Secrets Under the Olive Tree

by Nevien Shaabneh

Layla Anwar is a young Palestinian born into a land plagued with an apartheid regime. She knows all too well what it means to be an outcast in a country she calls home. Layla is also an outsider within her village and family. Whispers surround her growing up, ones that mask the secrets her family has kept for generations. Secrets continue to plague Layla's adolescence and young adult life after the move to America, as the monsters of her past threaten to break the relationships she most cherishes. Layla uncovers the unholiest of secrets on her path to redemption and discovers the truth of her family's history.

Genres: Fiction, Historical Fiction, Contemporary, Book Club, Middle East, Historical, Literary Fiction

256 pages, Paperback

First published August 19, 2014

About the author

Dr. Nevien Shaabneh is an author and public speaker from the Chicagoland area.

She travels the country and conducts small and large scale workshops and presentations on writing, organizational culture, and culturally sustaining relationships. Most of all, she loves to connect with readers. Feel free to reach out to her!


Website: www.nevienshaabneh.com

Reviews

[Suzan Atallah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unafraid to step outside of the box, Nevien Shaabneh tugs at the strings of our hearts by humanizing her main character, Layla, and allowing her to learn from her trials and tribulations as well as allowing redemption to be emotion in contention. Secrets Under the Olive Tree helps shed light on the common misconceptions about Islam, Middle Eastern men and women, and the stereotypes that surround them. This novel is unlike any other novel written about Palestine and its beautiful culture. The imagery in this novel is so vivid that it ignited a powerful nostalgia for Palestine, making me feel the late night breeze that brushed against my face as I sat with my family beneath our fig tree. As a female Arab American and teacher of literature, I've been waiting for an author like Nevien Shaabneh to educate our generation and future generations to come through her refreshingly uninhibited, yet modestly courageous and touching message. Secrets Under the Olive Tree is undoubtedly a must read!

[Samantha O'brien · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just finished reading Secrets Under the Olive Tree and I have to say I loved every minute of it! I am obsessed with the story and hope there is a sequel! I honestly cannot wait! It was phenomenally written, I mean It kept me up all night! Beautiful novel, must read! Book clubs watch out, this one is heart-wrenching!

[William Fitz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I saw this on an ad on my FB and decided to check it out. I am happy I did! This novel was a great read! My book club is talking about reading it for next week! I have to say I am excited to get the paperback book and run through it again!

[SISTERS Magazine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Secrets Under the Olive Tree is a moving debut novel written by Palestinian-American writer, teacher, and poet, Nevien Shaabneh. It centers on the life of Layla Anwar, a carefree yet conflicted Palestinian girl born in a village overshadowed by the eyes of a community where judgmental gazes follow a girl's every move; where whispers shuffle from ear to ear; and where a girl's reputation is as delicate as thin glass.

Secrets Under the Olive Tree is a work of literary fiction that is wrought with secrets known and those untold, and the first chapter highlights the stain secrets can leave, no matter how deep they are buried. Innocence and naivety plunge Layla into a world where her questions remain unanswered, and it's hoped that the scene she witnessed would simply be forgotten. Despite the wall of silence, Layla's young eyes and mind come to realise why secrets must be kept when she tries to free herself of her own that threaten to further blacken her name – tainted on account of being born the wrong gender.

Being the only female amongst three male siblings would usually make any girl feel special, or at least be spoilt by relatives far and close, but Layla was singled out, shunned, and labelled a burden for a crime she remained unaware of ever committing. Journeying from war-torn Palestine to Chicago, cultures and customs remain intact amidst desires to be modern. Layla struggles to find her footing in a home so far from home; and with an abusive father who rarely looks her in the eye, the gentleness of her eldest brother remains her rock.

A refreshing and warming aspect of the book was the feature of a religious male character who transcends the stereotypical harsh and grizzly portrayal of men who feel close to their faith. Eiyad, Layla's eldest brother, is gentle, kind, and far from overbearing, yet he isn't perfect. Shaabneh struck a balance between humanity and Islam, and presented them as being mutually inclusive.

The theme of honour is heavily featured, with Layla being a scapegoat in a perceived conspiracy that her family name will be smeared. Boys must not be spoken to, must not become friends, and must stay a safe distance unless they're prepared to take a woman's hand in marriage. Yet, boys could do exactly as they pleased with very little fear of reproach as long as misdeeds occurred behind closed doors. Seeing and feeling the injustice both verbally and physically, a tumultuous string of events put Layla's life at risk, and it takes kind souls unafraid of words that linger behind closed doors for her broken pieces to be set aright. Mistakes are made, and hard lessons are learned, and a bittersweet revelation seals the book in a finale that calls for a sequel.

