This beautifully written tale is based on historical facts about displaced Palestinians, in particular the main character, Hassan, who later meets andThis beautifully written tale is based on historical facts about displaced Palestinians, in particular the main character, Hassan, who later meets and marries British-born Donna. Born in Palestine, and after studying in England, Hassan's heart remains in Palestine. "The idea of return was not just about physically going back to Palestine; it was about ensuring that Palestine remained alive in our hearts, in our minds, and in our collective actions. It was about preserving our culture, our traditions, and our sense of identity, no matter where we were in the world. And so, as I continued my studies and carved out a life in the West, I remained deeply rooted in the belief that one day, I would return to a free and prosperous Palestine and that my education would play a role in making that dream a reality".
This book is not another case of pointing fingers or casting aspersions on those whose policies and actions displaced thousands of Palestinians. It is a narrative of how events such as the 'Nakba' of 1948, the 6-Day, War, and the Balfour Declaration altered the socio-political landscape of Palestine forever. Specifically, the Balfour Declaration didn’t just promise a homeland for one people; it inadvertently began the process of erasing another’s, with economic impacts and shifts in demographics on both the Israeli and Palestinian sides that continue today in the Middle East. Add to this the Gulf War, involvement and decisions of the PLO, and a people already dealing with displacement, are once again pariahs with 'new' enemies.
This is a sad but factual summary of many Palestinians. It is real. It deserves to be recognised by the Palestinian Book Awards for its balanced account of what to many people is a confused mess in the Middle East, particularly the Gaza Strip.
Best summarized in the words of Hassan, "It is a testament to the belief that no matter how far we are from our homeland, the ties that bind us remain strong. The values of respect, equality, and justice that have been instilled in me are the foundation upon which this dream is built. As I continue my journey, I carry with me the lessons learned, the memories of loved ones, and the hope for a better future. The dream of returning to Palestine is a beacon of hope, a reminder of the power of dreams, and a testament to the enduring strength of the human spirit. It is a dream that I will continue to pursue, with the hope that one day it will become a reality...... To the future generations, I say this: Embrace the values of fairness, justice, honesty, and empathy. Be the voice for the voiceless, the champion for the powerless. Work together to create a society where everyone is valued and respected. This is the legacy we must strive to build, a legacy of social justice and equality that will endure for generations to come.... And so, as I conclude this journey of reflection, I am filled with a deep sense of purpose. Our story is not yet finished, and our fight is far from over. But we will continue because the dream of justice—the dream of return—lives on in each of us. And one day, when the world is ready, we will return—not just to our homes, but to a world that is just, equitable, and free for all."
I've been told I'm a tough reviewer with high standards because I don't give 5 stars often. It's not that I'm a tough reviewer or unwilling to give 5 I've been told I'm a tough reviewer with high standards because I don't give 5 stars often. It's not that I'm a tough reviewer or unwilling to give 5 stars because I certainly do give 5 stars when deserved. It's that the book or story needs to be deserving. This credible story is a page-turner about Cathy, who works for a book publisher. She is pushed or jumps in front of an oncoming train one Monday morning. Her injuries are substantial, particularly in terms of skull damage resulting in amnesia which sees her waking in ICU with no recollection of what happened. Equally concerning is her inability to recognize her husband, Daniel, and her two sons, not to mention her obsession with her ex-husband, Brad. A lot of dialogue fills the pages of this story, which I enjoyed and found most revealing, unlike many psychological thrillers, which become implausible and far-fetched with long descriptions that reveal little. Dialogue paints a very clear picture of each of the characters, with lots of tell, not just show! In all honesty, I had guessed who the perpetrator was early on, but this didn't diminish my enjoyment of the story. A blend of family saga, whodunnit, and thriller, this is the type of book you'll enjoy whether at the beach or filling me-time. I received an advance copy of this book and am leaving this review voluntarily. 5 stars. Congratulations to the author....more
I received an advance copy of this book and am leaving this review voluntarily. First things first. I love the title of this book and its connection toI received an advance copy of this book and am leaving this review voluntarily. First things first. I love the title of this book and its connection to September 11th as well as the number one dials in an emergency in the US 9-1-1! Told from three different perspectives- the thief on the run, the former NYPD detective pursuing him, and, the Detective's new wife, it was an interesting way of presenting the story. A few twists elevated the story from 4 to 4.5 stars...more
