This was such an incredible introduction to the history of Palestinian subjugation and oppression at the hands of Israel. Khalidi clearly has an incredible amount of emotional ties to the issue at hand, but manages to remain incredibly level-headed and thoughtful in all regards-- unbiased but plainly revealing the evils of Israel's aim and tactics alongside the mistakes in Palestinian leadership.

Despite the very journalistic and academic style, I felt the grief seep through each page (I specifically think of how Khalidi described people he knew well and adored from school or family, and then how they were murdered by the state of Israel). It wasn't ever stale-- feeling very human and honest. The language was academic, but I also got the sense I was talking to a knowledgable friend.

It was definitely a bit dense at times, but worked out really well because I listened to the audiobook-- I don't know I would've gotten through it otherwise-- and enjoyed both the narrator and flow.

I learned so much I wouldn't have guessed (I always knew America was incredibly supportive of Israel, but I didn't realize it was so overtly Israel's little bitch... I've never thought of the US as a doormat) and I'm really grateful I took the time to read this! I don't think it sunk in all the way, and I doubt I remember most of the events directly, but I do feel like I got a really good sense of the general history of Israel's occupation of Palestine, and I'm glad to know a lot more overall. I'll likely be rereading this at some point, or at least parts of it.