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The Wire-Walker
In the Balata Refugee Camp in Nablus, Palestine, sixteen-year-old Amal Tuqan finds her escape in tightrope walking. Living in an alley so narrow that " the walls hold their breath," she practices tirelessly on thin wires and slippery rebar. Her extraordinary talent leads her to Tel Aviv in the summer of 2019, where she joins The Flying Kids, a circus that brings together Israeli and Palestinian children. There, she forms a deep friendship with Tali Glazman, a Jewish Israeli juggler, and they discover they share a painful both have lost their fathers to violence. As their friendship defies the deep-seated animosities that divide them, The Wire-Walker reveals more than just a tale of friendship; it is a raw and powerful commentary on the daily struggles faced by Amal and her community in the occupied West Bank. Set against the backdrop of 2019-2020, this poignant tale serves as a prequel to the struggles that have unfolded since, highlighting the enduring spirit of youth amidst conflict.
374 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 23, 2025
73 people want to read
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Displaying 1 of 1 review
November 20, 2025
At first, it took me a little time to get into the story. I think I was initially thrown off by the very short chapters, but I quickly realized they were actually a benefit which made it easy to sneak in reading during short breaks throughout the day.
The story really hooked me once the relationship between Amal and Tali began to unfold. I found it powerful that the author explores the complex, often painful tension between Palestinians and Israelis through the eyes of two young circus performers. Their personal stories made the political issues feel deeply personal and I sympathized with them as I read along.
The settings throughout the novel helped me visualize realities many Palestinians face, something I might not have understood otherwise. Reading about these places of biblical significance brought into a modern, conflicted context was a new perspective for me.
I also like the circus performances and also the driving passion the main character had for wire walking, which, in a way, drove her to strive for union in the realities Palestinians and Israelis face. Also, it seemed to be a source of her inner power to keep a good attitude amidst the unfairness her and her loved ones face.
Check the book out, especially if you'd like to understand the current state of affairs in that part of the world.
The story really hooked me once the relationship between Amal and Tali began to unfold. I found it powerful that the author explores the complex, often painful tension between Palestinians and Israelis through the eyes of two young circus performers. Their personal stories made the political issues feel deeply personal and I sympathized with them as I read along.
The settings throughout the novel helped me visualize realities many Palestinians face, something I might not have understood otherwise. Reading about these places of biblical significance brought into a modern, conflicted context was a new perspective for me.
I also like the circus performances and also the driving passion the main character had for wire walking, which, in a way, drove her to strive for union in the realities Palestinians and Israelis face. Also, it seemed to be a source of her inner power to keep a good attitude amidst the unfairness her and her loved ones face.
Check the book out, especially if you'd like to understand the current state of affairs in that part of the world.
Displaying 1 of 1 review