A review by mia_difelice
Qissat: Short Stories by Palestinian Women by Jo Glanville

challenging dark emotional informative reflective sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? N/A
• Loveable characters? N/A
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

3.5

a mother of six plans to get her children to Ramallah for the visit they've always longed for. a young girl's mind-numbering summer in Kuwait is shattered by the start of the gulf war. a writer harbors a PLO fighter in Beirut during the Israeli invasion of Lebanon. a young couple's relationship dissolves in a series of misunderstandings and conflicts. 

 

the stories here detail the perspectives of Palestinian women from all walks of life, at home and in the diaspora, from several moments across recent history. they show everyday triumphs and tragedies; the bonds of family and community; and the realities of living amid war and under occupation. 

 

qissat's stories are wide-ranging in their topics, characters, writing styles, and form. i only fell head over heels for a few of them, but i am very glad i read this collection and recommend it!