Yet another thought-provoking offering from the author of Does My Head Look Big In This? This is a novel with many layers. Set in Palestine, it introduces us to the obstacles that Hayaat and her family cope with on a daily basis. The family olive grove has been confiscated to build a road, so the family, complete with grandmother, are now living in a small apartment. There is the normal family bickering and loving support; preparations for her sister’s wedding, and dealing with the hassles of curfews and travel restrictions. As the story unfolds, we see that Hayaat is not insensible or immune to the undercurrents in her world. She spends quality time with her grandmother, enjoying her family stories and learning of the creation of the state of Israel. There is gentle humour with religious differences between the Muslim Hayaat, and her best friend, the Catholic Samy. There is also a running joke about the ‘X Factor’ television show, usually surfacing when least expected. Suitable for ages 12 and over, this book can’t help but break down barriers. There is no racism or fanaticism, just people getting on with life, albeit much tougher lives than we are generally used to.

Melinda Bilbey is a former bookseller and freelance reviewer

Tags: randa abdel-fattah