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Tränen unter dem Granatapfelbaum
Das 13-jährige kurdische Mädchen Dilvan lebt mit ihrer Familie in einer Kleinstadt in Syrien. Als eine Partisanengruppe dort die Macht übernimmt, ist nichts mehr wie vorher. Ihr Vater und ihre Brüder verschwinden im Krieg, Mutter und Schwester verliert Dilvan bei einem Bombenangriff aus den Augen. Nun ist Dilvan ganz auf sich gestellt und muss stark und mutig sein. Doch die Hoffnung, ihre Familie wiederzusehen, gibt sie nie auf. Mit der Kämpferin Rehanna gelingt ihr die Flucht aber um ihre kleine Schwester zu retten, muss sie noch einmal in ihre Heimatstadt zurückkehren.
Inspiriert durch persönliche Erfahrungen und durch wahre Begebenheiten erzählt Vanessa Altin vom Schicksal eines kurdischen Mädchens im Syrien-Krieg. So gibt sie den syrischen Kindern eine Stimme, die den Leser ganz unmittelbar berührt.
Inspiriert durch persönliche Erfahrungen und durch wahre Begebenheiten erzählt Vanessa Altin vom Schicksal eines kurdischen Mädchens im Syrien-Krieg. So gibt sie den syrischen Kindern eine Stimme, die den Leser ganz unmittelbar berührt.
- GenresYoung Adult
240 pages, Hardcover
Published September 21, 2016
3 people are currently reading
87 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
March 26, 2017
This book was a delightful surprise. It tells the story of a Kurdish family caught in conflict in Syria through the eyes of a 13 year-old girl. It reminded me of The Diary of Anne Frank and Maus. Dilly writes in her diary to record the history of her family and the horrors of war as experienced by civilians and freedom fighters. The author created vivid pictures with her words and gave a clear message that hope and love are the only way to defeat evil.
August 14, 2016
This is the diary of Dilvan Haco a 13 year old Kurdish Syrian, or as Dilvan puts it... 'Although we are in Syria, all of our friends and family think of ourselves as Kurdish first and last - we are
kurds living in our own land which just happens to be in a country called Syria.'
This book is aimed at the YA market. A branch of a well known booksellers in the UK has put a warning on the front cover, 'Not suitable for younger readers'. My recommendation is, if you have any uncertainty, to read the first short chapter because it is quite harrowing. There are very few books I've read with an opening chapter that throws you straight into such an emotional and violent situation. However this is not the tone of the overall book, Dilvan is surprisingly positive throughout. She recounts her memories of her family, village and pets in her diary as she attempts to cope with recent events.
This would be a great school text for older children, there are so many things to be discussed, researched and debated. Young adults fighting, killing, social media as propaganda, the history and culture of the Kurds, intervention by the west, refugees. It presents a situation that my children see on the news daily along with the consequences of these events in a book with a relatable character. It humanises the news.
I have to mention the illustrations. The illustrations are perfect for the book and thoughtfully complement the text.
So, why the three star? The first chapter is amazing, it is the hook but I felt a lack of engagement, a detachment after that chapter. I'm not sure if the diary format was a success. The story swaps between diary entries and first person narrative which I think interrupted the flow. I was 'aware' I was reading a book, I was made aware within the book that I was reading entries to serve a purpose, I just didn't get sucked into the story, I didn't get lost in it. Don't get me wrong, this is not a bad book, it is an intensely thought provoking book, and as a mother I had to know what happened to Hira. It is worth a read.
kurds living in our own land which just happens to be in a country called Syria.'
This book is aimed at the YA market. A branch of a well known booksellers in the UK has put a warning on the front cover, 'Not suitable for younger readers'. My recommendation is, if you have any uncertainty, to read the first short chapter because it is quite harrowing. There are very few books I've read with an opening chapter that throws you straight into such an emotional and violent situation. However this is not the tone of the overall book, Dilvan is surprisingly positive throughout. She recounts her memories of her family, village and pets in her diary as she attempts to cope with recent events.
This would be a great school text for older children, there are so many things to be discussed, researched and debated. Young adults fighting, killing, social media as propaganda, the history and culture of the Kurds, intervention by the west, refugees. It presents a situation that my children see on the news daily along with the consequences of these events in a book with a relatable character. It humanises the news.
I have to mention the illustrations. The illustrations are perfect for the book and thoughtfully complement the text.
