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The Olive Tree
We were unbreakable.
We were strong, and we were resilient.
Just like the olive tree.
Nisma is like any other 16-year-old. She goes to school, she fights with her brothers, and she loves her grandmother, Nazik. But, life for Nisma isn’t as simple as boys and books: Nisma is an Islamic Palestinian in Israel, and her new friend, Hannah, is a Zionist.
When Hannah’s mother is attacked and Nisma invites the pair to live in her family home, she has no idea of the chain of events that she has set in motion. What unfolds will show Nisma that in a country shrouded by corruption, bigotry and segregation, love and compassion is her best chance at survival.
A love letter to the Palestinian people, Mariam El Houli’s The Olive Tree is a heartbreaking and gripping debut – a tale of friendship, strength and loss, and the fatal consequences systematic prejudice can have on a country’s people.
We were strong, and we were resilient.
Just like the olive tree.
Nisma is like any other 16-year-old. She goes to school, she fights with her brothers, and she loves her grandmother, Nazik. But, life for Nisma isn’t as simple as boys and books: Nisma is an Islamic Palestinian in Israel, and her new friend, Hannah, is a Zionist.
When Hannah’s mother is attacked and Nisma invites the pair to live in her family home, she has no idea of the chain of events that she has set in motion. What unfolds will show Nisma that in a country shrouded by corruption, bigotry and segregation, love and compassion is her best chance at survival.
A love letter to the Palestinian people, Mariam El Houli’s The Olive Tree is a heartbreaking and gripping debut – a tale of friendship, strength and loss, and the fatal consequences systematic prejudice can have on a country’s people.
236 pages, Paperback
Published March 1, 2022
2 people are currently reading
31 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
March 17, 2022
Nisma, a Palestinian Muslim girl living in the fictional town of Qu'laif, Israel (Palestine to the MC). Nisma and her family try to maintain some semblance of normalcy amid hostile Israeli soldiers, neighborhood bombings, and the historical tensions between groups of people taught to think the worst of the "other".
Nisma's attitude paints her as a traitor to her neighbors, and the consequences of her act of kindness are devastating.
I think the author does a good job with an evenhanded portrayal of day-to-day interactions, not strongly showing preference for one side over the other. Nisma often works as a mouthpiece, speaking out about learned hatred, invoking scripture, and treating her Jewish schoolmate as a friend and not an enemy.
I don't feel very strongly about this book. I think it was a little to rudimentary to send a clear, effective message. If the author had taken one of the terrible things that happened and spent more than a few pages on it that would have given this book more direction. It's feels very all over the place. While real life is like that, one thing after another, stuff coming at you from all directions, mirroring a story after that makes the story unfocused.
Based on the writing, the cramped pace of the story, and the sprawling plot, I can tell this was vanity published. The "About the Author" is essentially an ad for the author's skincare business. It kind of feels like the book was written in part to help her get more customers, albeit in a roundabout way.
Nisma's attitude paints her as a traitor to her neighbors, and the consequences of her act of kindness are devastating.
I think the author does a good job with an evenhanded portrayal of day-to-day interactions, not strongly showing preference for one side over the other. Nisma often works as a mouthpiece, speaking out about learned hatred, invoking scripture, and treating her Jewish schoolmate as a friend and not an enemy.
I don't feel very strongly about this book. I think it was a little to rudimentary to send a clear, effective message. If the author had taken one of the terrible things that happened and spent more than a few pages on it that would have given this book more direction. It's feels very all over the place. While real life is like that, one thing after another, stuff coming at you from all directions, mirroring a story after that makes the story unfocused.
Based on the writing, the cramped pace of the story, and the sprawling plot, I can tell this was vanity published. The "About the Author" is essentially an ad for the author's skincare business. It kind of feels like the book was written in part to help her get more customers, albeit in a roundabout way.
May 22, 2022
This was quite a short book, less than 200 pages but it really packs a punch.
