A review by robertrivasplata
Enter Ghost by Isabella Hammad

adventurous emotional funny reflective sad tense medium-paced

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

4.5

Novel about a group of Palestinian thespians attempting to stage Hamlet next to the separation wall in Bethlehem. Very much a novel about theatre, so a makes suitable gift for theatre kids. Makes me want to see the plays mentioned: Pierrot Assassin, The Maids, Al-Moharrij (by al-Maghut), and Al-Atmeh (Darkness). Also a novel about being both of a place, but not being from it, or returning to a homeland that one was never from. Also a story about family, memory, and family memories. About the divides and connections between Palestinians on both sides of the Separation Barrier. The Israeli occupation looms over everything, even for the Israeli Arabs, who are at one point described as ghosts who remind the Israelis of the Palestinians driven out during the Nakba, whose homes they occupy. Kind of reminds me of Joe Sacco's Palestine, where he's riding through occupied Palestine in various taxis and friends' cars, talking about relationships. Sonia's status as the person in the family who is the last to know whatever the rest of the family is talking about is very relatable.