This isn't just a story about Layla and her father, but a story about several Arab women, and how cultural norms dictated the way they behaved in public. While the characters are fictional, their sense of loss, despair, and hope reflect a truth so many experience. Moments of heart shattering pain and loss mixed with overwhelming joy are ones readers can relish in, and its themes are those to be discussed in local and wider communities.

Touching on socio-political, cultural, and even legal issues surrounding the struggles of traversing displacement, self-worth, acceptance, honour, and love, Secrets Under the Olive Tree does justice to what could have become a book that weighs heavily on a political focus on Palestine.

Shaabneh interweaves both historical and Islamic knowledge amongst fiction, leaving the reader free from feeling talked down to. She paints a raw picture of the trials of being born a girl, in a patriarchal society, and how walking on eggshells can cause more damage to the self than the society it aims to appease.


* LaYinka Sanni wrote this review for the December 2014 issue of SISTERS Magazine. LaYinka is an editor, writing mentor, and EFL lecturer who checks out more books from the library than she can actually read. She's passionate in her support for new and upcoming authors, and offers her services via LY's Writing Service. She currently lives in London with her husband and two children, and taps away at: http://FromTuesday.wordpress.com.

[Ben Leiter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story! This book is one of the best books I read in years. The journey the main characters face is heart rending. This is a must read book you won't regret it.

[J · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Asa tarkhon sha'in wa hoo khariru lakum," - "Do not condemn your misfortune because it could be what leads you to your success."

I won this book in a giveaway some months ago and couldn't read because it was with my cousin.
finally I got my hands on it.
The story revolves around Layla, her past, her present and her future. It's the story of innocence, friendship and long lost dreams.
I weeped at how the writer portrayed the struggles of being a women in a male-driven society. it pulled at my heart strings ;(
Some of the things that happened in the book are closer to home, these are things all girl/women go through in the society and that is a very sad state of things. Time and again we are burdened by the tragedies of the world, only to be deemed worthless at the end. My heart goes out to all of you all women, I pray that kindness meets you on each pathway of your life. (This review came out a lil too emotional and personal for me.)
I have never read any book related to Palestine, and my heart aches to read about their misfortunes, I
pray that they are rewarded immensely for their sacrifices.
The writing reminded me of Khaled Hosseini, if you are an ardent fan of his do pick up this one too!

[Shereen Malherbe · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a heart wrenching journey of a young woman's life. I had to put it aside due to exam commitments but the moment I picked it up again, I couldn't get on with my life until I had finished reading about theirs! The book represents humanity, love and the beauty of Islam. What Nevien does, is separate the cultural issues from the true meaning of Islam which represents it in its true light, without ever being judgemental. A stunning debut novel whose characters lives intertwine and become impossible to forget.

[Batool · Rating 5 out of 5]

The fact that this novel is about a Palestinian girl "born into a land plagued with war and an apartheid regime" is what inspired me to read this book. I couldn't put it down once I started reading it. It is a very interesting and emotional story which remains with you long after you have finished it. It is one of those books which make you feel that you have to read it again! Definitely waiting for the next book by the author.

[Jennifer Siemann · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Muslim students, who happen to be Palestinian, recommended this book as one that should be added to the school collection. It's an amazing story that would help the average suburban student to look into the lives of other religions or ethnic backgrounds with courage and understanding. It draws the reader into a life story similar to that of The Kite Runner, a work of realistic fiction that endures its characters to the reader.

[Cit · Rating 3 out of 5]

Una historia muy bonita y escrita de manera muy agradable, pero plagada de personajes muy negros y blancos, sin matices grises, lo que los vuelve poco verosímiles.
Si esta novela no fuera escrita por alguien que viene de la cultura que describe, sería demasiado fantástica para ser verdad. Aún así, la falta de profundidad en los personajes termina por demeritar la escritura y la historia.

[Marianne Murray · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful and harrowing. Nvien Shaabneh speaks with a fierce heart of the impossibility of the situation in which the Palestinian people live - the consequences of post-WW2 international dictates righting one terrible wrong through imposition of another...