This story follows Nisma, a Palestinian Muslim, living in Qu’laif with her family. They are trying to maintain some sense of normalcy amidst the ongoing war and also avoiding the hostile Israeli soldiers. Nisma also made a new friend in her neighbourhood, Hannah, who is a Zionist. Nisma doesn’t yet understand the historical tensions between the two groups and was angry at her mother for preventing them from being friends. But when tragedy befalls Hannah’s family, Nisma and her father were quick to help and took them in despite the protest from her mother. Nisma’s family were painted as traitors and she soon learns that her kindness will lead to devastating consequences.
Nisma was naive and believed that they can all live in harmony if they just gave each other a chance but she doesn’t understand how deep the hatred lies. It was hard breaking for Nisma to discover the harsh reality of her country and how her choices affected her family. This isn’t just a story about an unlikely friendship, but also focuses on Nisma’s family especially her relationship with her mother.
This story also showed how people lived in a country run by corruption and segregation, how people are so quick to judge and how having compassion can be your downfall. But Nisma pushed through with strength and determination to do what she thinks is right even if she is hit with tragedy after tragedy. That is something I truly admired about her.
I did feel that the author went a bit too far with all the terrible things that happened to Nisma. It would have been worthwhile to give more depth to one or two of the issues Nisma had to overcome. Like just let Nisma catch a break, please. My heart breaks so much for her! Overall, this was an enjoyable read but this is definitely a very tragic book so do pick up with caution.
Thank you Netgalley and Dean Publishing for the arc.
This story follows Nisma, a Palestinian Muslim, living in Qu’laif with her family. They are trying to maintain some sense of normalcy amidst the ongoing war and also avoiding the hostile Israeli soldiers. Nisma also made a new friend in her neighbourhood, Hannah, who is a Zionist. Nisma doesn’t yet understand the historical tensions between the two groups and was angry at her mother for preventing them from being friends. But when tragedy befalls Hannah’s family, Nisma and her father were quick to help and took them in despite the protest from her mother. Nisma’s family were painted as traitors and she soon learns that her kindness will lead to devastating consequences.
Nisma was naive and believed that they can all live in harmony if they just gave each other a chance but she doesn’t understand how deep the hatred lies. It was hard breaking for Nisma to discover the harsh reality of her country and how her choices affected her family. This isn’t just a story about an unlikely friendship, but also focuses on Nisma’s family especially her relationship with her mother.
This story also showed how people lived in a country run by corruption and segregation, how people are so quick to judge and how having compassion can be your downfall. But Nisma pushed through with strength and determination to do what she thinks is right even if she is hit with tragedy after tragedy. That is something I truly admired about her.
I did feel that the author went a bit too far with all the terrible things that happened to Nisma. It would have been worthwhile to give more depth to one or two of the issues Nisma had to overcome. Like just let Nisma catch a break, please. My heart breaks so much for her! Overall, this was an enjoyable read but this is definitely a very tragic book so do pick up with caution.
Thank you Netgalley and Dean Publishing for the arc.
November 30, 2022
When I picked “The Olive Tree” by “Mariam El Houli,” I thought the book would discuss the Palestine-Israel conflict. Yes! I learned a lot about heartbreaking tragedies. However, this book helps me to understand the world from an ordinary girl’s perspective.
Nisma, a Palestinian Muslim girl, is trying to find her place in a complicated world full of hatred, riots, and bomb explosions. She has many questions like, “why did her neighbor’s mom beat her daughter simply waving towards her?” “Why is there a hatred in her mom’s heat?” She is a kind-hearted and empathetic girl who helped her neighbor against all the odds, and for her human act, she lost her precious thing, her family.
Nisma’s day-to-day interaction with life portrays how dirty politics and corruption are dooming the country. Nisma is a brave girl, and I feel sympathetic and compassionate. I recommend this book to all readers to see the conflict from a new perspective.
