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اللوز المر
"«كان عمر يتوارى خلف شجرة تقابل مدرسة نادية وينتظر خروجها،... يتتبعها في سيرها إلى البيت وهو متخفٍ عن الأنظار. لاحظ حركات صغيرة وأودعها في ذاكرته: طريقة ضمّها كتبها إلى صدرها... شريط شعرها الأزرق بحاشيته من الدانتيل الأبيض الذي تربط به شعرها كل يوم تقريبًا، تفاصيل بسيطة لكن عمر ظنّ أنها له، له وحده». عمر يتيم فلسطيني، هاجر بسبب احتلال إسرائيل لفلسطين، كان عليه التمسك بشيء واحد: حب يدفعه للأمام، ويهبه الأمل. نادية فتاة تكتمل أنوثتها في مجتمع اللاجئين الفلسطينيين في دمشق. تسعى للخروج من أسر التقاليد الاجتماعية، وتكوين مصيرها الخاص. رواية مثيرة للمشاعر. تروي قصص التهجير والمنفى، والارتباط العائلي والشرف، ومشاعر الحب والفقدان. ليلاس طه كاتبة وخريجة قسم الهندسة الإلكتر&
400 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 13, 2015
About the author
Lilas Taha
5 books36 followersLilas Taha is a writer at heart, an electrical engineer by training, and a domestic abuse victim’s advocate by choice. She was born in Kuwait to a Syrian mother and a Palestinian father, and immigrated to the U.S. as a result of the Gulf war in 1990. She earned a master’s degree in Human Factors Engineering from the University of Wisconsin- Madison.
Pursuing her true passion for creative writing, Lilas brings her professional interest and her Middle Eastern background together in her novels.
Pursuing her true passion for creative writing, Lilas brings her professional interest and her Middle Eastern background together in her novels.
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December 21, 2018
أعترف بأني مرافق سيء عند متابعة الأفلام، فحين تبدأ الأحداث في أخد منحى مبالغ و مبتذل
أو يكون الأبطال
overacted ،
لا أستطيع أن أخفي امتعاضي ولا أنتظر الانتهاء من الفلم حتى ، لأبدأ المناقشة وعرض وجهة نظري فيما يخص النص والإخراج والتمثيل ، قاطعةً سبل المتعة والاسترسال مع فقير الله الذي يجعله حظه السيء بصحبتي .بالطبع ألزم نفسي في السينما لكن نظراتي وطريقة جلوسي تفضحني ، يحدث الأمر ذاته حينما أقرأ : أناقش، أعترض ،وأصفق بالكتاب.
وهذه الرواية صُفقت مرات ومرات ولم أستطع أن أُحبها ، وكل ما فعلت الكاتبة من شيء وصعّدت بالأحداث علّ قلبي يلين وانجذب أزداد نفورا .
تبدأ الرواية في القدس في عام ١٩٤٨ ، الأرملة "أم فاطمة" في مخاض صعب وفلسطين تحتضر . ما أن تلد حتى تُنقِل في شاحنة مع جيرانهم فارين على وجوههم من همج الاجتياح الإسرائيلي ،وفي طريقهم إلى دمشق تموت ، فتتكفل بعدها عائلة الجار أبو شريف باليتيمين فاطمة و الوليد "عُمر" كفالة مثالية حسنة لا يميزونهم عن أبنائهم الخمسة بتاتا البتة .
تغطي الرواية محطات تاريخية مفصلية مثلا حرب الأيام الستة وانقلاب حافظ الأسد العسكري، لا أعتقد بأن الكاتبة أولتها حقها ، أشعر بأنها استخدمتها فقط لتبرر مواقف الأبطال وحالات هروبهم .
حسنا هذه ليست مشكلتي الوحيدة ، مشكلتي مع عمر بطل الرواية حلال المشكلات ورجل المهمات الصعبة ؛ في يوم و ليلة يجد عمر لشريف عقد عمل في الخليج ، وفي حدود شهرين يتعافى من قذيفة أصابته في مقتل .ولكي تقنعك الكاتبة بأنه ليس مثالي تماما ، يقع في حب نادية -ابنة أبو شريف الذي تربى معها كأخت - .
وأحداث أخرى تزج بها الكاتبة زجا ، كأن يكون عمر ونادية في مطعم / بوفيه بمحطة الباصات بين حمص ودمشق فيراه قائده في العمل ليخبره بضرورة عودته سريعا إلى وحدته في الجيش حتى لا يطاله انقلاب الأسد العسكري بسوء لأنه الفلسطيني الغير قومي يا محاسن الصدف !!
