A review by themadbloodstone
Behind You Is the Sea by Susan Muaddi Darraj

emotional reflective slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

One of the most moving stories I have ever read in my lifetime. All the characters were real people — the way they talked, the way they acted, the way they thought — it was as if Darraj had eavesdropped and typed passing conversations while writing. I normally am not a fan of multiple POVs and narratives. I did get occasionally confused when one chapter was written in first-person when the next was in third, but it wasn’t enough of a problem to deter me from enjoying this book. And Darraj intertwines the different narratives flawlessly and smoothly, like a late spring stream flowing by. The chapters were pretty much their own characters as well, with different moods, themes, and messages. I could enjoy each story as a standalone and as an important part of a grander plot. They were all written with the most care. “The Hastag” left me on the edge of my seat; the majority of the time I read “Behind You is the Sea”, I rooted for Maysoon; and “Worry Beads” and “Escorting the Body” had me in tears, especially the latter. Seeing the country of Palestine and its people depicted as the kind, life-loving people they are and their perseverance despite the fascist occupation and the discrimination they face gave me hope for the future. Even if this book is a work of fiction, it was still reality.
Behind You is the Sea is definitely going to be one of those future classics the next generation will read in school and learn from, like The House on Mango Street or Wiesel’s Night. It is such a beautiful book and deserves all the recognition it gets.

From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free 🍉
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