Nisma, a Palestinian Muslim girl, is trying to find her place in a complicated world full of hatred, riots, and bomb explosions. She has many questions like, “why did her neighbor’s mom beat her daughter simply waving towards her?” “Why is there a hatred in her mom’s heat?” She is a kind-hearted and empathetic girl who helped her neighbor against all the odds, and for her human act, she lost her precious thing, her family.
Nisma’s day-to-day interaction with life portrays how dirty politics and corruption are dooming the country. Nisma is a brave girl, and I feel sympathetic and compassionate. I recommend this book to all readers to see the conflict from a new perspective.
January 4, 2023
The book tries to highlight the plight of the Palestinians and human nature to discriminate and prejudice people based on their community.
The story is around Nisma, a Palestinian teenager, and how her unconditional friendship with a Zionist, Hannah, brought about unexpected tragedies upon her.
The storyline is intense, and so are the characters. However, sometimes the plot seems rushed and I felt that it would have been better if the story was a little more elaborate.
This novel has corruption, division, and tragedy, but what I found most endearing was Nisma's innocence; despite experiencing several setbacks, she made an effort to be sympathetic. Nisma refuses to sever her relationship although both tribes have experienced conflicts and battles from historical times because of the occasionally unpleasant situations she has to deal with.
The story is around Nisma, a Palestinian teenager, and how her unconditional friendship with a Zionist, Hannah, brought about unexpected tragedies upon her.
The storyline is intense, and so are the characters. However, sometimes the plot seems rushed and I felt that it would have been better if the story was a little more elaborate.
This novel has corruption, division, and tragedy, but what I found most endearing was Nisma's innocence; despite experiencing several setbacks, she made an effort to be sympathetic. Nisma refuses to sever her relationship although both tribes have experienced conflicts and battles from historical times because of the occasionally unpleasant situations she has to deal with.
November 14, 2022
Written by 'Mariam El Houli', the book covers a significant and incident where readers will discover adversity and reality altered in the storyline which describes the book as a work of fiction.
Basically the book revolves around the Palestinian character named Nisma who does friendship with a Zionist named Hannah and denies to agree to the fact of historical strain and current stress between the two communities.
Corruption, segregation and tragedy is the part of this book but what I liked the most was the innocence of Nisma, even after several disappointments she tried her best to be compassionate.
Few times I found this book depressing but got over it by observing character development. Totally worth the read.
Basically the book revolves around the Palestinian character named Nisma who does friendship with a Zionist named Hannah and denies to agree to the fact of historical strain and current stress between the two communities.
Corruption, segregation and tragedy is the part of this book but what I liked the most was the innocence of Nisma, even after several disappointments she tried her best to be compassionate.
Few times I found this book depressing but got over it by observing character development. Totally worth the read.
March 31, 2024
Mariam El Houli's debut novel, "The Olive Tree," stands as an emotional and touching story of the resilience of the human spirit amidst the backdrop of one of the world's most enduring conflicts. Through the eyes of Nisma, a 16-year-old Palestinian girl, El Houli weaves a narrative so vivid and compelling, that it tugs at the heartstrings with the force of an unyielding root.
Nisma's life, marked by the everyday trials of adolescence, is intricately portrayed against the complex of Israeli-Palestinian relations. Her friendship with Hannah, a Zionist, serves as the novel's pivot, challenging and exploring the depths of human empathy and understanding, inviting readers into a world where the olive tree—a symbol of peace and endurance—casts a long shadow over lives intertwined by fate and circumstance.
"The Olive Tree" is not merely a narrative about the Palestinian people; it is a universal call to look beyond our differences, to find the humanity in those we call enemies. El Houli's skilful storytelling, rich with cultural and emotional layers, makes this novel not just a story about survival in the face of prejudice but a beautiful, heartwarming exploration of the unbreakable bonds of love, family, and friendship.
