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In the Land of My Birth: A Palestinian Boyhood
In the Land of My Birth recounts the coming of age of a blind Palestinian boy of modest milieu during the turbulent years leading up to the fall of Palestine in 1948. Above all, it is about the boy's life and his struggles to make his way in the sighted world, his upbringing, schooling, friendships, and adventures. It is a compelling human story with a mine of information on popular culture and customs, the educational system, and Palestinian life. While the looming conflict forms the essential backdrop, it comes to the fore only when it impinges directly on the boy's world. The fact that the memoir unfolds largely in real time, with events, conversations, and situations recounted not retrospectively but as they are experienced, provides a rare window on the political attitudes, social views, legends, prejudices, perceptions and misperceptions of ordinary Palestinians at the time, unmediated and unvarnished. Essential reading for anyone interested in the cultural, social, and political history of Palestine, the condition of blindness, and the education of the blind.
371 pages, Paperback
Published November 22, 2017
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
December 24, 2018
The author was one of my mom's college professors, so I am biased. Still, I really enjoyed this chance to know about his experiences growing up in Palestine. It's not as polished as some memoirs, but its organic nature made it feel more like I was being spoken to. This a story that needs to be heard by more people. I'm glad it's one that can't be lost now.
October 28, 2018
What an amazing account of Palestinian life through a blind boy's eyes. a truly inspiring book. Reja-e lived through WW2 and through the 1948 Palestinian disaster in Lydda and Ramleh. His book is a detailed account and a fantastic description of the Palestinian daily life through the eyes of a blind boy, the different schools he attended and the many friends he made.
It is also how, in the summer of 1948, more than 60,000 Palestinians left their homes in Lydd and Ramleh and walked for days carrying their children and their belongings with them; many of whom died on the way from fatigue, disease and simply because they were denied drinking water by the Israelis forces. Busailah's description of this tragedy will never be forgotten,,,,, A highly recommended book. Introduction by the acclaimed columnist/critic is also touching.
It is also how, in the summer of 1948, more than 60,000 Palestinians left their homes in Lydd and Ramleh and walked for days carrying their children and their belongings with them; many of whom died on the way from fatigue, disease and simply because they were denied drinking water by the Israelis forces. Busailah's description of this tragedy will never be forgotten,,,,, A highly recommended book. Introduction by the acclaimed columnist/critic is also touching.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews