A review by gar42
Behind You Is the Sea by Susan Muaddi Darraj

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

4.0

I listened to this book, and it’s a very large cast of characters, with each chapter a different perspective. Maybe it’s because I listened to it, but I found it difficult to keep the large cast straight—who was related to who and how. 

Other than that, I thought it was a compelling portrait of a community. Each snippet of a life built out the diversity of experience of the Palestinian diaspora. It didn’t dwell on the conflict and trauma we associate with Palestine, but the effects of that violence could be felt. 

Reminiscent of A House on Mango Street. A wonderful read. 
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