Reviews

Trees for the Absentees by Ahlam Bsharat

Only show reviews with written explanations

deschatjes's review

Go to review page

3.0

Meditative piece about a young girl's rites of passage in a hamman.

owihd's review

Go to review page

emotional reflective

5.0

This was so short but touching, I love her writing. I watched a short interview with Ahlam Bsharat and this dreamy writing fits her so well, I'm craving more. As I just finished it I'm all wound up with feelings I don't know how I feel

taleswithaelia's review

Go to review page

emotional lighthearted reflective relaxing medium-paced

4.25

marcymurli's review

Go to review page

4.0

A beautiful, snapshot of the life of a young woman named Philistia who works in a Nabuls hammam. Bsharat's narration drops the reader into a moment in Philistia's life and then just as quickly plucked out. The writing is at once lyrical and sparse. Through her narration, dream sequences, and letters to her father, who is in an Israeli prison, readers get snatches of the confined spaces Palestinians exist in. A lovely, eloquent novella.

kstrange's review

Go to review page

emotional hopeful informative inspiring sad medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes

5.0

A fantastic translation with beautiful prose and rich magical realism woven throughout. An absolute punch in the gut 💔 Nauseous with sorrow and hope.

crazytourists_books's review

Go to review page

dark emotional sad medium-paced

4.0

A wonderful book, beautifully written. It is very melancholic and sweet, and the magical realism is incorporated really, really well. I wish it were a bit longer, though.