A review by raebennison
Against the Loveless World by Susan Abulhawa

adventurous dark emotional inspiring reflective sad tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

Maybe the best book I've ever read, and so pertinent considering what is going on in Palestine right now.

You go through Nahr's life. You are with her when it spirals out of control, and when she regains that control. You're with her when she finally finds love and when it is cruely taken by the occupation. The heartbreak I felt when I found out how long she had been imprisoned was truly awful.


This book is rich in beautiful Palestinian culture and really highlights not just how awful it is to live under occupation, but how humanity has a way of finding and expressing love even in the darkest times. 

This book will stay with me for a very long time. I know Nahr is just a character but her story is one that will resonate with people. To me she is real.

10/10 fantastically written, I couldn't put it down
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