Author: Fay Afaf Kanafani
Publisher: Penguin
Year: 2000
Language: English
Pages: 346
ISBN/UPC (if available): 0141003928
Description
In this remarkable autobiography, Nadia reconstructs her life as an abused child, a young bride and mother, a widow twice over, a breadwinner, and ultimately a survivor. Rich in detail and anecdote, the book weaves together the personal and the political to provide fresh insights into the complexities of life within Arab society.
The birth of Nadia co0incided with two major political events: the end of World War I and the collapse of the Ottoman Empire. As the world around her reshaped itself, Nadia moved from Lebanon to Palestine as a teenage bride. She lived there until the creation of the state of Israel reduced her to refugee status, along with thousands of others. Through her eyes we see the dispersion of Palestinians during the creation of Israel, and the destruction of civilian life in Lebanon's civil war.
COMMENT:
An autobiography of a physically frail but spiritually powerful, strong-willed, woman struggling to overcome barriers of gender, family, religion and class to achieve fulfillment. A quietly compelling and ultimat4ely uplifting story, an insightful blend of poetry and history.
- Laurence Michalak, Center for Middle Eastern Studies, University of California