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A review by sydneymh
Against the Loveless World by Susan Abulhawa
dark
informative
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
5/5 to the Palestine half of the book, but it was somewhat of a long start while simultaneously feeling a little rushed in terms of writing style. If i was only rating the first half of the book I'd give it a 3.
The more rushed writing style worked at times, solidifying Nahr's voice and mirroring her traits (esp in the context of where she's writing the story itself), but it made the dialogue fall short pretty often. I was entranced by everything around the Nahr/Bilal story. Was also particularly touched by their descriptions of nature/importance of connection to the land.
Because of the non-linear formatting of the book, the grief and heartbreak conveyed is impossible to look past. Getting to know each character through this lens of loss is chilling and we are deeply invested by the end. Very interesting to examine the layers of consent and oppression and how their meanings change over the course of Nahr's life, from the personal to the familial to the political. Big TW for scenes of rape and assault as well as violence and racism. Definitely a worthwhile read but not an emotionally easy one.
The more rushed writing style worked at times, solidifying Nahr's voice and mirroring her traits (esp in the context of where she's writing the story itself), but it made the dialogue fall short pretty often. I was entranced by everything around the Nahr/Bilal story. Was also particularly touched by their descriptions of nature/importance of connection to the land.
Because of the non-linear formatting of the book, the grief and heartbreak conveyed is impossible to look past. Getting to know each character through this lens of loss is chilling and we are deeply invested by the end. Very interesting to examine the layers of consent and oppression and how their meanings change over the course of Nahr's life, from the personal to the familial to the political. Big TW for scenes of rape and assault as well as violence and racism. Definitely a worthwhile read but not an emotionally easy one.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual assault, Sexual violence, and Violence
Moderate: Xenophobia and Racism