وأبو شريف الآخر كان يعمل بمعمل صوف يمتلء صدره منه ، مما سبب له مشاكل صحية . لم أشعر بهذا أبدا ، الكاتب الجيد يجعلك تكح وتشعر بذرات الصوف داخل صدرك .
هناك أشياء أخرى كثيرة لم أتحدث عنها، حتى لا أظهر بأني
متحاملة .
أبعد كلُّ هذا وغير متحاملة :”)
يحسب لها أنها أوضحت بصورة طفيفة حال اللاجئين الفلسطينين بدولة عربية شقيقة.
أو يكون الأبطال
overacted ،
لا أستطيع أن أخفي امتعاضي ولا أنتظر الانتهاء من الفلم حتى ، لأبدأ المناقشة وعرض وجهة نظري فيما يخص النص والإخراج والتمثيل ، قاطعةً سبل المتعة والاسترسال مع فقير الله الذي يجعله حظه السيء بصحبتي .بالطبع ألزم نفسي في السينما لكن نظراتي وطريقة جلوسي تفضحني ، يحدث الأمر ذاته حينما أقرأ : أناقش، أعترض ،وأصفق بالكتاب.
وهذه الرواية صُفقت مرات ومرات ولم أستطع أن أُحبها ، وكل ما فعلت الكاتبة من شيء وصعّدت بالأحداث علّ قلبي يلين وانجذب أزداد نفورا .
تبدأ الرواية في القدس في عام ١٩٤٨ ، الأرملة "أم فاطمة" في مخاض صعب وفلسطين تحتضر . ما أن تلد حتى تُنقِل في شاحنة مع جيرانهم فارين على وجوههم من همج الاجتياح الإسرائيلي ،وفي طريقهم إلى دمشق تموت ، فتتكفل بعدها عائلة الجار أبو شريف باليتيمين فاطمة و الوليد "عُمر" كفالة مثالية حسنة لا يميزونهم عن أبنائهم الخمسة بتاتا البتة .
تغطي الرواية محطات تاريخية مفصلية مثلا حرب الأيام الستة وانقلاب حافظ الأسد العسكري، لا أعتقد بأن الكاتبة أولتها حقها ، أشعر بأنها استخدمتها فقط لتبرر مواقف الأبطال وحالات هروبهم .
حسنا هذه ليست مشكلتي الوحيدة ، مشكلتي مع عمر بطل الرواية حلال المشكلات ورجل المهمات الصعبة ؛ في يوم و ليلة يجد عمر لشريف عقد عمل في الخليج ، وفي حدود شهرين يتعافى من قذيفة أصابته في مقتل .ولكي تقنعك الكاتبة بأنه ليس مثالي تماما ، يقع في حب نادية -ابنة أبو شريف الذي تربى معها كأخت - .
وأحداث أخرى تزج بها الكاتبة زجا ، كأن يكون عمر ونادية في مطعم / بوفيه بمحطة الباصات بين حمص ودمشق فيراه قائده في العمل ليخبره بضرورة عودته سريعا إلى وحدته في الجيش حتى لا يطاله انقلاب الأسد العسكري بسوء لأنه الفلسطيني الغير قومي يا محاسن الصدف !!
وأبو شريف الآخر كان يعمل بمعمل صوف يمتلء صدره منه ، مما سبب له مشاكل صحية . لم أشعر بهذا أبدا ، الكاتب الجيد يجعلك تكح وتشعر بذرات الصوف داخل صدرك .
هناك أشياء أخرى كثيرة لم أتحدث عنها، حتى لا أظهر بأني
متحاملة .
أبعد كلُّ هذا وغير متحاملة :”)
يحسب لها أنها أوضحت بصورة طفيفة حال اللاجئين الفلسطينين بدولة عربية شقيقة.
February 19, 2023
اخترناها كرواية معبرة عن "القضية الفلسطينية" في نادي الكتاب. وأنا شخصيا أحاول الابتعاد قدر الإمكان عما يؤلمني و "يقلب عليا المواجع" كأدب السجون وحال الدول العربية والإسلامية وبالذات فلسطين ووطني مصر.
