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Where Jasmine Blooms
"To the Mansours, an Arab American family living in Seattle, love knows no borders. But despite our best efforts, sometimes love-and family-are foreign to us. American-born Margaret Mansour wants nothing more than to rekindle the struggling twenty-year marriage to her Palestinian husband, Ahmed-but not if it means uprooting their home and children in America and moving halfway across the world. Young and ambitious Alison Mansour has a degree in Near East Studies, but her American education and Syrian background are of no use when her new marriage begins to crumble under the weight of cultural and religious differences. The communication between Alison and her husband is already shaky; how will they cope with the arrival of their first child? Zainab Mansour, the matriarch of her family, never expected to live in America, but after the death of her husband she finds herself lost in a faithless country and lonely within the walls of her eldest son's home. She wants what's best for her children but struggles to find her place in a new landscape. Emerging from the interwoven perspectives of these three women comes a story of love and longing, culture and compromise, home and homeland. Exploring the complex political backdrop of the Middle East from a personal perspective, Where Jasmine Blooms travels from the suburbs of Seattle to the villas of Jordan and the refugee camps of the West Bank, on an emotional journey exploring what it means to be a family"--
382 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 18, 2017
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 99 reviews
January 9, 2020
Alison, Margret, and Zainab are part of the same Palestinian family in Seattle, each facing their own set of issues that come along with cultural and religious differences. Zainab is the matriarch who is still in mourning for her husband and living with Margret and her husband Ahmed. Zainab is having a hard time with what she perceives as her kids getting Americanized and the loneliness of a country where most people don't speak her language. Margret has to deal with Zainab's expectations and hopes that differ from those she would expect from growing up in America, she has to make peace with all the family that comes along with Ahmed and the compromises that have to be made because of their different cultures. Alison marries into the family recently and has to try to come to terms with how much she is willing to change for Khalid, Ahmed's little brother, without losing herself.
Also I didn't understand the change of heart Margret has at the end it just felt so abrupt and unnecessary when she made such a huge deal through out the whole novel to begin with. Then suddenly she can see everyone else's side and goes back to compromising. Great job Margret you wasted months for no reason.
The book wasn't bad, it might just have been my own personal issues and preferences that got in the way of me being able to get into and enjoy it. I just couldn't stand the men in the book at all, even Ahmed who is supposed to be portrayed as being kind. . And the way Zainab behaved like being married was a matter of life or death, . The characters all behaved in such a frustrating manner that grated on my nerves because of issues I already have with my own experiences I guess. The only one I felt really bad for was Alison because she really did try, Khalid is just a dick.
I do think the book was written well and may be enjoyable for others, I just had a hard time not getting angry at everyone in the book and when I wasn't angry I was bored because it would devolve into politics that didn't do much for the story line.
Also I didn't understand the change of heart Margret has at the end it just felt so abrupt and unnecessary when she made such a huge deal through out the whole novel to begin with. Then suddenly she can see everyone else's side and goes back to compromising. Great job Margret you wasted months for no reason.
The book wasn't bad, it might just have been my own personal issues and preferences that got in the way of me being able to get into and enjoy it. I just couldn't stand the men in the book at all, even Ahmed who is supposed to be portrayed as being kind. . And the way Zainab behaved like being married was a matter of life or death, . The characters all behaved in such a frustrating manner that grated on my nerves because of issues I already have with my own experiences I guess. The only one I felt really bad for was Alison because she really did try, Khalid is just a dick.
I do think the book was written well and may be enjoyable for others, I just had a hard time not getting angry at everyone in the book and when I wasn't angry I was bored because it would devolve into politics that didn't do much for the story line.
April 21, 2017
1? 2.5?
Oh boy! This book was a real head banger. So many times during the reading of it I wanted to DNF. Honestly, this 3 star rating is weak because the characters drove me crazy! At times, I wanted to slap the freckles off Margaret's face and shake the self righteousness right out of Alison. Never has a book showcased white privilege as much as this. The way Margaret and Alison treated their in laws. One husband is a doormat and the other is every stereotype of an Arab man that the author could drudge up. Margaret doesn't even realize how selfish she is until 95% into the book. Girl, cry me a river!! Listen, I am not really sure why this book is making me so angry. It just did!
Thanks to NetGalley for an advanced digital galley of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Oh boy! This book was a real head banger. So many times during the reading of it I wanted to DNF. Honestly, this 3 star rating is weak because the characters drove me crazy! At times, I wanted to slap the freckles off Margaret's face and shake the self righteousness right out of Alison. Never has a book showcased white privilege as much as this. The way Margaret and Alison treated their in laws. One husband is a doormat and the other is every stereotype of an Arab man that the author could drudge up. Margaret doesn't even realize how selfish she is until 95% into the book. Girl, cry me a river!! Listen, I am not really sure why this book is making me so angry. It just did!
Thanks to NetGalley for an advanced digital galley of this book in exchange for an honest review.
March 1, 2017
There is more to this book than it seems at first. There is the insight into a Muslim-American family within the background of the current political situation. There is the complication of a multi-generational family structure. There is the complexity of the perspectives of three very different women. This all creates an interesting and easy-to-read story of a family struggling to redefine itself and provide the support each member needs. I think I learned quite a bit from this book and I think it will stay with me for quite some time.
I won a copy of this book in a Goodreads giveaway.
I won a copy of this book in a Goodreads giveaway.
April 2, 2017
I got this from a Goodreads giveaway and I am so happy that I did. This book was a little slow to start getting interesting but then it really took off and I couldn't put it down. This book to me was a real celebration of the families we choose to create for our children.
