A review by brookesbookstagram
Songs for the Dead and the Living by Sara M Saleh

4.0

 This is a poignant and beautiful read. The way the intergenerational trauma is woven through the story shows the ongoing battles and struggles that Palestinian families continue to face each and every day, whether currently experiencing genocide, or those living outside and around the world, feeling and expressing their pain.

This book openly explores the pain and loss of displacement, hiding and showing your true identity, and being proud in your beliefs. What I loved most is the opportunity to have three generations of strong women shown and portrayed throughout this book, between Jamillah, her mother and her grandmother. Their resiliance, resistance and strength is incredibly powerful.

Although set in the 1970's and 1980's, this content is as relevant today more than ever.