Mornings in Jenin

This book is going to make you cry and fill you with gratitude for the freedom, family and love you possess. It's a lyrically written, heart wrenching tale which will leave you sobbing throughout the book.

I was deeply moved by this beautifully written story which chronicles the life of Palestinian people and their struggle for their land. It’s strange that the mainstream news and history rarely mentions these events, I learnt a lot and richer by the experience

I wanted to read about the Israel-Palestine conflict for quite some time now. Though I knew a little bit about it, thanks to my father’s deep interest in world politics. But then half knowledge is never good. Browsing for books on Amazon I found Mornings in Jenin by Susan Abulhawa. I would have easily picked up a non-fiction which would have given me much deeper insights about the issue, but a fiction always gives you a character as narrator. A character that can present facts along with human side to you. The story is set in the year 1948 when Israel slowly started encroaching in Palestine. An Israeli soldier snatches away Basima’s son in the crowd, and the incident changes the life of their family forever. Exiled and eroded from humanity, Basima and her husband, Yehya take shelter in Jenin, where they see a ray of hope in their atrocious life through eyes of their newborn daughter, Amal and her elder brother, Yousef. But destiny was not in their favor. Amal, ditching death through missiles and bullets, grows up to pursue studies in the United States. Her elder brother Yousef, joins PLO, to revolt against Israelis. But then fate again plays a cruel hand in their destiny, leaving both brother and sister bereft of their loved ones. The lost son, Ismael, now an Israeli soldier David, returns to find Amal, to ask her what was kept hidden from him for decades by his adoptive parents. The book has been divided into eight sections, each section building an in-depth story about struggle and war through a regular family of Ein Hod. The first section El Nakba (The Catastrophe) describes the early encroachment of Israel into Palestine and how Amal’s family uproot themselves and take a journey towards alien home, Jenin. The second section, El Naksa (The Disaster) introduces you to the ugly side of war, where children are smothered with bullets, to justify the unlawful ownership of someone else’s land. The third section, The Scar of David shows how lost son of Basima, who is now David, an Israeli soldier accidentally meets his brother Yousef, but unaware of the fact, beats him up and almost kills him. The other five sections then describe how Amal takes a journey to the United States and how Yousef and Amal unite again briefly, just to be left alone forever with their treacherous fate which lies between Israel and Palestine. The best character in the book is of Huda, Amal’s best friend, who lives in Jenin only. She survives everything by keeping Amal in her heart always. They both share a sacred bond and live in hope of a world where they can go back to their land, pick up olives and fruits from their farms. The world where traditions and love blossom in the garden of life and no one can hear missiles and bullets. Israel- Palestine conflict is something which we do not really discuss. But authors like Susan Abulhawa make sure that these stories reach us through such exemplary novels. The story spans over five countries and four generations and Abulhawa has done pure justice to Palestine struggle. From the ditches where Palestinians were confined to their customs through which they relish their remaining life, Abulhawa has made sure to cover all aspects, giving a strong competition to a non-fiction book. The characters and flow of the book are truly amazing, and facts are mentioned at the right places to blend with the story. Overall, the book has been an amazing read, and very emotional. You will not feel like keeping it down after the third chapter.

Mornings in Jenin, told from a Palestinian-American’s perspective, is not only deeply touching but also an eye-opener. Moving from innocence to despondency, Amal’s courageous journey and her similarity to Dalia, in suppressing all emotions, make one’s heart clench with pain. The descriptions in Mornings in Jenin are vivid, without falling into the trap of portraying Arabs as exotic to Westerners. The POV moves from 1st person to 3rd, which, though initially jarring, starts making sense as the novel progresses.

Whatever name we give to the gruesome killings of humanity..... terrorist activity.... military operation.. ethnic cleansing...... It's humanity what dies in real and in shame..... This book shows the aspirations, wishes , happiness and sorrow of the refusee of Palestine under Israeli occupation with a balanced view.....

I do not know what to say! I have, like so many, been moved by the atrocities on Jews through history. But this book turns the tables completely. This is about the Arabs that were dislocated by the Jews, eager to have a land of their own. But then this is more than about labels. This is about the helpless one goes through when ones land and home is taken away and one becomes a stray refugee no one cares about. How we take our life and freedom for granted! This story made me feel grateful for the life I have. The writing is mesmerising at many places. Lyrical, full of imagery and churning emotions weaved by the words. I have to pause at the end of this book before picking the next. I need time to digest this one!

Nothing is better than if you can sit and enjoy reading

Great read. Gives the Palestinian point if view of the Israel-Pakestine conflict.

Heartwarming and truthful account of a family in Palestine. These accounts of history won't be found easily. Needless to say, little by little, books and films have been surfacing detailing the plights of Palestinian life. If your eyes were opened when the native Americans truths surfaced, truths not taught in the schools you attended, this book and many others will do the same. Highly recommended read.

El libro llegó en perfectas condiciones y antes de lo planeado. Es un libro muy cruel, pero se basa en la realidad Palestina. Como siempre, la lectura abre nuevos mundos. Totalmente recomendable.

A must read and the quality of the print is quite nice.

A book so beautifully written but so heartbreakingly tragic. When will the suffering of these gentle, dignified people end ? This book is a moving account of a Palestinian family torn apart by the Palestine / Israel conflict.

Written like nothing I've ever read before. Absolutely fantastic. Such an important read nowadays too considering what continues to happen in Jenin. 100% a must read. There's a helpful glossary at the end for Arabic words mentioned throughout the book.