April 1, 2017
This is a story of a large Palestinian family, in Seattle, WA where two of the sons have married women from the United States. A story which is rich in the culture of the middle east, from the customs, to the food and dress and the never ending loyalty to each other, and the rituals of prayer all which sometimes is hard on the wives the sons have married. It is about the compromises and understanding of cultural differences, and learning how to navigate, their marriages.
The story goes mainly between the lives Of Margaret Mansour, married to the eldest son Ahmed, who has made a good life for himself in the restaurant business in Seattle, but after twenty some years in the USA would love to live once again in the Middle East.
His brother Khalid, a student, meets his wife to be at the university, Alison, and Khalid married shortly after meeting and started a family but have a hard time with the cultural differences which did not seem to be an issue at the time they met.
And Ahmed and Kahlid's mother, Zainab, who a year ago lost her husband and has been living with Margaret and Ahmed, and who is quite an influential force in this family, who quite often get between her sons and their wives.
All of these characters, need to come to an understanding about what it means to be a united family and how to achieve it, this was a great story of family dynamics, love for their cultures, countries and values. Quite often needing to see a broader perspective, to be able to move on..
I would like to thank NetGalley and Skyhorse Publishing for the ARC of this book.k
The story goes mainly between the lives Of Margaret Mansour, married to the eldest son Ahmed, who has made a good life for himself in the restaurant business in Seattle, but after twenty some years in the USA would love to live once again in the Middle East.
His brother Khalid, a student, meets his wife to be at the university, Alison, and Khalid married shortly after meeting and started a family but have a hard time with the cultural differences which did not seem to be an issue at the time they met.
And Ahmed and Kahlid's mother, Zainab, who a year ago lost her husband and has been living with Margaret and Ahmed, and who is quite an influential force in this family, who quite often get between her sons and their wives.
All of these characters, need to come to an understanding about what it means to be a united family and how to achieve it, this was a great story of family dynamics, love for their cultures, countries and values. Quite often needing to see a broader perspective, to be able to move on..
I would like to thank NetGalley and Skyhorse Publishing for the ARC of this book.k
April 28, 2017
I enjoyed reading Where Jasmine Blooms. The author has done an excellent job in showing authentic Arab culture and the importance of family relations. My favorite part was when the family travelled to Jordan and the West Bank. As I have been there myself, I felt like I was traveling in the streets of Jerusalem and the West Bank with the characters. The author shows the influence of culture on our thinking and decision making process. The way the book ended was brilliant as it shows as time goes by, the main character Margaret starts to see things from others’ points of view, and her judgement becomes more realistic and sympathetic. Good book for readers interested in cross-cultural relations.
April 17, 2017
Where Jasmine Blooms follows the trials of Palenstinian-American family from the view of Zainab, the recently-widowed matriarch, Margaret, Seattle-born wife of Zainab's eldest son Ahmed and Alison a student of Near Eastern Studies of student descent engaged to Zainab's younger son Khalid.
Where Jasmine Blooms looks at the conflicts within this extended family, focusing on the cultural and generational conflicts that these women must negotiate. Margaret has been married to Ahmed for twenty years and has converted to Islam but is increasingly frustrated by the demands of his family, particularly Zainab who has moved into their suburban home since the death of her husband.
Alison is a new member of the family. Fascinated and intrigued by Arab culture she meets Khalid at university and is swept off her feet, desperate to explore the culture of his new family and learn about lives of those Mansours still living in Palestine.
Zainab feels solitary and homesick, trying to manage her family the best she can in the absence of her husband. She is isolated by her lack of English and the imperfect Arabic of her daughters-in-law and worried about her family in the Middle East.
Warah provides an honest and unflinching look at a multi-cultural family trying to negotiate the difficulties of their many differences whether it is of faith or family roles. Her characters are generally sympathetic and their frustrations understandable; love and affection are not always enough to solve the many problems. Despite the well-rounded way the characters and thoughts of these women are described the rest of the family is weaker. We get to know the men far less and the extended family and friends are a little too governed by stereotypes. The final few pages represent such an abrupt change of heart that it doesn't quite fit with the convincing representation of the spectrum of belief and option constructed in the rest of the story. Ultimately it is a nuanced and forthright picture of acculturation that does not gloss over the realities but is ultimately hopeful.
Where Jasmine Blooms looks at the conflicts within this extended family, focusing on the cultural and generational conflicts that these women must negotiate. Margaret has been married to Ahmed for twenty years and has converted to Islam but is increasingly frustrated by the demands of his family, particularly Zainab who has moved into their suburban home since the death of her husband.
Alison is a new member of the family. Fascinated and intrigued by Arab culture she meets Khalid at university and is swept off her feet, desperate to explore the culture of his new family and learn about lives of those Mansours still living in Palestine.
Zainab feels solitary and homesick, trying to manage her family the best she can in the absence of her husband. She is isolated by her lack of English and the imperfect Arabic of her daughters-in-law and worried about her family in the Middle East.
Warah provides an honest and unflinching look at a multi-cultural family trying to negotiate the difficulties of their many differences whether it is of faith or family roles. Her characters are generally sympathetic and their frustrations understandable; love and affection are not always enough to solve the many problems. Despite the well-rounded way the characters and thoughts of these women are described the rest of the family is weaker. We get to know the men far less and the extended family and friends are a little too governed by stereotypes. The final few pages represent such an abrupt change of heart that it doesn't quite fit with the convincing representation of the spectrum of belief and option constructed in the rest of the story. Ultimately it is a nuanced and forthright picture of acculturation that does not gloss over the realities but is ultimately hopeful.
