A review by brandleberry
Minor Detail by Adania Shibli

challenging emotional 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? It's complicated

5.0

 Told in two parts, this powerful narrative is just one small look into Israel, Palestine, and the reverberations across generations. The first part is about an Israeli army platoon, and the girl they find in the middle of the desert; it continues 50 or so years later, when a current Palestinian women tries to find out more information about that exact girl. It's heartbreaking, and truly transports you into the desert. And the literary prowess is astonishing; how the author is able to connect the two parts and the two women could be analyzed in an English paper, yet is so understandable to anyone reading. And for the author to have done all of that in just over 100 pages makes it incredibly accessible for just about any reader. It can be quite a hard read, but is worth it for the understanding you gain. If you're interested in reading from a Palestinian author, this book is an excellent recommendation.