So, why the three star? The first chapter is amazing, it is the hook but I felt a lack of engagement, a detachment after that chapter. I'm not sure if the diary format was a success. The story swaps between diary entries and first person narrative which I think interrupted the flow. I was 'aware' I was reading a book, I was made aware within the book that I was reading entries to serve a purpose, I just didn't get sucked into the story, I didn't get lost in it. Don't get me wrong, this is not a bad book, it is an intensely thought provoking book, and as a mother I had to know what happened to Hira. It is worth a read.
April 13, 2016
This book is hard hitting, with strong violence from the start (as they say). It is about the war in Syria, and what it is like for a child to be growing up in that turbulent society. It is both heartbreaking and uplifting, showing the triumph of the human spirit against the evils of ISIS/Daesh/whatever. Definitely a book to read and to stock in your library.
October 10, 2018
"I've come to realise, lately, that words are not always enough to describe how you feel, particularly when things happen in front of you that are so shocking in their cruelty, so life changing, so final, so pointless. There are no words in the world, certainly none that I know that would have helped at this point."
Dilva Haco is a strong and optimistic young girl who, with determination and love for her family, goes through trials and tribulations throughout the course of this book. Despite being put in a difficult situation from the start, we are able to see how thankful she is for the little things with the help of Rehana and a couple of other people.
The little diary Dilva writes in tells the story of her family, her home, and her journey as a refugee. This book allowed me to have a sense of what the situation in Syria would be like. My perspective on the world is widened and I am now better able to emphatise for the world.
This book is filled with keca kurda (meaning warrior woman/woman of honour/kurdish heart) and it's a pretty short and simple read despite the complexities arising. This book has some HP references too, which is never a bad thing! 😊
Dilva Haco is a strong and optimistic young girl who, with determination and love for her family, goes through trials and tribulations throughout the course of this book. Despite being put in a difficult situation from the start, we are able to see how thankful she is for the little things with the help of Rehana and a couple of other people.
The little diary Dilva writes in tells the story of her family, her home, and her journey as a refugee. This book allowed me to have a sense of what the situation in Syria would be like. My perspective on the world is widened and I am now better able to emphatise for the world.
This book is filled with keca kurda (meaning warrior woman/woman of honour/kurdish heart) and it's a pretty short and simple read despite the complexities arising. This book has some HP references too, which is never a bad thing! 😊
July 25, 2017
I had the privilege of co-interviewing Vanessa Altin back in February 2016 prior to reading the book. She's a fabulously generous, selfless person. Her accounts of what she had witnessed in Syria and Turkey were harrowing to say the least. I couldn't not read the story of those children in the weeks that passed. And I am so glad that I did.
This book is quite simply stunning. A must-read for every adult, despite it being marketed as YA. The diary form makes for compelling reading, the action is gripping and of course so true to life. I challenge anybody to pick up this book without being moved immensely and immediately. It really does paint an accurate picture of the children and families from this part of the world who truly want their ordinary lives back, nothing more - and surely as human beings, that is their god given right...
This book is quite simply stunning. A must-read for every adult, despite it being marketed as YA. The diary form makes for compelling reading, the action is gripping and of course so true to life. I challenge anybody to pick up this book without being moved immensely and immediately. It really does paint an accurate picture of the children and families from this part of the world who truly want their ordinary lives back, nothing more - and surely as human beings, that is their god given right...
February 13, 2017
This is an interesting story told from the perspective of Dilly, a young Kurdish girl who is a victim of the caliphate in Syria. It's powerful opening is shocking and the idea of the story taking the form of a journal to share the events witnessed by her in order for the rest of the world to understand the horrific conditions that girls like this face is a good one. Whilst the protagonists decision to continually have hope is brave, I felt that the happy ending was a bit contrived considering the hard hitting nature of the content. Saying that, it is meant for children and may be useful in opening their eyes to the brutality of the world without leaving them mentally scarred.
February 1, 2016
The Pomegranate Tree - By Vanessa Altin. "As I put the finished book on my bedside table, I felt like I needed to wrap it in cotton wool and keep it safe for future generations. I felt like some kind of ceremony was needed to acknowledge the pain and emotional turmoil the book evoked in me."
To read the review in full, please read here
http://theglasshousegirls.com/article...
March 28, 2025
A wonderfully moving book. It gives the reader a small glimpse into life in Syria. A must read.
June 23, 2016
I love that this is a story you could read with your children to help understand, in some part, a conflict so complex.
August 1, 2016
beautiful. I need to write something.