April 13, 2017
I greatly enjoyed this family saga of women caught between themselves, their dreams, and their expectations. Margaret was instantly relatable and I grew to appreciate the idiosyncrasies of Alison and Zainab. The author intricately weaves these women together, showing similarities the women have between one another when all they can see are differences. The evocative imagery, ranging from the Mediterranean air of Jordan to the pine suburbs of Seattle, was immersive, as was the dialogue which is both Arabic and English. I was a little surprised with Margaret's decision at the end of the novel but, the more I thought about it, the more fitting it seemed. Like real people, characters realize the truth around them slowly and they don't think on the aspects of life they haven't discovered yet.
And, to address the politics that come up in this book, if those discussions were not there, these characters would not be realistic. They would not exist in our world if they did not have fervent opinions about current events. That being said, the political talk does not take over the book and is not its purpose. Why anyone would pick up a book about a Palestinian-American family and be surprised by the mention of world politics is beyond me.
Lastly, the book cover is seriously gorgeous. I love it.
Note: I received a free Kindle edition of this book via NetGalley and this in no way influenced my sincere opinion of the work. I would like to thank NetGalley, Skyhorse Publishing, and the author Holly S. Warah for the opportunity to read and review it.
And, to address the politics that come up in this book, if those discussions were not there, these characters would not be realistic. They would not exist in our world if they did not have fervent opinions about current events. That being said, the political talk does not take over the book and is not its purpose. Why anyone would pick up a book about a Palestinian-American family and be surprised by the mention of world politics is beyond me.
Lastly, the book cover is seriously gorgeous. I love it.
Note: I received a free Kindle edition of this book via NetGalley and this in no way influenced my sincere opinion of the work. I would like to thank NetGalley, Skyhorse Publishing, and the author Holly S. Warah for the opportunity to read and review it.
April 28, 2017
I feel lucky that I got this book from Netgalley for an honest review.I didn't give it 5 stars for 2 reasons.
The book cover is amazing and gorgeous!
I loved it! maybe because I'm from Egypt and I support Palestine. It was nice to read a book that telling the truth about what is really happening that everyone is trying to make us forget. It's about a Muslim_American family living in Seattle and you see what is really happening with the eyes of three women Zeineb, Margret, and Alison. It was nice to have 3 perspectives of what is really happening. Zeinab was a Muslim from Palestine living now in America and Margret who converted to Islam and Alison whose grandparents were from Syria but she wasn't a Muslim. She was interested in the Arabic culture.
The book might seem a bit educational for the people who know nothing about Arabs. People who don't know any Muslims might dislike it too. But for me, it was a great book.
The only 2 reasons I didn't give it 5 stars are because of the word Jerusalem( اورشليم). We never say it. Muslims who actually living in the Middle East say Al-Quds (القدس). Jerusalem is the national capital of Israel which it's real name to Arabs AL-Quds so I was surprised that Ahmed's family are saying Jerusalem instead of Al-Quds. Also, the writer mentioned a lot of Arabic words like food and school but the monuments in Palestine was not written in Arabic like Al Aqsa mosque (المسجد الاقصي)
The book cover is amazing and gorgeous!
I loved it! maybe because I'm from Egypt and I support Palestine. It was nice to read a book that telling the truth about what is really happening that everyone is trying to make us forget. It's about a Muslim_American family living in Seattle and you see what is really happening with the eyes of three women Zeineb, Margret, and Alison. It was nice to have 3 perspectives of what is really happening. Zeinab was a Muslim from Palestine living now in America and Margret who converted to Islam and Alison whose grandparents were from Syria but she wasn't a Muslim. She was interested in the Arabic culture.
The book might seem a bit educational for the people who know nothing about Arabs. People who don't know any Muslims might dislike it too. But for me, it was a great book.
The only 2 reasons I didn't give it 5 stars are because of the word Jerusalem( اورشليم). We never say it. Muslims who actually living in the Middle East say Al-Quds (القدس). Jerusalem is the national capital of Israel which it's real name to Arabs AL-Quds so I was surprised that Ahmed's family are saying Jerusalem instead of Al-Quds. Also, the writer mentioned a lot of Arabic words like food and school but the monuments in Palestine was not written in Arabic like Al Aqsa mosque (المسجد الاقصي)
April 23, 2017
A wonderful family saga that examines the reality of floundering and flourishing in a cross cultural marriage. As someone who lives in the Arab world and has witnessed many friends living with the exact issues this book brings to light, I found it refreshing and honest. Beneath the cultural and political realities is also a beautiful story with dynamic characters. A quick and enjoyable read. Extra bonus: if you happen to have the call to prayer in the background (like I did) while reading this book you will be immersed in the story even more!
April 9, 2017
A fascinating family saga that looks at the difficulties facing three women in an Arab- American family. The matriarch , Zainab is still trying to come to terms with the loss of her husband, and has travelled to America to stay with her son Ahmed and his American wife of twenty years, Margaret. Their marriage is reaching a crisis point as he is desperate to move back to the Middle East and she is resisting with all her might. Meanwhile Zainab's younger son has also chosen an American wife, the young and independent Alison, who may have been drawn in by her love of Arab culture, rather than her feelings for the man she has married.
These very different but equally fascinating women come together in times of joy and crisis and gradually learn more about themselves and the family they all belong to, learning to accept and tolerate their differences, while becoming closer to one another.
I enjoyed the book as a whole, and found the parts set in the Middle East particularly fascinating. The vivid descriptions of the sights, sounds and even smells made the setting come to life for me as a reader. The characters are very well rounded, drawing both empathy and anger from the reader at times, making them feel very real.
Overall a very enjoyable read.
I read an ARC from Netgalley.
These very different but equally fascinating women come together in times of joy and crisis and gradually learn more about themselves and the family they all belong to, learning to accept and tolerate their differences, while becoming closer to one another.
