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A review by rgoth
Occupied Lives: Maintaining Integrity in a Palestinian Refugee Camp in the West Bank by Nina Gren
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
3.75
3.75⭐ rounded up.
This book is a profoundly insightful exploration that I would wholeheartedly recommend to anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the Palestinian experience and the intricate realities of being a refugee.
As an academic work, it is meticulously researched and eloquently written; however, its scholarly nature can make certain sections feel a bit dry and occasionally repetitive. Despite this, the book remains a worthwhile read.
I found myself particularly interested in the chapters that delve into the normalisation of life within a refugee camp, even when situated in one’s own homeland. The author sheds light on the Palestinian situation in a manner that is often overlooked, especially from a Western perspective.
One aspect I found somewhat lacking was the author’s reliance on her experiences from a decade before the book's publication. While her research is undoubtedly thorough, and it’s evident that Gren possesses a deep understanding of the subject matter, I would have appreciated more acknowledgement of the potential changes that could have occurred over that time. Shifting dynamics within the society and the ongoing tensions between Israel and Palestine could have enriched the narrative.
Gren spent over a year immersing herself in the camp, and it’s clear that she and her field assistants dedicated themselves to engaging with a diverse range of individuals throughout that period. Nevertheless, her frequent references to her host family, while understandable given their close relationship, could have been complemented by a broader array of voices from other residents. This would have provided a more panoramic view of life within the camp.
Another point of consideration is that this work is authored by a Westerner who approached the camp as an outsider. I would love to see similar research conducted by Palestinian scholars, as their perspectives would offer invaluable insights.
Overall, this book is an eye-opening and enlightening read, and I feel fortunate to have discovered it in tiny ndependent bookstore!
This book is a profoundly insightful exploration that I would wholeheartedly recommend to anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the Palestinian experience and the intricate realities of being a refugee.
As an academic work, it is meticulously researched and eloquently written; however, its scholarly nature can make certain sections feel a bit dry and occasionally repetitive. Despite this, the book remains a worthwhile read.
I found myself particularly interested in the chapters that delve into the normalisation of life within a refugee camp, even when situated in one’s own homeland. The author sheds light on the Palestinian situation in a manner that is often overlooked, especially from a Western perspective.
One aspect I found somewhat lacking was the author’s reliance on her experiences from a decade before the book's publication. While her research is undoubtedly thorough, and it’s evident that Gren possesses a deep understanding of the subject matter, I would have appreciated more acknowledgement of the potential changes that could have occurred over that time. Shifting dynamics within the society and the ongoing tensions between Israel and Palestine could have enriched the narrative.
Gren spent over a year immersing herself in the camp, and it’s clear that she and her field assistants dedicated themselves to engaging with a diverse range of individuals throughout that period. Nevertheless, her frequent references to her host family, while understandable given their close relationship, could have been complemented by a broader array of voices from other residents. This would have provided a more panoramic view of life within the camp.
Another point of consideration is that this work is authored by a Westerner who approached the camp as an outsider. I would love to see similar research conducted by Palestinian scholars, as their perspectives would offer invaluable insights.
Overall, this book is an eye-opening and enlightening read, and I feel fortunate to have discovered it in tiny ndependent bookstore!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Suicide, Torture, Violence, Religious bigotry, Murder, and War