لذلك مبدأيا، لا أعرف هل أشعر بالارتياح أم الغضب لأن فلسطين والتهجير ونكسة ٦٧ وانقلاب حافظ الأسد وغيرها من الأحداث الجللة لم يُسرد منها إلا قشور على خلفية أحداث إجتماعية مملة أبرزها مثلث حب سطحي سخيف؟
تسرد الرواية قصة أسرة فلسطينية لاجئة في سوريا لديها ٤ فتيات وصبي، وتبنت فتاة وصبي يتيمين من أبناء جيرانهم، وعاشوا سويا كأسرة واحدة "زيادة عن اللزوم"، فلو كانوا أشقاء فعلا ما كانوا سيتصرفون بهذه الطريقة، إلى أن يحدث ما يقلب ذلك رأسا على عقب.
أنا شخصيا لا أفضل الروايات الرومانسية لسطحيتها وسذاجة طرحها في معظم الأحيان، وهذه الرواية ليست استثناء. لا منطقية في الأحداث، استخفاف بالعقول، شخصيات أحادية فنجد مثالية زائدة تقابلها نذالة منقطعة النظير، وغباء لا حدود له. "كل حاجة وعكسها" معبأة في رواية جذابة الاسم.
كما أنه حتى أسباب حب عمر لنادية جاءت في معظم الأحيان أسبابا حسية فقط. واستطراد مبالغ فيه في "إحساسه" بها لدرجة منفرة. ولا أقصد الوصف بكلمات مباشرة فجة فهذا كان قليلا إن لم يكن منعدما، لكن كانت هناك مبالغة في تصوير تأثير هيئتها وحركتها ومشيتها ومفاتنها عموما عليه.
فإذا كانت هناك فائدة ترجى من ذلك فهو توضيح مفاسد الاختلاط ووجوب وضع حدود بين النساء والرجال، وفوائد غض البصر والاستسلام لأوامر الله في الحجاب والزينة.
وهذا بالتأكيد لم يكن مقصدا من مقاصد الرواية بأي حال من الأحوال، بل على العكس فقصص الحب المستحيل دائما ما تجلب الكثير من التعاطف والفرحة لانتصاره على المعوقات بحيث لا ينتبه القارئ إلى هذه التفاصيل التي تبدو صغيرة بحانب عملاق الحب، ولكن هذه الأحداث هي خير توضيح لما ذكرته في الأعلى لمن يعي.
بقي أن أشكر المترجمة "خلود عمرو" على الترجمة المتميزة والتي أنستني أن الرواية لم تُكتب بالعربية.
لذلك مبدأيا، لا أعرف هل أشعر بالارتياح أم الغضب لأن فلسطين والتهجير ونكسة ٦٧ وانقلاب حافظ الأسد وغيرها من الأحداث الجللة لم يُسرد منها إلا قشور على خلفية أحداث إجتماعية مملة أبرزها مثلث حب سطحي سخيف؟
تسرد الرواية قصة أسرة فلسطينية لاجئة في سوريا لديها ٤ فتيات وصبي، وتبنت فتاة وصبي يتيمين من أبناء جيرانهم، وعاشوا سويا كأسرة واحدة "زيادة عن اللزوم"، فلو كانوا أشقاء فعلا ما كانوا سيتصرفون بهذه الطريقة، إلى أن يحدث ما يقلب ذلك رأسا على عقب.
أنا شخصيا لا أفضل الروايات الرومانسية لسطحيتها وسذاجة طرحها في معظم الأحيان، وهذه الرواية ليست استثناء. لا منطقية في الأحداث، استخفاف بالعقول، شخصيات أحادية فنجد مثالية زائدة تقابلها نذالة منقطعة النظير، وغباء لا حدود له. "كل حاجة وعكسها" معبأة في رواية جذابة الاسم.
كما أنه حتى أسباب حب عمر لنادية جاءت في معظم الأحيان أسبابا حسية فقط. واستطراد مبالغ فيه في "إحساسه" بها لدرجة منفرة. ولا أقصد الوصف بكلمات مباشرة فجة فهذا كان قليلا إن لم يكن منعدما، لكن كانت هناك مبالغة في تصوير تأثير هيئتها وحركتها ومشيتها ومفاتنها عموما عليه.
فإذا كانت هناك فائدة ترجى من ذلك فهو توضيح مفاسد الاختلاط ووجوب وضع حدود بين النساء والرجال، وفوائد غض البصر والاستسلام لأوامر الله في الحجاب والزينة.
وهذا بالتأكيد لم يكن مقصدا من مقاصد الرواية بأي حال من الأحوال، بل على العكس فقصص الحب المستحيل دائما ما تجلب الكثير من التعاطف والفرحة لانتصاره على المعوقات بحيث لا ينتبه القارئ إلى هذه التفاصيل التي تبدو صغيرة بحانب عملاق الحب، ولكن هذه الأحداث هي خير توضيح لما ذكرته في الأعلى لمن يعي.
