Who has not read about or heard of the Palestine and the terrible fate that they have been a witness to. Horror stories, anti-establishment activities and human right infringements all in all led to a gruesome tale that is so fresh in our minds that it is hard to just shrug it off. I am so thankful for getting the opportunity to read and review this book, I can’t believe I never came across this sooner.
The book is such a wonderfully written piece from the very first page. From the very first chapter the book has your attention when a hapless child dies by playfully stepping on a landmine. You realize how sheltered our lives are and then those who face these atrocities regularly. The starkness makes you wince in pain and then this is just the beginning.
I found myself gasping for air, overwhelmed almost reduced to tears. Smallest of anecdotes touch your heart and your heart goes out to those who suffer even today under the brutality. While reading The Almond Tree I was strongly reminded of The Kite Runner and One Thousand Splendid Suns. The Almond Tree is about the controversial history of Palestine and it gifts you with an experience so exquisite that you can’t help but marvel.
The book revolves around Ichmad and it is his story that unravels a beautiful world which would otherwise been hidden from us. The book compels you to dwell on this which you would have otherwise brushed aside flippantly. There are so many such thought provoking lines which will make you want to add post ids, so that you can come back to read it time and again.
What I loved about this book was that it tells you the reality in the starkest way possible and but does it with a touch of humanity. A must read for those who are staunch supporters of Ziaonism.
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