I enjoyed the book as a whole, and found the parts set in the Middle East particularly fascinating. The vivid descriptions of the sights, sounds and even smells made the setting come to life for me as a reader. The characters are very well rounded, drawing both empathy and anger from the reader at times, making them feel very real.
Overall a very enjoyable read.
I read an ARC from Netgalley.
May 2, 2017
This story shares the experiences of three women. One just married, one married 20 years and one a new widow. We live with them as they adjust to their particular stage in life. All of this with an added adventure into the world of living in a multicultural family.
May 17, 2017
Holly Warah's characters touched my heart. They were equally endearing and frustrating. I felt I knew them. Having lived and worked in the Middle East for a number of years and earlier in life having friends from various Arab countries while attending university, I was fortunate to have a base of experience with Arab cultures. Holly's portrayal of intercultural clashes and bonds rang true throughout the book. Her prose style was smooth and equally inviting. I particularly enjoyed her inclusion of Arabic phrases, phrases I know so well and miss now that I don't hear them as often as before. Where Jasmine Blooms was a gift of memory for me and I thank Holly for it.
March 26, 2019
I devoured this book. It elegantly and compassionately captures the strains of a cross-cultural marriage, life in Seattle, life in the Middle East, and the agonies of being Palestinian.
Margaret has been married to Ahmed, a Palestinian, for 20 years, and adapted pretty well (she thought) to the demands of his extended family. We follow her, as well as her mother-in-law and new sister-in-law, who is a young American infatuated with Arab culture. The story is told in all three voices. Although the voices of the two American women are the most believable, the illiterate Palestinian mother-in-law's viewpoint is fascinating, and reminds us how there are always several ways to interpret any encounter.
This book is filled with a lot of heartache, and a lot of love. We experience the difficulties of forgiveness within a well-established marriage, plus the traumas of a new bride entering a different culture. We see how everyone has a different expectation of marriage, family, duty, parenthood, and even life trajectory.
I especially loved the way that that Palestinians looked at their American in-laws -- distrusted them, misunderstood them, and actually accepted them when push came to shove. The details about living in suburban Seattle were spot-on. The writer had to be describing real-life experiences; nobody could understand being a bicultural wife so well otherwise.
A few highlights, from the Palestinian mother-in-law's viewpoint:
“Yama, it’s my proof that I won’t stay in America forever.” Zainab wondered why anyone would choose to do that—stay in America forever."
"Zainab said nothing. All her energy went into the wad of worry inside her."
Margaret has been married to Ahmed, a Palestinian, for 20 years, and adapted pretty well (she thought) to the demands of his extended family. We follow her, as well as her mother-in-law and new sister-in-law, who is a young American infatuated with Arab culture. The story is told in all three voices. Although the voices of the two American women are the most believable, the illiterate Palestinian mother-in-law's viewpoint is fascinating, and reminds us how there are always several ways to interpret any encounter.
This book is filled with a lot of heartache, and a lot of love. We experience the difficulties of forgiveness within a well-established marriage, plus the traumas of a new bride entering a different culture. We see how everyone has a different expectation of marriage, family, duty, parenthood, and even life trajectory.
I especially loved the way that that Palestinians looked at their American in-laws -- distrusted them, misunderstood them, and actually accepted them when push came to shove. The details about living in suburban Seattle were spot-on. The writer had to be describing real-life experiences; nobody could understand being a bicultural wife so well otherwise.
A few highlights, from the Palestinian mother-in-law's viewpoint:
“Yama, it’s my proof that I won’t stay in America forever.” Zainab wondered why anyone would choose to do that—stay in America forever."
"Zainab said nothing. All her energy went into the wad of worry inside her."
April 5, 2024
⭐️ 3/5 —
what a unique and odd story. one that tries to tell us what it is for arabs to leave their homecountry trying to fit in with the west. were a few western people can accept that arabs are different others cannot.
i was constantly curious what the story will bring, although there was no plot or anything it was a quite fun read (very judgmental ngl, bc i don’t believe what was written in it is a representation of a “real arab household”)
what a unique and odd story. one that tries to tell us what it is for arabs to leave their homecountry trying to fit in with the west. were a few western people can accept that arabs are different others cannot.
i was constantly curious what the story will bring, although there was no plot or anything it was a quite fun read (very judgmental ngl, bc i don’t believe what was written in it is a representation of a “real arab household”)
November 6, 2017
Cross-cultural marriage.
This excellent book is primarily an observation into the issues of cross-cultural marriage, its joys and problems, as seen through the eyes of three women. However, it is also so much more, for not only does it delve into the lives of displaced Palestinian families living in America, it also shows us life in the refugee camps of Jordan, portrays the business of Palestinian weddings and takes us on a visit into Jerusalem and Bethlehem.
The three main female characters represent three generations; Zainab, the elderly, recently bereaved mother-in-law, Margaret, married for twenty years to Zainab's son, Ahmed, and Alison, recently graduated and about to marry Zainab's younger son, Khaled. Zainab is a displaced Palestinian, living in America and Margaret and Alison are both American (although Alison has Syrian roots).
Tragically, the author died not long after publishing this book, so her planned sequel will never see the light of day - a sad loss for us all.
As a general rule, we are not an overly generous book group when it comes to the star ratings at the end of our discussion, but this novel was almost unanimously a 4/5 star book for our members. The author had planned, several months before, to join our meeting and we were were sorry not to be able to pass on our enthusiasm. However, we were very lucky to be able to invite one of her writer's group to our discussion to help explain some of the background to the story and fill us in on interesting editorial changes.
This is an excellent read, highly recommended...and the cover is stunning.
