Title: The Almond Tree
Author: Michelle Cohen Corasanti
Publisher: Prakash Books
ISBN: 978-81-7234-487-0
Number of Pages: 352
Price [INR] : 295
Genre: Fiction
Against a background torn from the pages of today’s headlines, The Almond Tree, by Michelle Cohen Corasanti, recasts the Palestinians in Israel and Gaza, a people frequently in the news, but often misrepresented and deeply misunderstood.
This stunning debut conveys a universal story of human courage and perseverance. Comparable to Khaled Hosseini’s The Kite Runner, this novel delivers an inspirational story of unfathomable pain and an incredible perseverance.
Gifted with a mind that continues to impress the elders in his village, Ahmed Hamid struggles with knowing that he can do nothing to save his friends and family. Living on occupied land, his entire village operates in fear of losing their homes, jobs, and belongings. But more importantly, they fear losing each other.
On Ahmed’s twelfth birthday, that fear becomes reality. With his father imprisoned, his family’s home and possessions confiscated, and his siblings quickly succumbing to hatred in the face of conflict, Ahmed begins an inspiring journey using his intellect to save his poor and dying family. In doing so he reclaims a love for others that was lost through a childhood rife with violence and loss, and discovers a new hope for the future.
The Almond Tree humanizes a culture and brings characters from a distant land to life.
The Almond Tree is not a story about the conflict between Palestine and Israel. It is a story of an extraordinary family which became a victim of politics and atrocities of a war. It is a story of a family that just wants to stay together as a unit without the sufferings, death and injustice. It is a story of Ahmed’s family against the historical background of Israeli oppression and Palestinian resistance.
The story shows the sufferings, the struggles, the losses that Ahmed and his family faced over the years but what shines bright is that they found their way out of the depths too. There is hope and there is faith that exists despite so much that has been lost.
The characterization is brilliant and the narration is impressive. It makes you think and feel and empathize too.
The sudden transformation of Ahmed’s Professor Menachem Sharon who is anti-Arab and racist and who gave a tough time to Ahmed at the Grad School, into a mentor and a friend seems a bit forced and unrealistic. May be that’s because the author wanted to showcase heroes from both the sides of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
The Almond Tree is a fascinating, powerful and an engaging story which is hard to put down right from the page one. What I liked about it is the lesson that despite all odds, despite all sufferings, hope and faith can make miracles happen. Also it is an eye-opening glimpse of the life of people in the occupied Palestinian territories and Gaza.
It is a highly recommended read.
Rating : 4.5/5
This book review is a part of The Readers Cosmos Book Review Program. To get free books log on to thereaderscosmos.blogspot.com
Linking it to January 2014 Ultimate Blog Challenge and NaBloPoMo
To read posts by fellow friends and UBC and NaBloPoMo participants, click here Jairam, Kajal, Kathy, Michelle, Nabanita, Richa, Suzy Que, Sheethal. Yes, we can do we with some more cheering and support. 
30 Responses
A book about hope and faith has to be interesting. Glad you brought the book to us in so many words. Thanks!
I enjoyed reading this one. You must check it out too, Kajal!
The theme is interesting. This book has got many positive reviews on Amazon too. I might read this and the Kite Runner, soon. Thanks for the review 🙂
Destination Infinity
You are in for a treat with this one and the Kite Runner too! 🙂
Interesting! I have to put this in my to read list!
Do that, Nabanita! And hope you read it soon! 🙂
The story line seems quite good Shilpa. And perhaps it is something I would enjoy given the political backdrop of the plot..
I am sure you will, Richa! Go for it! 🙂
In the day and age we live in, faith and hope is always welcome. Remarkable write up. The book sounds inspiring. ♥
It sure is! After seeing so many struggles and despair, the family’s story is truly inspiring!
4.5???…. Then it’s a must read…
You must!!
That good huh? Must pick it up then.
You must! There I said it again! 😀
Thanks for the wonderful review. Looks like the author has cleverly handled the complex situation between Palestine and Israel.
The politics is not discussed much here, it is the story of a family set in the backdrop of war and strife.
I think I’ll enjoy this book! Great review, Shilpa!
Do check it out and pls share your review! 🙂
I have read the kiterunner and from your review it seems to have a similar base although that was in Afghanistan. Almond tree on my list, will pick it up. Thanks for the review.
Cool 🙂
The Kite Runner is a book very close to my heart.
Great review and I look forward to reading The Almond Tree soon 🙂
Happy reading The Almond Tree, Bhavya 🙂
I have just started reading this one. Imagine my surprise when I see that you have reviewed it. No, I am not going to read this now. I am just checking your rating and yes, something about the simplicity in the writing tells me that I am going to enjoy this one. Will come back to read this when I am done. 🙂
I am looking forward to your review, Jyothi 🙂
Despite all odds, hope and faith can make miracles happen- I love stories where people come out of suffering, stronger. I would love to read this book once I am done with the 5 I have sitting on my bookshelves, glaring at me. Great review.
Take your time but do check this one, I am sure you will enjoy it! 🙂
I like the fact that the book is not so much about the conflict between Palestine and Israel but rather talks about how a family survives the worn torn times. Thank you for the review Shilpa. I think I am going to pick up this book.
Looking forward to your review, Ruchira 🙂
Sounds like a great book. And very well written review. Hope and faith – life’s straws.
Yes, life’s straws… much needed in tough times!