Quick Take

In deze roman vertelt Abulhawa het verhaal van de Palestijnse vluchtelingen die in 1948, na de stichting van de staat Israel, uit hun land verbannen werden. De familie Abulheja wordt gedwongen het dorp Ein Hod te verlaten en naar een vluchtelingenkamp in Jenin te gaan. In de chaotische vlucht raakt de jonge Isma'iel vermist. Hij wordt meegenomen door een Israelische soldaat. Gedreven door een alomvattende haat jegens de bezetters kiest Isma'iels tweelingbroer Joessoef de radicale kant van de PLO. Door de ogen van Amaal, hun jonge zusje, maken we drie decennia van geweld en oorlog mee.

Reader's Review

Book Review Summary: Ochtend in Jenin

Introduction

"Ochtend in Jenin" by Susan Abulhawa is a powerful and emotional novel that delves into the experiences of Palestinian refugees displaced by the establishment of the state of Israel in 1948. The story follows the Abulheja family as they are forced to leave their village, Ein Hod, and seek refuge in a camp in Jenin. The novel explores the devastating impact of war, violence, and displacement on the lives of Palestinians, as well as the resilience and determination of those who refuse to give up hope. In this article, we will examine the book's author, analyze readers' opinions, and provide reasons for both recommending and not recommending this book.

About Susan Abulhawa

Susan Abulhawa is an accomplished author known for her powerful storytelling and insightful exploration of the Palestinian experience. Born to refugees of the 1967 war, she has firsthand knowledge of the struggles faced by Palestinians. Abulhawa's debut novel, "Mornings in Jenin," became an international bestseller, translated into 30 languages. Her second novel, "The Blue Between Sky and Water," was similarly well-received, translated into 20 languages. Abulhawa's latest novel, "Against the Loveless World," is a testament to her ability to capture the complexities of Palestinian life and convey them through her writing.

Analysis of Views

Heartbreaking and emotionally impactful: Readers found "Ochtend in Jenin" to be a deeply moving and heartbreaking novel that evoked strong emotions. Many felt a profound sense of sadness and empathy for the characters and their experiences.
Vivid language and immersive storytelling: Abulhawa's vivid language and ability to transport readers into the world of the novel were widely praised. Readers appreciated the detailed descriptions of Palestine and its people, which helped them imagine the scenes as if they were real.
Insight into Palestine: The novel provided readers with a unique perspective on the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine. It shed light on the suffering, loss, and resilience of Palestinians, giving readers a deeper understanding of the situation.
Powerful exploration of themes: "Ochtend in Jenin" explores themes such as loss, love, hatred, and hope. Readers appreciated the way Abulhawa delved into these themes and used them to convey the complexity of the Palestinian experience.
Recommended for those interested in Palestine: Many readers who were already familiar with the conflict found this novel to be an excellent introduction to the topic. It provided a fictional narrative that made it easier to understand and empathize with the experiences of Palestinians.

Reasons for Recommendation

Powerful storytelling: Abulhawa's ability to weave a compelling narrative that captures the essence of Palestine and its people is a major reason why readers recommend this book. The story is both heartbreaking and inspiring, making it a must-read for those interested in understanding the conflict.
Insightful exploration of themes: The novel offers a thought-provoking exploration of themes such as loss, love, hatred, and hope. Readers appreciate how Abulhawa uses these themes to convey the complexity of the Palestinian experience and provide a deeper understanding of the situation.
Vivid language and immersive storytelling: Abulhawa's vivid language and immersive storytelling transport readers into the world of Palestine, allowing them to experience it firsthand. Readers appreciate the detailed descriptions of people, places, and events, which bring the story to life.

Reasons for Not Recommendation

Manipulation of facts: Some readers felt that the book was overly manipulative in presenting a one-sided perspective on the conflict between Israel and Palestine. They felt that it was biased towards Palestine and that it failed to present a balanced view of the situation.
Emotional intensity: The book is emotionally intense and can be overwhelming for some readers. The constant depiction of violence, suffering, and loss may be too much for those who are sensitive to such themes.

Conclusion

"Ochtend in Jenin" by Susan Abulhawa is a powerful novel that offers readers an immersive journey into the world of Palestine and its people. Through vivid storytelling and insightful exploration of themes such as loss, love, hatred, and hope, Abulhawa captures the complexity of the Palestinian experience. While some readers found it emotionally intense and biased towards Palestine, others praised its ability to shed light on a topic that is often overlooked or misunderstood. Overall, "Ochtend in Jenin" is a highly recommended read for those who seek to gain a deeper understanding of the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine.