A call to think differently and more concretely about the practice of solidarity, and a window into the world of possibility that true solidarity can grant us, defiantly insisting on the recognition and celebration of Palestine’s past, present, and future.
How do we confront the need to take inevitable and often difficult political stances? How do we make sense of the destruction, uprooting, and pain that we witness? Given our seemingly impossible reality, how is mutuality constructed? In this anthology, thoughtfully arranged and introduced by editor and co-curator of the Palestine Festival of Literature, Mahdi Sabbagh, the essays speak to readers in any and all stages of witnessing structural violence, attempting mutuality work, and persevering against all odds.
The ten contributing authors each cover a world of ideas, bringing their diverse intellectual and geographic backgrounds to the forefront. Grouped into three sections—”Choices under Siege,” “Witnessing,” and “Mutuality”—the writers share their political choice-making, perceptive vision, and efforts at mutual understanding.
This book is a collection of essays by the collaborators who put together the Palestine Festival of Literature. Each author brings a unique perspective that is useful for framing Palestine and Palestinians. Each essay expands the conversation in new ways for people like myself who are relatively unfamiliar with Palestine-beyond-conflict.
An interesting book but unfortunately for me I have read many of the essays from other sources. However if you have not read a great detail about Palestine this is a good source of information regatding the lives of the Palestinians
gagged at how good these essays were. the range of topics the authors covered that all circled back to palestine regardless of their nationality or origin were just so reflective and engaging. the care and consideration that went into every essay is so evident and i loved seeing what each new one would bring.
The verbiage was, for me, a touch academic. That being said, I took from this read a new, deeper understanding of all the ways in which settler colonialism, specifically in Palestine, infiltrates, poisons, and chokes every aspect of Palestinian life. For a white woman of European colonizer descent, this is an invaluable broadening of perspective, making this essential reading.
gives deep insight into the genocide happening in Palestine. because I feel profoundly sad over this subject matter, I know it is my duty to figure out how I can help strengthen resources for black and brown communities near me.
very interesting perspectives that explore palestine and its culture beyond the current genocide. the language used leans more towards an academic essay and as someone who already struggles with non-fiction, it was a bit of a difficult read. however, well worth your time.
Some resonated more than others...really loved Tareq Baconi's essay on abject and Ellen Van Neerven's on football was interesting. Generally reads very academically which I think is a drawback but I'm glad I read this.