NetGalley
August 25, 2020
Atria Books
Fiction, arc digital,
ISBN: 9781982137038
384 pages
8/26-8/29
I received a complimentary digital copy of this arc book from the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for an unbiased review.
As Nahr sits in solitary confinement in the Cube, she reflects on the events leading up to her arrest. She was born in Kuwait in 1970’s to Palestinian refugees. After a brief marriage to an abusive, philandering man she resorts to prostitution as a means of survival from poverty. Due to the US invasion of Iraq she is labeled a refugee and sent to Palestine.
She had hoped her marriage to Mohammad would ensure financial security for her family. Ultimately he resumes a relationship with his old girlfriend, Tamara in Palestine. Nahr attempts to support herself with her retail clerk job and eyebrow threading. After she is persuaded by Jumana to work for her, Nahr is able to pay for her younger brother Jehad to go to university.
Nahr, whose birth name is Yaqoot, assumes the name Almas while working with the Muslim men. She denounced her birth name as her father had given her that name which was the name of his mistress at the time. She soon relies on Um Buaq who becomes her protector and an influential person in her life. Nahr eventually finds comfort and refuge within his family.
This is a touching story filled with how life can present difficult decisions and the consequences of the decisions made. There is a glossary at the end of the book which is very helpful for explaining the many Arabic terms used through the book. This culture finds tremendous meaning in food as elaborate ceremonial meals are described as a way of life for families. It’s a bittersweet story of live, life, survival and friendship during a time of political unrest where people are fighting for justice with desperate determination.
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