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A review by evavstheworld
Evil Eye by Etaf Rum

challenging emotional hopeful reflective
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Oh boy, there do I even begin with this book review? This book was so extremely special to me, it made me feel seen and understood, it made me realise that living with family trauma as the first born immigrant daughter is very valid and hurtful and a lifelong healing process. 

Yara, the main character, is Palestinian American, and one of the main themes in the book is her background. She reflects a lot on her identity, reflects on the memories of her family and their displacement from occupied Palestine during the Nakba massacre. This book remains an extremely relevant read.

EVIL EYE is a heavy book. It’s not for everyone, which I can see reflected in reviews. Not everyone will understand and connect with it. It deals with various types of trauma, mental health, toxic romantic and family relationships, immigration and racism, societal expectations, therapy and the healing process, a quest to self re-discovery. I found the process of reading the book to be hurtful and healing at the same time. Feeling seen and feeling understood, whilst reflecting on my own life experiences, was really tough. It caused many tears and many internal outbursts of anger - at myself, at my family, at the society and its expectations of women and daughters and immigrants. I cried for myself and for Yara. I was angry for myself and for Yara. I was hopeful for Yara… and eventually for myself. 

EVIL EYE will stay with me for a very long time, and what an absolute corker of a book to start 2025 with. 
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