[Danah · Rating 1 out of 5]

Very disappointed on how inaccurate Muslim Palestinians are portrayed in this book. I was so excited to finally read a modern day piece of "literature" (this is not literature... this is smut and infuriated me the whole time reading it) that would finally give my people a voice. It is a shame that a Palestinian-American woman having the talent of being to articulate an idea and formulate it into a novel would chose to write something that would contribute to how badly we as a people are already misrepresented by our media outlets.

In an age where we are so misunderstood, a book that would help a non-muslim or a non-Arab understand our culture, our religion, our people a little bit better, is exactly what the Arab community desperately needs post 9/11. This book does the exact opposite. It feeds into that stereotypical, barbarian/Arab/muslim. It makes the people (myself included) who make it their personal mission every day to differentiate and educate the people around me about who I am who my people are and where I come from so very difficult to do.

Anyone who reads this book please remember this is FICTION to the most EXTREME level!!! Although it may seem realistic based on what's shown in the news all the time, I ask you to please keep the following in mind when reading... One: it is highly unlikely and VERY UNREALISTIC that in any corner of the world all these devastatingly unfortunate events could happen to just one person. Two: the people depicted in this book represent (if they do exist) such a insignificant percentage of people. Three: this book will not help you understand middle eastern mores and values.

[Eva · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nevien Shaabneh will be at the Chicago Ridge Public Library on Thursday, May 28th at 7 P.m. for a “meet and greet” and book signing.

My cousin, who is a local high school teacher in the south suburbs first mentioned this book to me a few months ago. I put it on my “to-read” list and forgot about it. But then a patron came into the library and asked me if I read this book. Since part of my Job in Adult Reference is Readers Advisory and I run a Book Club, I decided to give it a go. Now let me tell you, that the patron who asked me this question was not very happy with the author. She felt that the author made all Arab men look bad and gave non-Arab people a twisted view of how the culture is. I picked up this book and sank into the pages and into the world of Layla and after flying through it (and passing it on to my best friend) I have to say that I totally disagree with my patron. But we are all entitled to our opinion.

Layla touched a chord within me because I have known many “Laylas” growing up. The book is beautifully written and the mystery (although I figured it out very early) will keep you reading until the end. I cried three different times and if I get emotional over a character, the book is a winner. Pick up the book today, you will NOT be disappointed!!

[Liz P. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simply impeccable. Really, I only review books I can't stop talking about, and this was one of them. It has thrill, mystery, and had some really unexpected twists and turns. I bought the kindle version, which was convenient because I like to read when I am waiting for a client, but I also bought the book because I like owning copies of novels that I love. Just a great book, I learned so much and dismissed and I will admit that I rid myself of loads of stereotypes. Heard it was fiction, but honestly the emotions in this novel make it all seem so very real. Such a good read though, its one of those books you want to finish but wish you hadn't so you could keep on reading. Truly unexpected ending too. Can't wait for my copy to come in!
Read it, and have a tissue(s) handy!

[Leila · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was thought provoking and had me at the edge of my seat.

The author story telling ability is beautifully articulated

Layla took me on her journey, I was right there between the olive trees. I felt the pain and horror of a innocence lost. I felt the confusion and rejection from a father.

this is a must read!

[Karimah Grayson · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is sad when girls must keep secrets to keep themselves safe. This book let me into the culture of some Arabs. It is eye opening and a good read.

[Kristin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book. Story of Layla growing up in war-torn Palestine and Chicago. Always shunned by her village and her father for reasons she never knew until the end. Tragic and powerful.

[Kaitlyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am typically a reader of a variety of non-fiction and find it hard to immerse myself in fictional stories, but this is the first fiction in years I have read that fully engrossed me to where I would be leaning on the edge of my seat in some chapters as if it were a movie as I excitedly anticipated the next "big scene"! The writing is so beautiful and poetic at times that I would be in awe and share with others a single line of text, yet in instances where a vivid detailed description would be a disservice there is a minimalist approach that leaves the reader more imaginative than any author could ever be. The two in unison serve the narrative well and make it more personal to the reader.

I would say an impressive and skillful weaving of what starts as 3 separate timelines into one narrative structure left me feeling no confusion as to when each chapter was taking place despite lacking a direct and in-your-face distinction between them as they converge. It is just a book weaved of so many relatable feelings and themes that it made me cry tears of sadness in one chapter and tears of joy at certain events as well. I plain had to set the book aside and personally journal or take a break once or twice for its universal human experience relatable to those who have struggled.