بقي أن أشكر المترجمة "خلود عمرو" على الترجمة المتميزة والتي أنستني أن الرواية لم تُكتب بالعربية.
January 27, 2016
*Many thanks to HBKU Press (formerly Bloomsbury Qatar Foundation Publishing) for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. This in no way impacted my views.*
I could honestly say that this book totally surpassed any expectations I had for it. Not only did it keep me hooked from the very start, but it also managed to keep my attention until the very end. I haven't had great experience with books about Arabs and their traditions, but this book was on a completely different level. It read more like a Western novel, which probably contributed to how much I enjoyed it.
First of all, as always, I'll start with the characters. What I find really cool is the fact that there are so many of them, yet the reader can still manage to keep track of them because everyone is unique. Omar, Nadia, Shareef, Mama Subhia, Fatimah, Waleed... and so many more. They were dimensional and I really enjoyed reading about them. The dynamic they had with each other was realistic and didn't clutter up the book with unnecessary interactions. The story is told in the POVs of Omar and Nadia, which made it really easy to assess their individual characteristics. The romance between them was extremely slow-burn and gave me heart palpitations because they were so cute! I love how this book takes place over the span of many years, showing us how the characters developed and grew (or declined) over time. For example, how Shareef grew from a spoiled kid to a cynical man, how Huda grew from a jealous kid to an independent woman, how Nadia grew from an innocent girl to mature adult, how Omar grew from a careless child to a responsible - yet burdened - man, and the events that led to them becoming this way.
This was definitely an emotion-laden book. It was... intense, to say the least. Page after page after page of betrayal and twists -- I even had to put the book down every once in a while to take a breather! There were no parts that dragged; everything was a roller coaster of emotions. What make this scary, sad, and intense all at the same time is that the political events depicted in this book were real and affected tons of lives exactly like our characters'.
Also, the writing flowed smoothly and made it easy to read the book. It contributed to it being such a page-turner! The writing was articulate, and along with the author's tone, really helped set the story. The atmosphere of this story can probably be described as tense, which helped keep me reading; I always needed to know what happens next. The pace was perfect, just like other aspects of this book.
Bitter Almonds taught me more about Arab traditions -- actually more than I know, being an Arab myself. The ones I did know about were accurate too, so the author obviously knew what she was writing about.
All in all, I'd like to say that this book was filled with dimensional characters, an emotional plot, and fluent writing -- it was near-perfect! Although it read like a Western-ish book, the Arab elements incorporated into it just really helped set the atmosphere. I'm very surprised this book doesn't have that many reviews because I'd definitely recommend this as a read to a wide audience range!
I could honestly say that this book totally surpassed any expectations I had for it. Not only did it keep me hooked from the very start, but it also managed to keep my attention until the very end. I haven't had great experience with books about Arabs and their traditions, but this book was on a completely different level. It read more like a Western novel, which probably contributed to how much I enjoyed it.
First of all, as always, I'll start with the characters. What I find really cool is the fact that there are so many of them, yet the reader can still manage to keep track of them because everyone is unique. Omar, Nadia, Shareef, Mama Subhia, Fatimah, Waleed... and so many more. They were dimensional and I really enjoyed reading about them. The dynamic they had with each other was realistic and didn't clutter up the book with unnecessary interactions. The story is told in the POVs of Omar and Nadia, which made it really easy to assess their individual characteristics. The romance between them was extremely slow-burn and gave me heart palpitations because they were so cute! I love how this book takes place over the span of many years, showing us how the characters developed and grew (or declined) over time. For example, how Shareef grew from a spoiled kid to a cynical man, how Huda grew from a jealous kid to an independent woman, how Nadia grew from an innocent girl to mature adult, how Omar grew from a careless child to a responsible - yet burdened - man, and the events that led to them becoming this way.
This was definitely an emotion-laden book. It was... intense, to say the least. Page after page after page of betrayal and twists -- I even had to put the book down every once in a while to take a breather! There were no parts that dragged; everything was a roller coaster of emotions. What make this scary, sad, and intense all at the same time is that the political events depicted in this book were real and affected tons of lives exactly like our characters'.
Also, the writing flowed smoothly and made it easy to read the book. It contributed to it being such a page-turner! The writing was articulate, and along with the author's tone, really helped set the story. The atmosphere of this story can probably be described as tense, which helped keep me reading; I always needed to know what happens next. The pace was perfect, just like other aspects of this book.
