A review by serendipitysbooks
Minor Detail by Adania Shibli

challenging dark reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

 A Minor Detail unfolds in two sections. The first is set in the summer of 1949 and follows an Israeli soldier in charge of a platoon patrolling a border area. He and his soldiers commit an horrific act of brutality. This section was sparse and haunting, with a cold detached character and very precise prose that built up a sense of dread and anticipation. The second section, set 25 years later, follows a Palestinian woman who travels to Israel in the hope of learning more about the incident. What really struck me here were the details that mirrored those from the first chapter - a spider, the smell of petrol, the barking dog. A chilling reflection of the Palestinian experience highlighting the violence and disempowerment which mar their lives. 
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