Fast-paced, this is the story of investigating a brutal crime from years before and a crime just newly committed. The person convicted of the old crimFast-paced, this is the story of investigating a brutal crime from years before and a crime just newly committed. The person convicted of the old crime was recently released from prison. Is there a connection between the two killings and will Louis Kincaid solve them? 4 stars...more
As many reviewers have said the opening line of this story makes the reader want to read on, "I get paid large sums of money to kill children". UnfortAs many reviewers have said the opening line of this story makes the reader want to read on, "I get paid large sums of money to kill children". Unfortunately, the story thereafter dissolved for me into waiting to see what would happen, and nothing did. Very disappointing ending that sadly won't see me reading the sequel. 3 stars...more
I received an advance copy of this book and am leaving this review voluntarily. I haven't read this author before and found the writing style easy to fI received an advance copy of this book and am leaving this review voluntarily. I haven't read this author before and found the writing style easy to follow. Frankie is a Private Investigator. He is also a new father. Having just moved to Memphis, his first case is to find a reporter, now a cold case, from decades earlier. The case becomes considerably more complex and dangerous when the reporter's remains are linked to discovered human remains at a construction site, and a witness to the crime disappears. 4 stars...more
I received an advance copy of this book and am leaving this review voluntarily. Amelia loses both her parents in a tragic accident. She believes that sI received an advance copy of this book and am leaving this review voluntarily. Amelia loses both her parents in a tragic accident. She believes that she is an only child and settles as a florist on the Isle of Wight close to her remaining extended family. Her life should be peaceful, but suddenly, she becomes the target of a stranger, as do her family members. DI Stone, with her own family issues, investigates. A good effort for a debut novel. 4 stars...more
I received an advance copy of this book and am leaving this review voluntarily.
When I read the blurb on this story about a young woman, Cait O'Hara, wI received an advance copy of this book and am leaving this review voluntarily.
When I read the blurb on this story about a young woman, Cait O'Hara, who works for the DA's office as an investigator, serving subpoenas and anything else required of her by her boss, I was eager to read this book. Her mother was killed years earlier in a hit-and-run accident.
Unfortunately, the story didn't hold my attention as I hoped it might. Secrets about her family and questioning what she was told about her mother's death come to the fore when a note is left on her windscreen advising that her mother's death was not an accident.
A read in a day page-turner about Tegan, 8 months pregnant, headed in a snowstorm to spend time with her brother. A crash puts paid to these plans, buA read in a day page-turner about Tegan, 8 months pregnant, headed in a snowstorm to spend time with her brother. A crash puts paid to these plans, but is the man who rescues her from the wreck together with his wife an angel or mentally unstable? Somewhat implausible lost it a star, but I quite liked the ending, which redeemed it a further half star. 4 and a half stars...more
I received an advance copy of this book and am leaving this review voluntarily. Young Bailey(4) goes missing one rainy night. Her mother claims she's I received an advance copy of this book and am leaving this review voluntarily. Young Bailey(4) goes missing one rainy night. Her mother claims she's been abducted. Her father has a very different story. He says his daughter died in a car accident several months earlier. Enter Detective Caleb Reed. Exciting, disturbing and ending on a note that ensures wanting to read the sequel, a thoroughly enjoyable read all round. 4 and a half stars....more
I received an advance copy of this book and am leaving this review voluntarily. In 2023 I read The Unspeakable Acta of Zina Pavlou by Eleni Kyriakou anI received an advance copy of this book and am leaving this review voluntarily. In 2023 I read The Unspeakable Acta of Zina Pavlou by Eleni Kyriakou and declared it my best read of the year. When I heard that Eleni had another book out, it wasn't a case of whether I should read it, but rather how soon. This story is set in Hollywood in the early 50s when studio bosses were kings and wannabe starlets did whatever it took to get roles. At the time the golden couple is Max Whitman married to Stella Hope who as a wannabe starlet years earlier had naked photos of herself taken, never imagining that they'd resurface to threaten her career. Her marriage to Max is broken. His philandering started early on in their marriage and continues with the latest starlet Ginny Watkins, who like so many others dreams of a glittering film career and holds out hope that Max will assist her in achieving this.