This excellent book is primarily an observation into the issues of cross-cultural marriage, its joys and problems, as seen through the eyes of three women. However, it is also so much more, for not only does it delve into the lives of displaced Palestinian families living in America, it also shows us life in the refugee camps of Jordan, portrays the business of Palestinian weddings and takes us on a visit into Jerusalem and Bethlehem.
The three main female characters represent three generations; Zainab, the elderly, recently bereaved mother-in-law, Margaret, married for twenty years to Zainab's son, Ahmed, and Alison, recently graduated and about to marry Zainab's younger son, Khaled. Zainab is a displaced Palestinian, living in America and Margaret and Alison are both American (although Alison has Syrian roots).
Tragically, the author died not long after publishing this book, so her planned sequel will never see the light of day - a sad loss for us all.
As a general rule, we are not an overly generous book group when it comes to the star ratings at the end of our discussion, but this novel was almost unanimously a 4/5 star book for our members. The author had planned, several months before, to join our meeting and we were were sorry not to be able to pass on our enthusiasm. However, we were very lucky to be able to invite one of her writer's group to our discussion to help explain some of the background to the story and fill us in on interesting editorial changes.
This is an excellent read, highly recommended...and the cover is stunning.
July 8, 2017
Cultural difference? Their marriage no longer contained two distinct cultures. They had each changed over the years, assimilating to the other, forming their own culture, neither American nor Arab, a sort of blend of the two. Yet that balance had been disrupted.
Told by three women of the same family, each searching or holding on to their identity. Zainab the mother of Arab sons who married American women. After the death of her husband now lives with her eldest son and his wife Margaret. Zainab desires for her family to go back to the Middle East. Her urgency creates tension for the family.
Margaret who has been married for twenty years and is happy living in suburbs in Seattle Washington. Their home is grand central station for her husband's Arab family that she continues to resent. When her husband broadsides her with a move back to the Middle East, will she come to terms with her husband's heritage that has been hers but now she must face.
Alison a student of the Middle East falls in love with Khalid and is brought into the family. Their marriage is quick and the fallout is even quicker as their relationship changes quite rapidly after marriage.
An enlighten read of the Arab culture and of the cry of the Arab people. It was not political read but more of culture, heritage and family.
A Special Thank You to Skyhorse Publishing and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.
Told by three women of the same family, each searching or holding on to their identity. Zainab the mother of Arab sons who married American women. After the death of her husband now lives with her eldest son and his wife Margaret. Zainab desires for her family to go back to the Middle East. Her urgency creates tension for the family.
Margaret who has been married for twenty years and is happy living in suburbs in Seattle Washington. Their home is grand central station for her husband's Arab family that she continues to resent. When her husband broadsides her with a move back to the Middle East, will she come to terms with her husband's heritage that has been hers but now she must face.
Alison a student of the Middle East falls in love with Khalid and is brought into the family. Their marriage is quick and the fallout is even quicker as their relationship changes quite rapidly after marriage.
An enlighten read of the Arab culture and of the cry of the Arab people. It was not political read but more of culture, heritage and family.
A Special Thank You to Skyhorse Publishing and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.
April 7, 2017
It was educational and boring at the same time. I would compare it to a reality of a typical Palestinian family in America, the conflicts, the love, the drama. Story was well written and character development was well done but the story was flat.
Three phases of married life. Wife wonders where time goes. Husband decides he wants change. Wife says no. Husband is depressed. Along with the new married couple learning that they really aren't fans of each other but married anyway. Lastly, a window navigating life with her children's while adjusting to life without her spouse.
Part of me wish it delved more into the West Bank issues and part of me thinks it was too political for a novel. It's almost akin of "if you're going to do it, then really dive in and don't just hint".
Overall the book was well written and wasn't a horrible read. It was just flat and boring. Something to kill time with while I'm home nursing a cold.
Three phases of married life. Wife wonders where time goes. Husband decides he wants change. Wife says no. Husband is depressed. Along with the new married couple learning that they really aren't fans of each other but married anyway. Lastly, a window navigating life with her children's while adjusting to life without her spouse.
Part of me wish it delved more into the West Bank issues and part of me thinks it was too political for a novel. It's almost akin of "if you're going to do it, then really dive in and don't just hint".
Overall the book was well written and wasn't a horrible read. It was just flat and boring. Something to kill time with while I'm home nursing a cold.
May 26, 2019
I thought this book was a great look at family matriarchs and how they work and struggle across cultures and generations. I think it's important to realize that the book is most definitely written from a white American perspective -- or at least that's how it comes across. I think if you keep that in mind, you can get a lot out of this book. I had a lot of empathy for Margaret and Alison, who like myself married into a different culture and have to wrestle with how their expectations for raising a family jive (or don't) with the families they married into. It also helped me see my own MIL (who is not Arab but did immigrate to the U.S.) in a new light. I highly recommend this book for moms who are raising mixed race children -- particularly with grandparents who immigrated -- or men and others who want to understand the tensions, give, take and dynamics.
January 13, 2018
This book was packed with detail about the strong cultural ties of this Arab family as some members marry American women.
I found it interesting that much of the book was told from the perspective of three of the women in the family. The mother (as she was often referred to) or Zainab, Margaret and Alison the two American wives. All while it was the males often in the mixed marriages that created much of the stress.
Most of the book jumped back and forth highlighting all the cultural expectations and rituals. Family. Family. Family.
That being said I was surprised that the ending honed in on one of the son's, and his wife, with little time taken to leave the reader with a satisfactory closure of the other.
This was an ok book.