Bitter Almonds taught me more about Arab traditions -- actually more than I know, being an Arab myself. The ones I did know about were accurate too, so the author obviously knew what she was writing about.
All in all, I'd like to say that this book was filled with dimensional characters, an emotional plot, and fluent writing -- it was near-perfect! Although it read like a Western-ish book, the Arab elements incorporated into it just really helped set the atmosphere. I'm very surprised this book doesn't have that many reviews because I'd definitely recommend this as a read to a wide audience range!
December 5, 2020
I really loved this book on historical fiction, 1948-1970, centering around a Palestinian family that became refugees in Syria. The focus on respectability and sibling relationships and friendships in that era rang true for me - there were moments of loyalty, as well as envy and betrayal. The backdrop was the historical and political events of the time, which I think was quite effective for this book. Our book club spoke to the author who said her favorite character was Huda and that her focus was on the characters; she knew them from the start and talked to them in her head, leading them to draw out the plot which she had outlined. Everyone in our book club loved this one, and I'd encourage other book clubs to give this page-turner a chance!
July 12, 2022
الرواية الأكثر مللاً و مبالغة و سذاجة و سطحية على الاطلاق
اشعر بالندم على كل دقيقة ضاعت مني اثناء قراءة هذه الرواية
لا هي رواية رومانسية و لا رواية تاريخية و لا اعلم حتى الآن ما الهدف من كتابة مثل هذه الرواية !!!
كنت اتوقع ان تأخذني الرواية الى ارض فلسطين الحبيبة و تصف لي احيائها و شوارعها و شعبها المناضل الباسل و مقاومته للاحتلال و لكن اخذت الرواية تدور حول شخصيتين اساسيتين (عمر و نادية) في قصة حب فاشلة و غبية غير مبالين بما يدور من احداث جلل حولهما مثل انقلاب حافظ الاسد و هزيمة ٦٧ التي ذكرتها الكاتبة في اسطر بسيطة كما لو كانت تلك الاحداث تدور في بلد اخر بعيد.
اشعر بالندم على كل دقيقة ضاعت مني اثناء قراءة هذه الرواية
لا هي رواية رومانسية و لا رواية تاريخية و لا اعلم حتى الآن ما الهدف من كتابة مثل هذه الرواية !!!
كنت اتوقع ان تأخذني الرواية الى ارض فلسطين الحبيبة و تصف لي احيائها و شوارعها و شعبها المناضل الباسل و مقاومته للاحتلال و لكن اخذت الرواية تدور حول شخصيتين اساسيتين (عمر و نادية) في قصة حب فاشلة و غبية غير مبالين بما يدور من احداث جلل حولهما مثل انقلاب حافظ الاسد و هزيمة ٦٧ التي ذكرتها الكاتبة في اسطر بسيطة كما لو كانت تلك الاحداث تدور في بلد اخر بعيد.
May 7, 2021
مدتی است کتابهای سرزمینهای عرب را میخوانم و برایم جذاب هستند. این کتاب را هم در همان راستا سفارش دادم. اما قصهاش قصهی پر آب چشمی شد! ویراستاری کتاب افتضاح است. در واقع اصلا ویرایش نشده. نمونهخوانی هم نشده و پر از اشتباهات تایپی است.
ناشر نام کتاب که بادامهای تلخ بوده و متناسب با محتوای کتاب به نامی زرد تغییر داده. حتی جلد کتاب هم زردتر از جلد کتاب اصلیست. نام شخصیت اصلی داستان هم از عمر به عدنان تغییر داده شده.
اشکالات موجود را برای ناشر فرستادم و ناشر پاسخ داد که همین است که هست! برای هر کتابی که نمیشود برای ویراستار خوب هزینه کرد.
داستان جالب، اما کشدار است.
ناشر نام کتاب که بادامهای تلخ بوده و متناسب با محتوای کتاب به نامی زرد تغییر داده. حتی جلد کتاب هم زردتر از جلد کتاب اصلیست. نام شخصیت اصلی داستان هم از عمر به عدنان تغییر داده شده.
اشکالات موجود را برای ناشر فرستادم و ناشر پاسخ داد که همین است که هست! برای هر کتابی که نمیشود برای ویراستار خوب هزینه کرد.
داستان جالب، اما کشدار است.
August 30, 2022
Wow.
This book gave me so much more than I expected. It is wonderfully written, keeps the reader on edge the entire time. It was so hard to put it down.
The characters are very well written, I felt like I got to know them well throughout the book.