February 3, 2017
The beginning read of the Carnegie Long List - we'll see how far I get. Could win, shouldn't. Very moving but manipulative of the emotions, and a tad too pro American for my liking.
April 17, 2017
I decided to read The Pomegranate Tree as it featured on 2017's Carnegie Award long list and although wasn't for me, I can definitely appreciate why it made the long list.
The Pomegranate Tree was a harrowing, uncomfortable read with child-like illustrations (by Fay Moorhouse) which did emphasise plot points and added to the diary feel of the book.
The Pomegranate Tree was a harrowing, uncomfortable read with child-like illustrations (by Fay Moorhouse) which did emphasise plot points and added to the diary feel of the book.
April 20, 2017
I can't wait for our Book Club evening featuring The Pomegranate Tree. I predict a very interesting, lively and emotional discussion on this cracking little novel. Written through the eyes of 13 year old Dily, a Kurdish Syrian, in the form of a personal journal, the world of a loving family living in war torn Syria, who are separated in terrifying circumstances, is depicted in a shocking, brutal and heart warming way. Formally classed as a Young Adult novel, as a forty something I would recommend it to most ages, with a caveat that the book starts as it means to go on, with a very harrowing opening chapter. For me it is four stars and not five because while I was sucked into the 'adventure story' element to the plot, the ending felt rushed and contrived, plus I found the format didn't quite work for me and was a little distracting. However, the book was very effective in delivering a strong message about the power of love and hope.
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February 21, 2019My opinion
I say that to the cover
The cover is a successful summary of the book as a picture. The tree under which the girl sits is huge and overpowering. He takes a large part of the book cover and looks like protection and security, which the crying girl probably lost. The main color of the cover is green - the color of hope!
What do I say to the book?
The children who take the lead roles in the book are around 3 to 16 years old.
The book describes in 37 different chapters the period from the expulsion of Dilvan Hacos from Lanaco / Syria and the return to their home village Yapse only a short time later. The towns or cities mentioned in the book are finely tuned. The story was indeed inspired by a true story. But war is happening all over the world.
Based on pencil drawings by Faye Moorhouse the understanding of the text is supported. With the help of two different printing colors (black and gray), the difference is shown whether Dilvan writes the text in the diary or whether it is a current event. I find that very helpful.
Although the conflict in Syria has been going on for some time, I have not yet had a comprehensive opportunity to deal with the issue. Thanks to this book, I was introduced to the current history of the Syrian Kurds and the Jesuits.
The book is suitable for boys and girls around the 13-16 years, who are interested in a girl's story because of friendship and war conditions for world history.
Which aspect is positive for me.
The family of Dilvan is presented very precisely. It is a very big family with 5 boys and 3 girls. Time and again, the author lets the suffering of the persecuted flash. For us wealthy citizens it is incomprehensible that one waits 25 days before a border, freezes, starves and still smiles. The life moth "Hope and be happy" is the motto of refugees.
For children, the topic "diary writing" comes from your everyday life. Like many children, Dilvan experiences "healing" of her experiences through her diary entries. She can free herself in the writing way of the terror and trauma of the "rat men" robbery.
For a long time, it is uncertain in the book whether Dilvan will survive the "adventure" with Rehana and whether the family will reunite. At the end of the book is very nicely highlighted that, although not everything is good, but much better and still gives hope for the perfect happiness.
Which aspects did I not understand?
The book does not mention who exactly the "rat men" are and what historical background they have.
My recommendation
I give the book 4 stars. I missed the historical background of the Kurds.
Conclusion
This book is not only suitable for teenagers but also for adults. It introduces the conflict in Syria and gives first information about the people of the Kurds and Jesuits.
Meine Meinung
Das sage ich zum Cover
Das Cover ist eine gelungene Zusammenfassung des Buches als Bild. Der Baum unter dem das Mädchen sitzt ist riesig groß und übermächtig. Er nimmt einen großen Teil des Buchdeckels ein und wirkt wie Schutz und Sicherheit, welches dem weinenden Mädchen wohl abhanden gekommen ist. Die Hauptfarbe des Covers ist grün – die Farbe der Hoffnung!
Was sage ich zum Buch
Die Kinder, die in dem Buch die Hauptrollen übernehmen sind um die 3 bis 16 Jahre alt.
Das Buch beschreibt in 37 unterschiedlich langen Kapiteln den Zeitraum von der Vertreibung Dilvan Hacos aus Lanaco/Syrien und die Heimkehr in ihr Heimatdorf Yapse nur kurze Zeit später. Die im Buch erwähnten Ortschaften bzw. Städte sind finktiv. Die Geschichte wurde zwar nach einer wahren Begebenheit angeregt. Doch Krieg findet überall auf der Welt statt.
