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dinasamimi's review against another edition
3.0
Not for me. I'm craving so much more from Arab American writers. This felt very one dimensional.
melodys_library's review
4.0
This historical fiction novel focuses on the not-so-distant past: Executive Order 13769, otherwise know as the 2017 Muslim travel ban in the USA, and its impact on one family.
This is a tragic story, and the tension is palpable. I liked that this story puts human faces (though fictional) to the controversial laws in the USA surrounding refugees and immigration, and I hope more people read this and feel the pain and frustration and injustice that were caused specifically by this executive order. I think the author also did a good job describing the heartbreak and sadness of feeling uprooted from one country, yet rootless in another.
The writing style was tough for me at times. There were short chapters which I liked, that alternated between the points of view of husband and wife. But there were also short, fragmented sentences, mixed in with incredibly long and flowery sentences, which just left me feeling a bit lost.
The connection between human migration and migratory patterns of birds was a stretch for me. I get that birds are what Sama studied, but it just felt like a heavy-handed metaphor that wasn’t really necessary to tie anything together.
This is a tragic story, and the tension is palpable. I liked that this story puts human faces (though fictional) to the controversial laws in the USA surrounding refugees and immigration, and I hope more people read this and feel the pain and frustration and injustice that were caused specifically by this executive order. I think the author also did a good job describing the heartbreak and sadness of feeling uprooted from one country, yet rootless in another.
The writing style was tough for me at times. There were short chapters which I liked, that alternated between the points of view of husband and wife. But there were also short, fragmented sentences, mixed in with incredibly long and flowery sentences, which just left me feeling a bit lost.
The connection between human migration and migratory patterns of birds was a stretch for me. I get that birds are what Sama studied, but it just felt like a heavy-handed metaphor that wasn’t really necessary to tie anything together.
lmcoffman's review
challenging
emotional
sad
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
book_concierge's review
4.0
Digital audiobook performed by Fayir Al-Kaisi, Ali Andre Ali, and Suehyla El-Attar.
From the book jacket: Sama and Hadi are a young Syrian couple in love, dreaming of their future in the country that brought them together. Sama came to Boston years before on a scholarship to Harvard; Hadi landed there as a sponsored refugee from a civil war. Now they are giddily awaiting the birth of their son, whose native language will be freedom and belonging. When Sama is five months pregnant, Hadi’s father dies suddenly, and Hadi decides to fly back for the funeral, promising his wife he will be gone only a few days. On the date of his return Sama waits for him at the arrivals gate, but he doesn’t appear. She is unaware that Hadi has been stopped by US Customs and Border Protection, detained for questioning, and deported.
My reactions:
Oh, I am so sorry I had to miss my F2F book club discussion on this book! One president’s decision to ban immigrants from certain countries results in a devastating separation. These are educated people. Upright citizens-in-waiting with responsible jobs and many American friends in this, their adopted country. The way they are treated is shameful! How easily we have forgotten our own roots, our own ancestors’ struggles to come here for a chance at a peaceful existence, to raise families, and find success through hard work.
I know a woman whose husband was similarly detained, deported and barred from returning to her. She lives alone, with occasional phone contact with the man she loves and who loves her. In limbo. I could not help but think of them when reading this work of fiction.
I admit that when listening I completely misinterpreted the final chapter. In my initial reaction I was stunned at how the characters reacted. And then I went back and read the last three chapters in text and came to a completely different understanding. This is a book that made me think … and I’ll be pondering it for some time.
The audiobook is narrated by three talented voice artists. This was very effective to highlight the changing points of view.
From the book jacket: Sama and Hadi are a young Syrian couple in love, dreaming of their future in the country that brought them together. Sama came to Boston years before on a scholarship to Harvard; Hadi landed there as a sponsored refugee from a civil war. Now they are giddily awaiting the birth of their son, whose native language will be freedom and belonging. When Sama is five months pregnant, Hadi’s father dies suddenly, and Hadi decides to fly back for the funeral, promising his wife he will be gone only a few days. On the date of his return Sama waits for him at the arrivals gate, but he doesn’t appear. She is unaware that Hadi has been stopped by US Customs and Border Protection, detained for questioning, and deported.
My reactions:
Oh, I am so sorry I had to miss my F2F book club discussion on this book! One president’s decision to ban immigrants from certain countries results in a devastating separation. These are educated people. Upright citizens-in-waiting with responsible jobs and many American friends in this, their adopted country. The way they are treated is shameful! How easily we have forgotten our own roots, our own ancestors’ struggles to come here for a chance at a peaceful existence, to raise families, and find success through hard work.
I know a woman whose husband was similarly detained, deported and barred from returning to her. She lives alone, with occasional phone contact with the man she loves and who loves her. In limbo. I could not help but think of them when reading this work of fiction.
I admit that when listening I completely misinterpreted the final chapter. In my initial reaction I was stunned at how the characters reacted. And then I went back and read the last three chapters in text and came to a completely different understanding. This is a book that made me think … and I’ll be pondering it for some time.
The audiobook is narrated by three talented voice artists. This was very effective to highlight the changing points of view.
gkaltam's review against another edition
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: War
winstonandbooks's review
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
claudiashelf's review
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
❝ The homesick have, at least, a home to miss, but this ... ❞ — 😥😥
The book "No Land to Light On" is a deeply poignant and beautifully written work. It is an important piece of literature that serves as a reminder of the dark and terrible period of American history that should never be forgotten, especially for those who are immigrants to the United States from the Middle East.
The author has portrayed the harsh reality of how people can be dismissive of one another and treat them differently, as if they are not human. The book sheds light on the struggles of those who flee war-torn countries to seek refuge in other parts of the world, only to be exposed to further hatred and hostility. The author has made a compelling case for the importance of compassion and understanding, particularly for those who have already suffered more than anyone should in one lifetime.
While the book is not without its flaws, it remains a vital and timely piece of literature. One of its shortcomings is the frequent use of Arabic words within the text, which can be difficult for non-Middle Eastern readers who may not be familiar with the language. However, this does not diminish the importance of the subject matter.
Overall, "No Land to Light On" is a must-read for anyone who wants to gain a deeper understanding of the struggles faced by immigrants from war-torn countries. It is a powerful reminder of the importance of empathy and compassion towards those who have suffered unimaginable loss and trauma.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Pregnancy, Xenophobia, and War
ammcnamara's review
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
A beautiful love story and a searing indictment of anti-Muslim policies in America.
heathssm's review
challenging
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5