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Susan Abulhawa writes a blend of fact and fiction, epic storytelling amidst the landscape of a conflict ridden and war torn Middle East, from the unashamed and unapologetic perspective of the Palestinian experience and struggle, of the suffering under the deadly Israeli occupation and resistance. Nahr, a political prisoner, is incarcerated in the harsh conditions of The Cube, a prison where time has ceased to have any meanng, in solitary confinement, where she narrates the life journey, the path she walked that led to her present predicament, her family, the countries she passed through from Kuwait, Jordan, losing faith in love and men, and eventually finding a sense of home and belonging in Palestine. Along the way, there has been great horrors, pain, terrors, becoming a refugee, having to do what ever it takes to survive, including prostitution and eventually joining the resistance.

Despite a dark and disturbing narrative, there is humour and hope, and eye opening insights into Palestinian culture with rich descriptions and details. This is a far from perfect read, Nahr is an amalgam of the real life experiences of more than one woman, weakening the coherence of her character, but this does not detract from the importance of this beautiful, well written novel, giving readers a glimpse and much needed knowledge of the grim realities, complexities, and injustices of the Palestinian occupation and the Middle East from the perspective of a woman. Many thanks to Bloomsbury for an ARC.