A review by misspalah
Against the Loveless World by Susan Abulhawa

challenging dark emotional reflective sad tense medium-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

“I looked at Mama’s face, that thing in my chest squeezing again, and it occurred to me that she had been around my age when she was forced out of her home in Palestine. She had come to Amman then too, before journeying on to Kuwait with my father. It seemed to me that fate was inherited, like eye color. I wondered if she had felt the same disorientation that now ruled my days. Had it been all she could think about—the incomprehensibility of forced, permanent displacement?”

• Against the Loveless World by Susan Abulhawa

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Long live the Palestinian Resistance and Liberation movement! The protagonist of the story is Nahr, who is known by multiple names (Almas / Yaqoot), reflecting the different lives she has lived. From Palestine to Kuwait, Jordan, and back to Palestine, Nahr's journey is constantly disrupted by external forces. The narrative shifts between the past and the present, eventually converging at the end.

Nahr's Palestinian heritage plays a significant role in the story, driving her character and experiences. Initially feeling disconnected from her homeland, Nahr's circumstances lead her back to Palestine, where she forms a deep bond with her land and people. The author fearlessly explores the Palestinian/Israeli conflict, highlighting the harsh realities faced by Palestinians, such as restrictions, imprisonment, torture, loss of life, and the suppression of their rich culture and traditions. Despite her dark past, Nahr's humor and sarcasm bring light and hope to the story. She is a fearless and unapologetic character who leaves a lasting impression. The structure of the book, alternating between Nahr's life in the Cube (Israhell Prison) and her past, is well-executed and complements the narrative. The ending is natural and hopeful, rather than forced and contrived. Ultimately, this book serves as a historical lesson, presented in the form of a memoir with a narrative style. It provides valuable insights into the history of the Middle East, including Kuwait, Iraq, Jordan, and Palestine. The horrors inflicted by Israhell on Palestine are depicted in a captivating manner, interweaving fact with fiction. The story is filled with themes of resistance, resilience, and rebellion, offering glimpses of hope amidst the haunting narrative. Susan Abulhawa's beautiful prose vividly portrays the horrors endured by Palestinians at the hands of Israeli soldiers, while also capturing their resilience and strength. The book also sheds light on the consequences faced by people after Kuwait's liberation, including the impact of Arafat's connection with Saddam Hussein on Palestinians, particularly those living in Kuwait. Susan Abulhawa humanizes the refugee experience, emphasizing the suffering and hardships endured by women. She gives voice to Palestinians who have experienced multiple exiles from Palestine and other countries in the Middle East. The author draws parallels between the African American experience and Palestinians under Israeli apartheid rule, highlighting the close collaboration between the Black Panther Party and the Palestinian Resistance during the civil rights movement. This book undeniably has moved me deeply. It is a powerful read that everyone should experience. As someone passionate about the Palestinian cause, this book intensified my feelings. It was heartbreaking to realize that things have not changed, and we are witnessing a second Nakba. I hope and pray that I can see a free Palestine in my lifetime. I highly recommend this book; it will challenge and enrich you. It is truly unputdownable.