The story, a sad but realistic account of Hollywood depravity at the time can best be summed up by Ginny in these lines "It was a tightrope, this town, she thought. Just one huge balancing act. Keep going, one foot in front of the other, even if you’re exhausted, no matter. Take these pills, don’t look down, don’t complain, look straight ahead. The alternative was not to try at all. And if you fall? There’s no safety net, but at least you gave it a shot. If you made it, the rewards were so high. And if you didn’t, well it was a beautiful way to die." 5 Stars! ...more
An excellent, short, punchy read. I received an advance copy of this book and am leaving this review voluntarily. What happens when your best friend diAn excellent, short, punchy read. I received an advance copy of this book and am leaving this review voluntarily. What happens when your best friend dies and her death is ruled a suicide? Dani, aided by her husband Trevor, is determined to discover the truth surrounding her best friend Bryce's death. The problem is the more she digs, the more unexpected truths she uncovers not onlyxabout Bryce, but herself too. 4 and a half stars....more
This is a somewhat bizarre story about a crime Podcaster, Bree, who returns to Chichasha, Oklahoma when she inherits her grandfather's farm. He was a This is a somewhat bizarre story about a crime Podcaster, Bree, who returns to Chichasha, Oklahoma when she inherits her grandfather's farm. He was a psychiatrist. She discovers cassettes of his recordings with a notorious serial killer, nicknamed The Hunter, that she uses for her podcasts. The Hunter's identity is kept anonymous. Bree is assisted by a childhood friend, Jeff, withcwhom she strikes up a romantic liason. As their broadcasts proceed revealing one therapy tape per podcast the murder tally in the town increases. I found the ending somewhat bizarre and implausible but others may like it. I received an advance copy of this book and am leaving this review voluntarily. 4 stars....more
I received an advance copy of this book and am leaving this review voluntarily. Television reports warn the public about a stalker who enjoys taking seI received an advance copy of this book and am leaving this review voluntarily. Television reports warn the public about a stalker who enjoys taking selfies who preys on single women. Morgan who has had to fend for herself from an early age following the death of her father has a dreary life. Her mother diagnosed with Fregoli delusion disease has been committed to a hospital. Morgan's only friend is Susan, a colleague she works with on the Customer Service desk at Lowe's. Her life revolves around a mundane job and eating take out in between re-reading Charlotte's Web for the umpteenth time and watching Netflix. Enter Dean, an equally dull character who gains employment at Lowe and becomes obsessed with Morgan's. Interesting ending. 4 stars...more
I received an advance copy of this book and am leaving this review voluntarily. I found this to be an interesting read as I wasn't quite sure whether DI received an advance copy of this book and am leaving this review voluntarily. I found this to be an interesting read as I wasn't quite sure whether Dara, one of the main characters, was a reliable narrator. As an accomplished realtor, she doesn't conduct due diligence on her new recruit, Meryl Rafter, who she has appointed as her assistant. In no time at all, Meryl has invaded practically every aspect of Dara's life, which prompts Dara to dig into Meryl's past. As expected, Meryl, in turn, reciprocates. It's disturbing but also sad. 4 and a half stars....more
I received an advance copy of this book and am leaving this review voluntarily. This kicked off as a rather engaging story about an author, Ian Walker,I received an advance copy of this book and am leaving this review voluntarily. This kicked off as a rather engaging story about an author, Ian Walker, who suddenly learns that the biggest critics of his books which fall into the psychological thriller genre, are being murdered one by one. As scathing reviews are posted, of which there aren't many, the writers of said reviews are murdered. Investigating these murders is the duo of Detective John Harris and Lia Morgan. Ian is attracted to Lia and they begin a relationship. I noted tongue-in-cheek mentions of current hugely successful thriller authors and the emotions an author feels when they are criticized, even if their praise far outweighs the odd poor review, and felt the emotions expressed transgressed pure fiction. Quick, punchy chapters make this an easy read. 4 stars....more
I received an advance copy of this book and am leaving this review voluntarily. This is dubbed a psychological thriller, and it certainly has thrillingI received an advance copy of this book and am leaving this review voluntarily. This is dubbed a psychological thriller, and it certainly has thrilling elements, but it has a whole lot more to it, too! Tamara, pregnant, is married to Dale, a serial cheater. He spends an inordinate amount of time with their neighbour Rachel, laughing and flirting. This is only one of Tamara's concerns. A stranger appears to be keeping tabs on Tamara. The way he shows up outside their home, her work, and her car is classic of a stalker. With Valentine's Day having arrived and everyone abuzz with their romantic plans, has Dale turned a corner when Tamara receives a dozen roses and a cryptic note to head to a remote part of the Yorkshire Dale's for a romantic weekend? Is there a connection between Tamara and the stalker, Dale and the stalker, Rachel and the stalker ...more
This book does give the reader a warning upfront about disturbing content. The only other 'good' thing about this story is that it is a novella, so shThis book does give the reader a warning upfront about disturbing content. The only other 'good' thing about this story is that it is a novella, so short. The writing and storytelling were weak, but the story itself disappointed me most. Olivia, in prison, on deathrow for murdering a family, agrees to give an interview from prison. She had been having an affair with a married man, Levy, and when he blocks her number, she takes matters into her own hands. Gruesome and implausible, I didn't enjoy this at all. I received an advance copy of this book and am leaving this review voluntarily. 2 and a half stars...more
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