readswithrosie's review against another edition
5.0
Against the Loveless World follows Nahr/Yaqoot/Almas, a Palestinian woman who is telling her story from an Israeli solitary confinement cell. We journey with her through her displacement from Kuwait to Jordan (as a result of the US invasion of Iraq) to Palestine (occupied by Israel), and her incredible resistance against the Israeli forces. Intertwined in this narrative is a coming of age story, survival, romance, love for one’s culture, and love for one’s family.
This is such an educational and important read, albeit not a very light one. It is so interesting to read more about a side of the Iraq war that Americans typically do not discuss (at least, I never knew both sides the way this book helped me to understand them). It’s sickening to see the atrocities Palestinian individuals faced, and the amount of trauma they experienced due to being forced out of their homes on numerous occasions. The writing is stunning, with descriptions and details that truly transport you. Nahr, Bilal, Um Buraq, and Sitti Wasfiyeh have my heart ❤️ Perfect when paired with dark chocolate almond butter cups with some ice cream on the side, because why not?
For those of you wondering where my star rating is- This isn’t a book I feel I can star rate (although for Goodreads purposes it’s clearly a five star). I think it’s a must read, and I think it’s a must read when you’re in the right headspace. I loved parts, felt some parts were slower, and I am eternally glad I had the chance to read and better understand the conflict between Israel and Palestine through the lens of such a badass female.
This is such an educational and important read, albeit not a very light one. It is so interesting to read more about a side of the Iraq war that Americans typically do not discuss (at least, I never knew both sides the way this book helped me to understand them). It’s sickening to see the atrocities Palestinian individuals faced, and the amount of trauma they experienced due to being forced out of their homes on numerous occasions. The writing is stunning, with descriptions and details that truly transport you. Nahr, Bilal, Um Buraq, and Sitti Wasfiyeh have my heart ❤️ Perfect when paired with dark chocolate almond butter cups with some ice cream on the side, because why not?
For those of you wondering where my star rating is- This isn’t a book I feel I can star rate (although for Goodreads purposes it’s clearly a five star). I think it’s a must read, and I think it’s a must read when you’re in the right headspace. I loved parts, felt some parts were slower, and I am eternally glad I had the chance to read and better understand the conflict between Israel and Palestine through the lens of such a badass female.
rarasreads's review against another edition
5.0
This story was essentially a depiction of love, resilience, sacrifice, and loss across a war torn region. From the writing to the character development, this book was nothing short of spectacular!!
While I’m not familiar with every detail of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and history, I did appreciate reading a fictional account of a Palestinian refugee woman’s life as told from her imprisonment in an Israeli prison. The author has clearly done her research when crafting this tale from Nahr’s perspective, incorporating real life snippets of American military involvement as well.
This was truly a heartbreaking yet hopeful story in its own way. Highly recommend but please note this book covers some serious topics like SA, sex work, military violence, and infertility/miscarriage.
While I’m not familiar with every detail of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and history, I did appreciate reading a fictional account of a Palestinian refugee woman’s life as told from her imprisonment in an Israeli prison. The author has clearly done her research when crafting this tale from Nahr’s perspective, incorporating real life snippets of American military involvement as well.
This was truly a heartbreaking yet hopeful story in its own way. Highly recommend but please note this book covers some serious topics like SA, sex work, military violence, and infertility/miscarriage.
martafunk's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
medium-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
4.5
aizataffendi's review against another edition
5.0
Having read her two earlier books, I had expected this to have somewhat of the same storyline and that the novelty of her writings should have worn off by now, for me.. but boy, was I wrong. As with the two previous ones, reading this book evoked so many emotions within me.. I felt amused, disgusted, sad, powerless throughout the book, sometimes within the same paragraph or page!
Blending historical facts with fiction, I could see how much research have gone into writing this as she tied them with her own experiences as a refugee. I loved how the book humanises how the world views Palestinians..reminding readers that despite the continuous onslaught by the Zionist forces for centuries, Palestinians still go about their lives as anyone else would. They dance, they sing, love, laugh, gossip.. all the same!