In the final chapter I was left reading the last paragraph feeling fulfilled and complete in what I read. That does not mean I was not also saddened to reach the end, wondering if I could catch a bit of amnesia to read it over again for the first time!

Grounded and filled with edges made blunt by the matter of fact reality that themes covered are a daily occurrence in the world for many. It is a must read in my opinion!

[Kiana · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Mama, please make it right."

Nevien Shaabneh writes a captivating story about the life of Layla Anwar. The story goes back and forth between childhood and adulthood, and how Layla manages to survive in this world. Growing up with strict traditions and expectations, 'Secrets Under the Olive Tree' paints a story that we don't always get to read about. The point of view of Layla is refreshing and makes me crave more from Shaabneh.

The quote above I feel represents this entire book as a whole. There are always secrets, always lies that encompass the life of Layla and her family. While reading, you always want to know what those secrets are and why they were kept hidden. There is the constant need from every character to make their situations right. They see what happens behind the scenes, yet very few say or do anything about it. It is through no fault of thier own I believe, it is goes to show how a way of life can be so embedded in a group of people that they see no other way to live.

This book was not created to demonize anyone or anything, but it is a view into one side of the die. As with every culture and religion, there are many sides to the way people live, and I throughly enjoyed reading this side these past few weeks.

[haanee w · Rating 4 out of 5]

The "Dunya" is often idealized as a place where people of all nations and cultures coexist harmoniously, a vision of a perfect world. However, amidst this ideal, while some enjoy freedom, others are forced to flee their countries due to war, grappling with the challenge of assimilating into new societies and adapting their cultures and beliefs. Each person carries deep sorrows, battling longstanding struggles- the loss of their strongest supports and even of their own identities. What struck me more about this book, is how you think you know someone well, only for God to place you in challenging situations where unexpected secrets are revealed. It sheds patience, and persistence required to perceive things from a new perspective. The story revolves around a Palestinian woman, who from childhood through her youth and into adulthood, must continually erase dreams from her list.

[Carlos Villalobos · Rating 4 out of 5]

it's an enjoyable read, full of drama and pain, but also tenderness that heals the soul.

The characters are a bit flat, and that's the main element that is lacking.

The portrayal of male violence is shocking, even if sadly not completely surprising. I do wonder a lot about the probable dilemma the author faced when using her voice to represent a rather marginalized community, and how these stories of violence could be interpreted as representative of it, risking additional stigma. Despite the word of warning in the foreword one can't help but wonder how prevalent these situations are. However, I assume the author has a very good reason to show male brutality in such a transparent and ever present way.

[Mariam · Rating 2 out of 5]

As a Palestinian Muslim Arab born in Palestine and then raised in both America and Palestine...this novel didn’t completely sit well with me. Maybe I’ll expand on this later.

[Patti · Rating 5 out of 5]

I finished very quickly~ SO much to unpack in Layla's story. Wonderful book for a book club.

[Yumna · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is such a beautiful book. ❤️

[Marlene Aguilar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved it!

Enjoyed this book immensely! Loved the journey of Layla, to her finding her true self, love and the truth. Would recommend a million times over.

[Joseph Panozzo · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very interesting literary work. I had great empathy for the main character.

[Mai-lis · Rating 5 out of 5]

10 ⭐️'s

[Ashlyn Hilt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very insightful piece, loved the naive perspective of childhood clashing with reality of societal oppression. A powerful feminist work.

[doua · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars this was good but read the trigger warnings

[Arianne Cousteau · Rating 5 out of 5]

So much to say as I finished the book ten minutes ago. My friend lent me the book and I am going to buy my own because I do want it around. I read the book cover to cover and was truly fascinated. It was one of those good literary books that you are just consumed by. The writing is embracing, although its a summons a tear (both of joy and sorrow). Although fiction, the elements are as real as they can possibly get. I was born in France and have lived in the states for over twenty years. We appreciate people who know art. Whether it be a musician, an artist, or writers-I was taught to appreciate it all. At one point, I found myself a good friend to Layla. The characters were dynamic, different, and essential roles in her life. It truly goes to show you the domino effect of decisions made by one person, and the decisions made by all those before that person. Ugh, so happy with the ending but sad that it ended! I literally grasped for more. So good!
Truly a great read, inspiring, and an eye and heart opener. I don't review books much, but this one was just buzzing around my work so I decided to give it a try. I see many people agree with me on its wonder.
If the author is travelling I would like to know, I travel as well so I can probably catch a book talk or something-please post if news arises!