Their personalities created a beautiful balanced dynamic.
Because the story took place over several years, you’re able to accompany the characters as they grow and mature.
The story was written from Nadia and Omar’s perspective, they were such strong protagonists and side characters such as marwan, Fatima and mama subhia made it all the better.
Although, I do wish we learned more about huda’s life and thoughts.
Nonetheless, I loved that there were no empty chapters, something was always happening.
The author described the events so well and so beautifully that it almost felt like a movie playing out in-front of me.
I cannot recommend this book enough!
Definitely made it into my favourites.
This book gave me so much more than I expected. It is wonderfully written, keeps the reader on edge the entire time. It was so hard to put it down.
The characters are very well written, I felt like I got to know them well throughout the book.
Their personalities created a beautiful balanced dynamic.
Because the story took place over several years, you’re able to accompany the characters as they grow and mature.
The story was written from Nadia and Omar’s perspective, they were such strong protagonists and side characters such as marwan, Fatima and mama subhia made it all the better.
Although, I do wish we learned more about huda’s life and thoughts.
Nonetheless, I loved that there were no empty chapters, something was always happening.
The author described the events so well and so beautifully that it almost felt like a movie playing out in-front of me.
I cannot recommend this book enough!
Definitely made it into my favourites.
April 11, 2023
An enjoyable, easy page turner.
March 27, 2018
A good book. Writing wasn’t amazing but it certainly wasn’t bad. Good story.
April 25, 2019
A wonderful love story that occurs during the worst possible time, a story of a family that holds bonds stronger than blood and kids who grew up orphaned, exiled and amid wars greater than themselves. The book is an amazing journey with great character development and although it takes place over years, the author managed to keep each and every page more interesting and the story, holding various morals and themes, never got boring. The author incorporated several Middle Eastern values like family honor and duty, women’s issues, education, and many other social issues in a straightforward manner letting even the non-Arab readers understand its importance.
The book was a great read overall and I’m looking forward to reading more books by Lilas Taha.
The book was a great read overall and I’m looking forward to reading more books by Lilas Taha.
July 13, 2018
I could not tear myself away from Bitter Almonds. I was fascinated by the alternating perspectives of refugees and Syrian citizens, military officers and Palestinian insurgents. I was even more enthralled with the frustrating but captivating love story that spanned many years.
This book is full of rich Arab traditions, endearing familial relations and a backdrop of major political events that shaped the lives of our beloved characters.
This book is full of rich Arab traditions, endearing familial relations and a backdrop of major political events that shaped the lives of our beloved characters.
August 23, 2018
روايه جيده .. أحداثها جميله .. شعرت بالملل في المنتصف لكن بشكل عام يمكن قرائتها .. النهاية لا تليق بالروايه تستحق نهايه أفضل
February 6, 2021
What is it about Palestinians that live in the West and tired cliches? From the first page, I could not help but roll my eyes at the predictability of the text. Not to judge a book by its cover, or first page, I kept reading. The cliches just kept getting worse. The macho man, the sacrificing sister, the fallen woman...the lack of depth of characters or their development was appalling. I read this book, thinking I would be embarrassed if someone else read it and thought - wow so this is what Palestinians are like?
This writer drew Sameera from beginning to end in a negative light. Why? Because the girl (regardless of where you stand on the issue) flirted with an individual from the opposite gender. How ridiculous is this? What message is being sent by the text by the comparisons it presents. Here you have chaste little Nadia and her loose friend? This is just one example of the sort of backward, disgusting archetypes and stereotypes presented in the novel.
Then let's move on to the lack of political or historical research that went to the novel. So Waleed's family is from Nablus. Why would someone from Nablus be in Syria before the 1967 war as a refugee? Nablus was not occupied until after the six-day war (the catastrophe), resulting in a second major refugee wave, which mostly did not end up in Syria.
Do not get me started on the drama in the book that feels like a 5-year-old could have had envisioned with more depth. There is a difference between creating conflict and the sad attempt that I read.
DO NOT RECOMMEND. When we write, we are responsible for the image we present and the stereotypes we perpetuate. If you respect women and their rights; if you think people should not be judged for their individual choices; if you are sick and tired of the macho man stereotype, then save yourself the time.
This writer drew Sameera from beginning to end in a negative light. Why? Because the girl (regardless of where you stand on the issue) flirted with an individual from the opposite gender. How ridiculous is this? What message is being sent by the text by the comparisons it presents. Here you have chaste little Nadia and her loose friend? This is just one example of the sort of backward, disgusting archetypes and stereotypes presented in the novel.