Anhand Bleistiftzeichnungen von Faye Moorhouse wird das Verständnis des Textes unterstützt. Mit Hilfe zwei verschiedener Druckfarben (schwarz und grau) wird der Unterschied dargestellt, ob Dilvan den Text im Tagebuch schreibt oder ob es sich um ein aktuelles Geschehen handelt. Das finde ich sehr hilfreich.
Obwohl der Konflikt in Syrien schon einige Zeit andauert, hatte ich noch keine umfassende Möglichkeit mich mit dem Thema zu befassen. Dank dieses Buches wurde ich in die aktuelle Geschichte der syrischen Kurden und der Jesitten eingeführt.
Das Buch finde ich für Jungen und Mädchen um die 13-16 Jahre geeignet, die sich neben einer Mädchengeschichte aufgrund Freundschaft und Kriegsbedingungen auch für Weltgeschichte interessieren.
Welchen Gesichtspunkt fällt mir positiv auf.
Sehr genau wird die Familie von Dilvan vorgestellt. Es ist eine sehr große Familie mit 5 Jungen und 3 Mädchen. Immer wieder lässt die Autorin das Leid der Verfolgten aufblitzen. Es ist für uns Wohlstandsbürger nicht nachvollziehbar, dass man 25 Tage vor einer Grenze wartet, friert, hungert und dabei noch lächelt. Das Lebensmotte „Hoffe und sei glücklich“ ist das Motto von Flüchtenden.
Für Kinder kommt das Thema „Tagebuchschreiben“ aus Ihrem Lebensalltag. Wie viele Kinder erfährt auch Dilvan durch ihre Tagebucheinträge „Heilung“ ihrer Erfahrungen. Sie kann sich auf die schreibende Art und Weise vom Terror und Trauma des Überfalles durch die „Rattenmänner“ befreien.
In dem Buch ist es lange Zeit ungewiss, ob Dilvan das „Abenteuer“ mit Rehana überlebt und ob die Familie wieder zusammenfindet. Zum Ende des Buches ist sehr schön herausgehoben, dass zwar nicht alles gut ist, aber doch vieles besser ist und noch Hoffnung auf das vollendete Glück gibt.
Welche Aspekte habe ich nicht verstanden:
In dem Buch kommt nicht zur Sprache wer genau die „Rattenmänner“ sind und welchen geschichtlichen Hintergrund sie haben.
Meine Empfehlung
Dem Buch gebe ich 4 Sterne. Mir hat der geschichtliche Hintergrund der Kurden gefehlt.
Fazit
Dieses Buch ist nicht nur für Jugendliche, sondern auch für Erwachsene gut geeignet. Es führt in den Konflikt in Syrien ein und gibt erste Informationen um das Volk der Kurden und Jesitten.
I say that to the cover
The cover is a successful summary of the book as a picture. The tree under which the girl sits is huge and overpowering. He takes a large part of the book cover and looks like protection and security, which the crying girl probably lost. The main color of the cover is green - the color of hope!
What do I say to the book?
The children who take the lead roles in the book are around 3 to 16 years old.
The book describes in 37 different chapters the period from the expulsion of Dilvan Hacos from Lanaco / Syria and the return to their home village Yapse only a short time later. The towns or cities mentioned in the book are finely tuned. The story was indeed inspired by a true story. But war is happening all over the world.
Based on pencil drawings by Faye Moorhouse the understanding of the text is supported. With the help of two different printing colors (black and gray), the difference is shown whether Dilvan writes the text in the diary or whether it is a current event. I find that very helpful.
Although the conflict in Syria has been going on for some time, I have not yet had a comprehensive opportunity to deal with the issue. Thanks to this book, I was introduced to the current history of the Syrian Kurds and the Jesuits.
The book is suitable for boys and girls around the 13-16 years, who are interested in a girl's story because of friendship and war conditions for world history.
Which aspect is positive for me.
The family of Dilvan is presented very precisely. It is a very big family with 5 boys and 3 girls. Time and again, the author lets the suffering of the persecuted flash. For us wealthy citizens it is incomprehensible that one waits 25 days before a border, freezes, starves and still smiles. The life moth "Hope and be happy" is the motto of refugees.
