4.25/5

What i loved
- Hammad’s writing is just next level and it always feels like appreciating artwork reading her
- the historical events weaves seamlessly with the plot (i do think readers will need some background knowledge about Palestine in the 1910-1940 to better appreciate the events mentioned in the book)
- it’s fascinating how Hammad explores Palestinian identity in its early conception as a nation vs being part of Syria. Reading this book in context with other books set post WW2 and modern days offer great insight into how a people’s identity evolves overtime
- at over 500 pages and various characters, I never feel like the story dragged. I finished this chonker in 2 days. This says a lot about how intriguing the story is

What didn’t quite work for me
- i kinda wish the story can focus on other characters too, even though that would dilute the MMC’s character development. He’s just not the easiest character to like, and can come off as whiney