian historical events (though some context is given in footnotes) for a deeper understanding and depth from the stories. Overall, this collection was really good.
These short stories give us a glimpse into everyday life in (mostly) Gaza across several decades, featuring normal people and the ways they have adapted to a life under oppression. We see their dreams and relationships juxtaposed with the constant threat of coloniser violence.
While the writing is at times simplistic, it never fails to be emotional and, at times, devastating. I do recommend having some familiarity with Palestinian historical events (though some context is given in footnotes) for a deeper understanding and depth from the stories. Overall, this collection was really good.