Then let's move on to the lack of political or historical research that went to the novel. So Waleed's family is from Nablus. Why would someone from Nablus be in Syria before the 1967 war as a refugee? Nablus was not occupied until after the six-day war (the catastrophe), resulting in a second major refugee wave, which mostly did not end up in Syria.
Do not get me started on the drama in the book that feels like a 5-year-old could have had envisioned with more depth. There is a difference between creating conflict and the sad attempt that I read.
DO NOT RECOMMEND. When we write, we are responsible for the image we present and the stereotypes we perpetuate. If you respect women and their rights; if you think people should not be judged for their individual choices; if you are sick and tired of the macho man stereotype, then save yourself the time.
January 13, 2025
Plunged back into the bustling old city of damascus during the 60s through its old neighborhood, streets and customs. This story follows the story of a Palestinian refugee family living in the shade of Syria’s great capital Damascus. Consumed by the eras politics societal customs and traditions the story unfolds a tale of family drama, love and struggle.
I loved this book a lot. Going through a hard time i sought the comfort of a book for what better is a books company for comfort. And so i grabbed bitter almonds of the shelf and immersed myself in the pages of this time traveling tale that took place on my countries soils. (Genuinely cant wait to finally go back and visit) I loved exploring the old customs of the time. It was like an open door to the world my grandparents and ancestors grew up in. I like to view them days as much simpler times.
I loved the progression of romance in the story. Omar, marwan and waleed were my favorite. Marwan sure deserved a whole lot better tho. I genuinely loved Fatimah so much and really wanted more of her. I dare say tho i also admired harsh hot headed and cold huda. Her character was lowkey admirable. I loved nadia too she was pretty relatable at some point. I purely despised sameera and shareef however i respected sameeras brother ahmed ngl. But ya as a story overall i really enjoyed it. It manages to engulf me and give me the comfort I sought. Tho i wish i took my time to devour it for it truly was a masterpiece. Would’ve loved to see omar reclaim his fathers land but history oh well.
God i want to reread it again, already missing its comfort and all the characters❤️🩹
Anyways a 5 star read for sure.
P.s i loved the titles meaning….RIP uncle mustafa🤍
I loved this book a lot. Going through a hard time i sought the comfort of a book for what better is a books company for comfort. And so i grabbed bitter almonds of the shelf and immersed myself in the pages of this time traveling tale that took place on my countries soils. (Genuinely cant wait to finally go back and visit) I loved exploring the old customs of the time. It was like an open door to the world my grandparents and ancestors grew up in. I like to view them days as much simpler times.
I loved the progression of romance in the story. Omar, marwan and waleed were my favorite. Marwan sure deserved a whole lot better tho. I genuinely loved Fatimah so much and really wanted more of her. I dare say tho i also admired harsh hot headed and cold huda. Her character was lowkey admirable. I loved nadia too she was pretty relatable at some point. I purely despised sameera and shareef however i respected sameeras brother ahmed ngl. But ya as a story overall i really enjoyed it. It manages to engulf me and give me the comfort I sought. Tho i wish i took my time to devour it for it truly was a masterpiece. Would’ve loved to see omar reclaim his fathers land but history oh well.
God i want to reread it again, already missing its comfort and all the characters❤️🩹
Anyways a 5 star read for sure.
P.s i loved the titles meaning….RIP uncle mustafa🤍
August 14, 2018
This book surpassed all the expectations I had for it. The depth of feelings in the story made my stomach twist and turn for more. The characters displayed the complexity of a family we might be shocked exists but really does. Lilas got me hooked enough to finish the book in 3 days...
Sometimes you need a book to take you out of the reality you are in and take you to a world far and beyond. This is what exactly happened. With my belief in the politics of life playing a bigger role than anything else, this book hit all the hard spots. Love, faith, lust, tradition, culture, war, displacement and so much more.
Everyone does yearn for a home and an identity and some of us will not know how good our almonds are until we taste the bitter ones.
Sometimes you need a book to take you out of the reality you are in and take you to a world far and beyond. This is what exactly happened. With my belief in the politics of life playing a bigger role than anything else, this book hit all the hard spots. Love, faith, lust, tradition, culture, war, displacement and so much more.
Everyone does yearn for a home and an identity and some of us will not know how good our almonds are until we taste the bitter ones.
October 11, 2021
I loved this book. Finally an Arab love story that isn’t politicized or focused on religion and culture. It’s just about people who are struggling to make connections and find their way.
