A review by discarded_dust_jacket
Against the Loveless World by Susan Abulhawa

emotional inspiring reflective sad slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

“I knew that, despite everything, I was loved. I was loved hard. At once and forever against the loveless world.“

In the most basic terms, this is a story of an imprisoned Palestinian refugee reflecting on the events of her life from within solitary confinement.

But really it’s so much more than that. It paints such a harrowing picture of daily life for Palestinian people, both in Palestine and in diaspora. This is why it’s so important to read fiction alongside non-fiction when learning about something: because the power of a story can never be understated. Yes the characters aren’t real, but the horrors they experienced at the hands of Israeli government, soldiers, and settlers is very real and well-documented. 

This book will fill you with the sort of rage only vicious injustice can inspire, but it will also gently remind you that the Palestinian people are not just revolutionary, not just strong and resilient, but joyful, deeply generous, full of life, of good humor, and love, in spite of it all.

“‘We show those monsters how we will continue to live and love on our land, no matter what they do to us.’”

I cannot recommend this book enough, especially if you want an understanding of the Palestinian fight for liberation, but maybe struggle with non-fiction. The writing is beautiful, the characters are deep and complex, the love story is so tender and sweet. Please read this book.