I found it interesting that much of the book was told from the perspective of three of the women in the family. The mother (as she was often referred to) or Zainab, Margaret and Alison the two American wives. All while it was the males often in the mixed marriages that created much of the stress.
Most of the book jumped back and forth highlighting all the cultural expectations and rituals. Family. Family. Family.
That being said I was surprised that the ending honed in on one of the son's, and his wife, with little time taken to leave the reader with a satisfactory closure of the other.
This was an ok book.
January 6, 2018
This is a good book about cross cultural marriages and the Palestinian heritage. I had initially given it a 4 after discussing it with my book club (specially since we had the late author's friend joining our discussion) but now I feel that it was an over-estimate and I have marked it down to a 3 stars. Let me explain why...
We got a good insight about the different types of relationships and the different ways a cross cultural marriage can go. It was difficult and full of compromises for one couple and the opposite for another. Now many people would think that the latter would work where the former wouldn't. I think this book teaches us the opposite (or atleast that it my take on it :P ). Marriage is supposed to be difficult to a certain point and you are expected to make compromises and meet each other half way, just as long as you don't lose yourself halfway through the process.... Another interesting character was the Palestinian mother who still thinks that she knows best, while she is lost herself without her husband and long time companion.
Now why did I mark it down? It was not inspiring... well-written perhaps, but there was nothing very special to me, other than making everyone who reads it think ten times before going through with a cross cultural marriage!
We got a good insight about the different types of relationships and the different ways a cross cultural marriage can go. It was difficult and full of compromises for one couple and the opposite for another. Now many people would think that the latter would work where the former wouldn't. I think this book teaches us the opposite (or atleast that it my take on it :P ). Marriage is supposed to be difficult to a certain point and you are expected to make compromises and meet each other half way, just as long as you don't lose yourself halfway through the process.... Another interesting character was the Palestinian mother who still thinks that she knows best, while she is lost herself without her husband and long time companion.
Now why did I mark it down? It was not inspiring... well-written perhaps, but there was nothing very special to me, other than making everyone who reads it think ten times before going through with a cross cultural marriage!
November 12, 2018
I've been watching 90 Day Fiancé a lot lately (a reality show where Americans get married to people from other countries and only have 90 days to do so) and I find the differences between the cultures fascinating. This novel made me think of the show, especially since there were some couples on there where the guys were Muslim.
Holly Warah paints an interesting picture of a different culture. I like how she incorporated Muslim phrases and then translated them each time. I also enjoyed witnessing the various rituals around holidays, weddings, etc. I was able to relate to some aspects of the story and felt I could relate to Margaret the most in regards to what she was going through and feeling.
However, the reason I could only give this novel three stars is that Holly poked the bear way too much in regards to one issue in the story. She should have avoided it altogether or kept it neutral if it had to be mentioned at all. Unfortunately, it took away from my overall enjoyment of the story, as I got annoyed every time it came up and I am loath to recommend it to other readers as a result.
I think this novel will lead to some heated discussions in my book club. I already know that someone else was just as upset about the issue that bothered me the most.
Aside from the above issue, I felt the story could have done fine with just focusing on the marriages of Alison and Margaret to Khalid and Ahmed, respectively. Those parts interested me the most. I didn't even feel like Zainab's point of view was necessary. I also felt like the story was all over the place at times, as if Holly couldn't decide how much to fit in or take out.
Nevertheless, I couldn't help but cast this as a movie (as long as my suggested changes were made):
Margaret: Jessica Chastain
Alison: Anne Winters
Zainab: Shohreh Aghdashloo
Ahmed: Omar Metwally
Khalid: Avan Jogia
Holly Warah paints an interesting picture of a different culture. I like how she incorporated Muslim phrases and then translated them each time. I also enjoyed witnessing the various rituals around holidays, weddings, etc. I was able to relate to some aspects of the story and felt I could relate to Margaret the most in regards to what she was going through and feeling.
However, the reason I could only give this novel three stars is that Holly poked the bear way too much in regards to one issue in the story. She should have avoided it altogether or kept it neutral if it had to be mentioned at all. Unfortunately, it took away from my overall enjoyment of the story, as I got annoyed every time it came up and I am loath to recommend it to other readers as a result.
I think this novel will lead to some heated discussions in my book club. I already know that someone else was just as upset about the issue that bothered me the most.
Aside from the above issue, I felt the story could have done fine with just focusing on the marriages of Alison and Margaret to Khalid and Ahmed, respectively. Those parts interested me the most. I didn't even feel like Zainab's point of view was necessary. I also felt like the story was all over the place at times, as if Holly couldn't decide how much to fit in or take out.
Nevertheless, I couldn't help but cast this as a movie (as long as my suggested changes were made):
Margaret: Jessica Chastain
Alison: Anne Winters
Zainab: Shohreh Aghdashloo
Ahmed: Omar Metwally
Khalid: Avan Jogia
September 1, 2021
Not worth the read...predictable and boringly slow.
The only thing one can associate with is that its tremendously difficult to blend into other cultures.But alas, when one is in love,none realize the struggle they will face.Beginnings are all flattery but soon after these turn into strict harsh rules.
The only thing one can associate with is that its tremendously difficult to blend into other cultures.But alas, when one is in love,none realize the struggle they will face.Beginnings are all flattery but soon after these turn into strict harsh rules.
November 17, 2019
Could not put the book down! I mean the Kindle.
Very good story. The author had a great knowledge of the Arab culture.
I learned a lot through this book, alongside following the emotions of the three woman characters.
One of the best books I read!
Very good story. The author had a great knowledge of the Arab culture.
I learned a lot through this book, alongside following the emotions of the three woman characters.
One of the best books I read!