For children, the topic "diary writing" comes from your everyday life. Like many children, Dilvan experiences "healing" of her experiences through her diary entries. She can free herself in the writing way of the terror and trauma of the "rat men" robbery.
For a long time, it is uncertain in the book whether Dilvan will survive the "adventure" with Rehana and whether the family will reunite. At the end of the book is very nicely highlighted that, although not everything is good, but much better and still gives hope for the perfect happiness.
Which aspects did I not understand?
The book does not mention who exactly the "rat men" are and what historical background they have.
My recommendation
I give the book 4 stars. I missed the historical background of the Kurds.
Conclusion
This book is not only suitable for teenagers but also for adults. It introduces the conflict in Syria and gives first information about the people of the Kurds and Jesuits.
Meine Meinung
Das sage ich zum Cover
Das Cover ist eine gelungene Zusammenfassung des Buches als Bild. Der Baum unter dem das Mädchen sitzt ist riesig groß und übermächtig. Er nimmt einen großen Teil des Buchdeckels ein und wirkt wie Schutz und Sicherheit, welches dem weinenden Mädchen wohl abhanden gekommen ist. Die Hauptfarbe des Covers ist grün – die Farbe der Hoffnung!
Was sage ich zum Buch
Die Kinder, die in dem Buch die Hauptrollen übernehmen sind um die 3 bis 16 Jahre alt.
Das Buch beschreibt in 37 unterschiedlich langen Kapiteln den Zeitraum von der Vertreibung Dilvan Hacos aus Lanaco/Syrien und die Heimkehr in ihr Heimatdorf Yapse nur kurze Zeit später. Die im Buch erwähnten Ortschaften bzw. Städte sind finktiv. Die Geschichte wurde zwar nach einer wahren Begebenheit angeregt. Doch Krieg findet überall auf der Welt statt.
Anhand Bleistiftzeichnungen von Faye Moorhouse wird das Verständnis des Textes unterstützt. Mit Hilfe zwei verschiedener Druckfarben (schwarz und grau) wird der Unterschied dargestellt, ob Dilvan den Text im Tagebuch schreibt oder ob es sich um ein aktuelles Geschehen handelt. Das finde ich sehr hilfreich.
Obwohl der Konflikt in Syrien schon einige Zeit andauert, hatte ich noch keine umfassende Möglichkeit mich mit dem Thema zu befassen. Dank dieses Buches wurde ich in die aktuelle Geschichte der syrischen Kurden und der Jesitten eingeführt.
Das Buch finde ich für Jungen und Mädchen um die 13-16 Jahre geeignet, die sich neben einer Mädchengeschichte aufgrund Freundschaft und Kriegsbedingungen auch für Weltgeschichte interessieren.
Welchen Gesichtspunkt fällt mir positiv auf.
Sehr genau wird die Familie von Dilvan vorgestellt. Es ist eine sehr große Familie mit 5 Jungen und 3 Mädchen. Immer wieder lässt die Autorin das Leid der Verfolgten aufblitzen. Es ist für uns Wohlstandsbürger nicht nachvollziehbar, dass man 25 Tage vor einer Grenze wartet, friert, hungert und dabei noch lächelt. Das Lebensmotte „Hoffe und sei glücklich“ ist das Motto von Flüchtenden.
Für Kinder kommt das Thema „Tagebuchschreiben“ aus Ihrem Lebensalltag. Wie viele Kinder erfährt auch Dilvan durch ihre Tagebucheinträge „Heilung“ ihrer Erfahrungen. Sie kann sich auf die schreibende Art und Weise vom Terror und Trauma des Überfalles durch die „Rattenmänner“ befreien.
In dem Buch ist es lange Zeit ungewiss, ob Dilvan das „Abenteuer“ mit Rehana überlebt und ob die Familie wieder zusammenfindet. Zum Ende des Buches ist sehr schön herausgehoben, dass zwar nicht alles gut ist, aber doch vieles besser ist und noch Hoffnung auf das vollendete Glück gibt.
Welche Aspekte habe ich nicht verstanden:
In dem Buch kommt nicht zur Sprache wer genau die „Rattenmänner“ sind und welchen geschichtlichen Hintergrund sie haben.
Meine Empfehlung
Dem Buch gebe ich 4 Sterne. Mir hat der geschichtliche Hintergrund der Kurden gefehlt.
Fazit
Dieses Buch ist nicht nur für Jugendliche, sondern auch für Erwachsene gut geeignet. Es führt in den Konflikt in Syrien ein und gibt erste Informationen um das Volk der Kurden und Jesitten.
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