Susan had also casually inserted book suggestions for readers within the pages, which is truly appreciated. I now have 2 new books in my to-read list.. Thanks Susan! ☺️
Blending historical facts with fiction, I could see how much research have gone into writing this as she tied them with her own experiences as a refugee. I loved how the book humanises how the world views Palestinians..reminding readers that despite the continuous onslaught by the Zionist forces for centuries, Palestinians still go about their lives as anyone else would. They dance, they sing, love, laugh, gossip.. all the same!
Susan had also casually inserted book suggestions for readers within the pages, which is truly appreciated. I now have 2 new books in my to-read list.. Thanks Susan! ☺️
any_name's review against another edition
4.0
Another read of me trying to learn about other cultures in a not painful way. Not because this book did not hurt me, but I simply prefer learning through fiction as non-fiction books put me to sleep.
A beautiful story about perseverance and ability to find joy when all that surrounds you is injustice. I think I did learn a lot about Palestinian culture and recent history, and the complicated role of women in the Middle East.
A beautiful story about perseverance and ability to find joy when all that surrounds you is injustice. I think I did learn a lot about Palestinian culture and recent history, and the complicated role of women in the Middle East.
maria_elisabeth's review against another edition
4.0
3,5⭐ - it was good
I really liked this! The writing was lyrical, but not too much, so I could like it. (I usually don't enjoy too lyrical text)
Story was interesting and touching, I liked the main character.
Towards the end it started to feel a bit too long, but my slump might be the reason for that
I really liked this! The writing was lyrical, but not too much, so I could like it. (I usually don't enjoy too lyrical text)
Story was interesting and touching, I liked the main character.
Towards the end it started to feel a bit too long, but my slump might be the reason for that
carmenere's review against another edition
4.0
When we first meet Yaqoot she is in a room she refers to as The Cube. It is located in an Israeli prison. How this Palestinian born woman, raised in a Kuwaiti ghetto for Palestinian refugees came to be in solitary confinement and shackled to a wall for a portion of her day came to be, is told to the reader through Yaqoot reading her memoir to a journalist.
For many years, she felt at home in Kuwait and where she enjoyed a somewhat middle class existence with her family.
Political upheaval completely changed her life and took her to places she'd prefer not to have been but as the eldest child in a fatherless family she assumed the burden of caring for her mother, grandmother and brother.
Her short, loveless marriage only steeled her resolve to continue to live life as a single woman and care for her family, now refugees in Amman
When she is at last free to return to her birthplace, she is pleased with Palestine's lush landscape and spaciousness. However, there is trouble afoot and her former husband's family is at the heart of it.
Yaqoot's story is a sad one, filled with contradictions and oppression. Yet, the reader wants her to find happiness and a permanent home. The author's writing technique encompasses all styles making it a very readable and thought provoking novel which will surely ignite conversation making it great for book clubs.
Thank you to NetGalley, the author and publisher for allowing me the opportunity to read this net galley in exchange for an honest review.
madams12's review against another edition
5.0
a blend of fact and fiction makes this book incredibly well written. the way the narrative is framed around Nahr retelling the story from her cell captivates you until the end, as you desperately try and decipher what led her to her imprisonment as she leads a life of rebellion where a whole array of her actions could have led her there. The way Abulhawa writes Nahr is a character so fundamentally flawed and you are exposed to that from the beginning allows you to appreciate and love the softer moments for Nahr even more. The way the book weaves rebellion and resistance with family and love is beautiful and humanises a perspective that is often not considered. Nahrs relationship with Bilal is everything you ever want for her and the way the book ends with him still alive satisfies a longing you as a reader have for her to be able to embrace the love in her life she’s always wanted. Additionally, the appreciation and reference to Palestinian culture is educational I felt as someone who knows little about their culture. 10/10 story telling.