December 14, 2025
Could be a lot shorter, annoying characters mid writing
September 7, 2018
Marvelous book which intertwined the story of 3 women in a Muslim-American family. Captures the family dynamics and their personal struggles as well. Very engaging and highly recommended.
May 13, 2020
this book felt a bit like a rollercoaster for me. i wanted to enjoy it because i enjoyed learning about the culture and way of living the book shared especially since we get not only three different perspectives but three different generations and lifestyles but with direct connections not only through religion but through family relationships.
but there were so many things that just didn’t work for me in this book on all aspects!
i am not sure if i am just not the right reader for this book or what it was but this was just not for me!
*Thanks to NetGalley.com, the publisher and the author for providing me with a free e-copy of this book in exchange for a free and honest review*
but there were so many things that just didn’t work for me in this book on all aspects!
i am not sure if i am just not the right reader for this book or what it was but this was just not for me!
*Thanks to NetGalley.com, the publisher and the author for providing me with a free e-copy of this book in exchange for a free and honest review*
June 25, 2018
I love stories that span cultures, traditions and even religions beliefs. I am hungry for stories about other cultures, especially those that are often viewed as radicals like people born in the Middle East, etc. I think those people have a lot of stories to tell but they just don't get a lot of chance to tell them to the world. This story is a great example. This is a story of three women. Three women of diverse culture, origin and beliefs. These three were forced to deal with each one's eccentricities and learned to live with each other because they were bound by love, family and marriage. In the end, they all wanted the same things in life, in spite of their differences. This is a very touching story of Arab people who were originally from Palestine. How they came to the US and live a new life knowing they have family left in the war-torn confines of Jordan.
It was my first time to read a story where some of the characters where from Palestine. It was refreshing and a learning experience to be able to understand their experiences living or being caught in the cross-fire between two opposing countries, both in ideology and in their fight in protecting their territories. It was a sad plight, knowing they can't even visit the places where they used to frequent as a child. It was heartbreaking to hear that these people are depending on the government for their daily sustenance because there are very few or no jobs that they could find because of the turmoil their land is going through. I sympathize with them. We often hear of news about Israel but we seldom hear information about the plight of the other side of the conflict. This is an eye-opener for me. Both sides had their own casualties and difficulties because of this age-old conflict. The people who are mostly affected are the ordinary citizens trying to survive. I hope this conflict ends before generations are lost and the hatred gets passed on to the next generation who will inherit these lands. That is if there will be anyone left. God forbid.
This story also delved into the intricacies of the Muslim religion. The traditions and celebrations of Muslims have to fulfill in order to keep their faith. The prayers, the celebration of Ramadan, how marriages are done, etc. It's a peek into the life of those non-Muslims who married into the Muslim community, whether they converted or not.
I was fascinated with this story, because it brought me to new places and let me witness new experiences. Yes, this story strengthened my dream to one day visit the Holy Land. Part of the pilgrimage will take me into some of the places mentioned in this story that Palestinians are no longer able to visit freely. Only tourists are given the privilege. Someday, when I will finally have the opportunity to walk in the streets of Jerusalem and Bethlehem, I will remember the fascinating characters of this story which will just make the trip even more memorable for me.
I give this story 4/5 Muslim prayer mats. This story reminds me of the stories written by Khaleed Hoseeini. This story resonates with the same theme of love and family. And just like the rest of us, Palestinians have the same hopes, wishes and dreams. We may have different beliefs and cultures but we all strive for one goal and that is to have a better life for our family. And like the three women in this story--Zainab, Margaret and Alison Mansour, we only wants what's best for the people we love. Wherever the jasmine blooms is where her roots find nourishment to grow and nourish. This is the story of all Muslim US immigrants. Just like the jasmine and Zainab, wherever you are in the world, no matter how far or remote you are from the land of your birth, as long as you have your family near, it will always feel like home. Yes, home is where the heart is. It's not necessarily anchored to a specific physical place.
Would she ever live in the one place she truly belonged? Or would she only be a visitor, a traveler carrying her homeland around in her heart?
- Holly S. Warah, Where the Jasmine Blooms -
Thank you again, Netgalley for the review copy.
It was my first time to read a story where some of the characters where from Palestine. It was refreshing and a learning experience to be able to understand their experiences living or being caught in the cross-fire between two opposing countries, both in ideology and in their fight in protecting their territories. It was a sad plight, knowing they can't even visit the places where they used to frequent as a child. It was heartbreaking to hear that these people are depending on the government for their daily sustenance because there are very few or no jobs that they could find because of the turmoil their land is going through. I sympathize with them. We often hear of news about Israel but we seldom hear information about the plight of the other side of the conflict. This is an eye-opener for me. Both sides had their own casualties and difficulties because of this age-old conflict. The people who are mostly affected are the ordinary citizens trying to survive. I hope this conflict ends before generations are lost and the hatred gets passed on to the next generation who will inherit these lands. That is if there will be anyone left. God forbid.
This story also delved into the intricacies of the Muslim religion. The traditions and celebrations of Muslims have to fulfill in order to keep their faith. The prayers, the celebration of Ramadan, how marriages are done, etc. It's a peek into the life of those non-Muslims who married into the Muslim community, whether they converted or not.
I was fascinated with this story, because it brought me to new places and let me witness new experiences. Yes, this story strengthened my dream to one day visit the Holy Land. Part of the pilgrimage will take me into some of the places mentioned in this story that Palestinians are no longer able to visit freely. Only tourists are given the privilege. Someday, when I will finally have the opportunity to walk in the streets of Jerusalem and Bethlehem, I will remember the fascinating characters of this story which will just make the trip even more memorable for me.