I love the Arab-ness of it all. The sexual restraint. The innocence. The centrality of marriage. The focus on honor and family lineage. The community-centered romance - Arab romance is not a union between two people, it’s a union between families, and I think that Taha hit the nail right on the head in this story, making us feel how the pressure of the connection between our hero and heroine.
I learned a lot from Taha’s writing. She can express these obscure emotions so well, so deeply, and I was very inspired and learned a lot as I studied her sentence constructions and expressions.
I love the Arab-ness of it all. The sexual restraint. The innocence. The centrality of marriage. The focus on honor and family lineage. The community-centered romance - Arab romance is not a union between two people, it’s a union between families, and I think that Taha hit the nail right on the head in this story, making us feel how the pressure of the connection between our hero and heroine.
I learned a lot from Taha’s writing. She can express these obscure emotions so well, so deeply, and I was very inspired and learned a lot as I studied her sentence constructions and expressions.
Read
May 9, 2021A good book with a beautiful story
The whole book was good and the story coherence was acceptable. But it was halfway through the story, and it was as if the author was trying to fill in the pages. The whole book was mediocre and good
اصل کتاب با نام زیبای بادام های تلخ منتشر شده ، اشاره به باغ های بادام فلسطین
مترجم کتاب صلاح دونستند که کتاب رو با نام تو بالاتر از عشقی !! منتشر کنند
و روی جلد کتاب عکس قلب و چشم زخم بچسبانند !
کتاب ویراستاری ندارد و در جواب چرایی ، نشر تندیس پاسخ داد که کتاب فروش چندانی نداره و اصلا نمی صرفه براش ویراستار بگیریم !! به همین تلخی
داستان خوبه ، از یه جایی به بعد نویسنده عمدا یا سهوا ماجرا رو کش میده ولی باز هم به دل می شینه
ترجمه افتضاحه
The whole book was good and the story coherence was acceptable. But it was halfway through the story, and it was as if the author was trying to fill in the pages. The whole book was mediocre and good
اصل کتاب با نام زیبای بادام های تلخ منتشر شده ، اشاره به باغ های بادام فلسطین
مترجم کتاب صلاح دونستند که کتاب رو با نام تو بالاتر از عشقی !! منتشر کنند
و روی جلد کتاب عکس قلب و چشم زخم بچسبانند !
کتاب ویراستاری ندارد و در جواب چرایی ، نشر تندیس پاسخ داد که کتاب فروش چندانی نداره و اصلا نمی صرفه براش ویراستار بگیریم !! به همین تلخی
داستان خوبه ، از یه جایی به بعد نویسنده عمدا یا سهوا ماجرا رو کش میده ولی باز هم به دل می شینه
ترجمه افتضاحه
December 6, 2020
I enjoyed reading Bitter Almonds, I found it true to the time period it was written in. I liked the details of a typical Palestinian family where the family's reputation means a lot, education comes next while the love for Palestine remains in everyone's heart. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is interested in knowing what the Palestinian diaspora means and how hard it was for everyone.
Thank you Lilas Taha for documenting some of the Palestinian oral histories.
Thank you Lilas Taha for documenting some of the Palestinian oral histories.
August 19, 2019
It gave me a massive Khaled Hosseini vibe. The riveting and tragic turn of events, extreme details on culture and history keep me hooked. What’s more is that I read it while living in a Middle Eastern country, so I get to connect to it on a deeper level.
April 24, 2018
Very intriguing story about a region and time I did not know much about. Check it out!
November 20, 2021
Family honor and appearances dictate each character’s move in this family drama
January 13, 2022
Literally the female version of Khaled Hosseni. The way she has weaved her characters and plot together, makes you so engrossed in the story. Definitely a must read!!
April 24, 2023
Lovely and gripping.
October 29, 2023
Although not a true story, it gives a glance of after war and what a refugee might pass through. Beautiful book and amazing writing
July 17, 2024
I expected more details of life as a refugee Palestinian and a little bit historical, but it turned out to be a romantic novel. Disappointed.
November 17, 2024
No just no
September 22, 2025
به غیر از مادر چه کسی میتوانست خالق تابلوی شگرفی از احساسات باشد؟
February 5, 2017
Palestinian refugees, Damascus, love, etc.
February 14, 2021
Not particularly enamoured with this story. I thought it was going to be an insightful look into Arab culture and the Palestinian problem, but I was wrong. I think it must have surely been an outdated look at roles of men and women, mothers and fathers in Palestinian society even though it was set in the 60s. It ended up just being a love story with little substance.
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