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A review by bookish_olga
Enter Ghost by Isabella Hammad
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
I don’t usually re-read books but I know I will definitely come back to this one. What a whirlwind of emotions it is!
The narrative follows Sonia Nasir, an actress struggling to cope with the aftermath of a love affair, as she returns to her family's homeland of Palestine after years of absence. From the bustling streets of Haifa to the rehearsals of a production of Hamlet in the West Bank, Hammad skilfully navigates the complexities of diaspora, displacement, and the enduring power of familial bonds.
What struck me most about "Enter Ghost" was its ability to seamlessly weave together the personal and the political, inviting readers to delve into the intricacies of Palestinian life with intelligence and empathy. Through Sonia's eyes, we witness the everyday struggles of people determined to retain their identity and resilience in the face of constant adversity.
I was genuinely captivated by the richly drawn characters and the nuanced exploration of themes such as family, identity, and the power of art in times of crisis. While the novel may be dense at times, its payoff is undeniable, culminating in a deeply satisfying climax full of symbolism. This novel can be enjoyed on multiple levels, each reading offering new insights and revelations. It is constructed in a very clever way and although not an easy read, it certainly proves to be one of the most rewarding and important novels of this year.
The narrative follows Sonia Nasir, an actress struggling to cope with the aftermath of a love affair, as she returns to her family's homeland of Palestine after years of absence. From the bustling streets of Haifa to the rehearsals of a production of Hamlet in the West Bank, Hammad skilfully navigates the complexities of diaspora, displacement, and the enduring power of familial bonds.
What struck me most about "Enter Ghost" was its ability to seamlessly weave together the personal and the political, inviting readers to delve into the intricacies of Palestinian life with intelligence and empathy. Through Sonia's eyes, we witness the everyday struggles of people determined to retain their identity and resilience in the face of constant adversity.
I was genuinely captivated by the richly drawn characters and the nuanced exploration of themes such as family, identity, and the power of art in times of crisis. While the novel may be dense at times, its payoff is undeniable, culminating in a deeply satisfying climax full of symbolism. This novel can be enjoyed on multiple levels, each reading offering new insights and revelations. It is constructed in a very clever way and although not an easy read, it certainly proves to be one of the most rewarding and important novels of this year.