I give this story 4/5 Muslim prayer mats. This story reminds me of the stories written by Khaleed Hoseeini. This story resonates with the same theme of love and family. And just like the rest of us, Palestinians have the same hopes, wishes and dreams. We may have different beliefs and cultures but we all strive for one goal and that is to have a better life for our family. And like the three women in this story--Zainab, Margaret and Alison Mansour, we only wants what's best for the people we love. Wherever the jasmine blooms is where her roots find nourishment to grow and nourish. This is the story of all Muslim US immigrants. Just like the jasmine and Zainab, wherever you are in the world, no matter how far or remote you are from the land of your birth, as long as you have your family near, it will always feel like home. Yes, home is where the heart is. It's not necessarily anchored to a specific physical place.
Would she ever live in the one place she truly belonged? Or would she only be a visitor, a traveler carrying her homeland around in her heart?
- Holly S. Warah, Where the Jasmine Blooms -
Thank you again, Netgalley for the review copy.
July 14, 2021
I really enjoyed this book. It is told from the points of view of three women joined by family ties living in Seattle. Margaret is the American wife of a Muslim Palestinian man Ahmed who studied in the U.S., married, and had children. Margaret converted to Islam twenty years ago when they married, but has since started having a midlife crisis of identity, as she feels swallowed up by her husband's large family, especially after her mother-in-law Zainab moves in following the death of her husband.
The second point of view is that of the devoutly religious Zainab. She is in mourning and feels lost in America. Four of her children, her brother, her mother, and lots of grandkids still live in the Middle East, some in Jordan and the rest in long-term refugee camps on the West Bank of Jerusalem. Her other three children, Ahmed, Khalid, and Mona all live in Seattle. We only get short glimpses from Zainab's POV. I would have liked more.
The third POV is that of Khalid's new fiance Allison. Allison thinks she understands Arab culture, because she majored in Middle Eastern studies, but she she gets culture shock when Khalid suddenly changes after marriage and becomes stereotypically Arab. Things are compounded by the stress of an unplanned pregnancy and changes to her/their future plans.
The overarching themes are personal and cultural expectations of marriage and family. When do compromises go to far; when do you lose yourself? Are you being selfish? Are you supporting your spouse's needs; are they helping fulfill yours? What are your obligations to your nuclear family and to your extended family? What is "home"?
I felt connected to the three women. There were points of the story that also connected with me from personal experiences. I had the pleasure of attending both a Persian New Year event and a Persian wedding party years ago through a friend, so I could picture the similar celebrations in this story. Also, during the time period in which this book is set, I had a Palestinian-American colleague relay to me her and her family's hours-long ordeal traveling through the checkpoints into Jerusalem, and it made my heart ache. (She makes the best baclava I have ever eaten!)
The second point of view is that of the devoutly religious Zainab. She is in mourning and feels lost in America. Four of her children, her brother, her mother, and lots of grandkids still live in the Middle East, some in Jordan and the rest in long-term refugee camps on the West Bank of Jerusalem. Her other three children, Ahmed, Khalid, and Mona all live in Seattle. We only get short glimpses from Zainab's POV. I would have liked more.
The third POV is that of Khalid's new fiance Allison. Allison thinks she understands Arab culture, because she majored in Middle Eastern studies, but she she gets culture shock when Khalid suddenly changes after marriage and becomes stereotypically Arab. Things are compounded by the stress of an unplanned pregnancy and changes to her/their future plans.
The overarching themes are personal and cultural expectations of marriage and family. When do compromises go to far; when do you lose yourself? Are you being selfish? Are you supporting your spouse's needs; are they helping fulfill yours? What are your obligations to your nuclear family and to your extended family? What is "home"?
I felt connected to the three women. There were points of the story that also connected with me from personal experiences. I had the pleasure of attending both a Persian New Year event and a Persian wedding party years ago through a friend, so I could picture the similar celebrations in this story. Also, during the time period in which this book is set, I had a Palestinian-American colleague relay to me her and her family's hours-long ordeal traveling through the checkpoints into Jerusalem, and it made my heart ache. (She makes the best baclava I have ever eaten!)
July 26, 2023
Where Jasmine Blooms gives the reader a vivid view inside the Palestinian culture, and the workings of a marriage of mixed cultures. I am always intrigued by other cultures and love learning about different peoples, customs, values and mores. in that respect, this novel is rich in description, explanation and imagery. What I didn't love too much was the constant clash of American values pounding up against the Palestinian values within mixed marriages, and how often the women seem to give up everything they've known to be accepted by their husbands' families. I found this irritating, but perhaps that is my own bias, as well as my own impatience with the wives' constant attempts to bend and reshape to fit into someone else's expectations. It probably is a true state of affairs, but that doesn't make it any more palatable to me.
I also wasn't crazy about the constant demonization of Israel, though I certainly can understand why a Palestinian might have such a point of view. This is definitely not something I can fairly judge, as I am neither Israeli nor Palestinian. To me, the problem is eternal and heartbreaking.
Where Jasmine Blooms offers a birds's eye view into the workings of family expectations, marital compromise, loyalty, and love. It also reveals heartache and despair. If you are interested in reading about cultures other than your own, this one is a vibrant multi-layered tapestry. It just was not one of my favorites.
I also wasn't crazy about the constant demonization of Israel, though I certainly can understand why a Palestinian might have such a point of view. This is definitely not something I can fairly judge, as I am neither Israeli nor Palestinian. To me, the problem is eternal and heartbreaking.
Where Jasmine Blooms offers a birds's eye view into the workings of family expectations, marital compromise, loyalty, and love. It also reveals heartache and despair. If you are interested in reading about cultures other than your own, this one is a vibrant multi-layered tapestry. It just was not one of my favorites.
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