A review by mitchk
The Parisian by Isabella Hammad

challenging dark informative reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

I need to understand more of the history of the Palestinian people - the relationship with Syria and the circumstances of their British and French occupation. So I turned to fiction to guide me, educate me and help me set the current atrocities in their historical context. And this book did this amazingly. From the 1913 Arab National Congress to the 1936 British army offensive this book educated and engaged me. I learn though story and following Mehat as a young Arab student journeying to Paris, though to his witnessing violent martial law in his hometown 2 decades later.  I learnt, I empathised and I was deeply saddened. Can’t believe this powerful book is a debut.