This book is a rare gem, offering a nuanced perspective on a highly charged issue, all while celebrating the indomitable spirit of its characters. "The Olive Tree" is a love letter not just to Palestine but to all who have ever stood resilient in the face of injustice—reminding us that, like the olive tree, we too can endure, flourish, and provide shelter to those in need.
Nisma's life, marked by the everyday trials of adolescence, is intricately portrayed against the complex of Israeli-Palestinian relations. Her friendship with Hannah, a Zionist, serves as the novel's pivot, challenging and exploring the depths of human empathy and understanding, inviting readers into a world where the olive tree—a symbol of peace and endurance—casts a long shadow over lives intertwined by fate and circumstance.
"The Olive Tree" is not merely a narrative about the Palestinian people; it is a universal call to look beyond our differences, to find the humanity in those we call enemies. El Houli's skilful storytelling, rich with cultural and emotional layers, makes this novel not just a story about survival in the face of prejudice but a beautiful, heartwarming exploration of the unbreakable bonds of love, family, and friendship.
This book is a rare gem, offering a nuanced perspective on a highly charged issue, all while celebrating the indomitable spirit of its characters. "The Olive Tree" is a love letter not just to Palestine but to all who have ever stood resilient in the face of injustice—reminding us that, like the olive tree, we too can endure, flourish, and provide shelter to those in need.
November 28, 2022
🍀 I strongly believe those words - "Never judge a book by it's cover". This line is so true and accurate for this book.
🥀Looking at the cover, it feels so soothing. Those greenary, that eye soothing texture seems like it's a pleasent read. But we need to focus on those deep blank holes inside the image of the beautiful tree. Yes, like it looks little incomplete because of those middle part, the story is absolutely representing the same way.
Though it looks very simple and good at the beginning, but more deeper you go, more miseries will come out.
🥀 A Palestine girl made friendship with a Zionist. As it's a well known topic from history that these two groups never had good terms for each other - making friendship with one another was way beyond their thinking.
Already being a Palestine girl, her life was not that easy as boys. On the other hand, she was adamant to keep her friendship with a Zionist one. Naturally life was planning some series of hardship for her and the author narrated that scenario in a well appreciated tone.
Its a story of love, family, friendship, sorrow, tragedy and what not. But it's definitely not a soothing one as the cover looks. The reader can feel the pain in every alternate chapter. Potrait of different characters are good enough.
Read something intense and emotional after a long time. Good one 👍👍👍👍👍
🥀Looking at the cover, it feels so soothing. Those greenary, that eye soothing texture seems like it's a pleasent read. But we need to focus on those deep blank holes inside the image of the beautiful tree. Yes, like it looks little incomplete because of those middle part, the story is absolutely representing the same way.
Though it looks very simple and good at the beginning, but more deeper you go, more miseries will come out.
🥀 A Palestine girl made friendship with a Zionist. As it's a well known topic from history that these two groups never had good terms for each other - making friendship with one another was way beyond their thinking.
Already being a Palestine girl, her life was not that easy as boys. On the other hand, she was adamant to keep her friendship with a Zionist one. Naturally life was planning some series of hardship for her and the author narrated that scenario in a well appreciated tone.
Its a story of love, family, friendship, sorrow, tragedy and what not. But it's definitely not a soothing one as the cover looks. The reader can feel the pain in every alternate chapter. Potrait of different characters are good enough.
Read something intense and emotional after a long time. Good one 👍👍👍👍👍
December 18, 2022
BOOK : THE OLIVE TREE
AUTHOR : MARIAM El HOULI
RATING : 4/5🌟
🌺🌺
Looking at the cover, it feels so soothing. Those greenary, that eye soothing texture seems like it's a pleasent read. But we need to focus on those deep blank holes inside the image of the beautiful tree. Yes, like it looks little incomplete because of those middle part, the story is absolutely representing the same way,
Though it looks very simple and good at the beginning, but more deeper you go, more miseries will come out.
A Palestine girl made friendship with a Zionist. As it's a well known topic from history that these two groups never had good terms for each other - making friendship with one another was way beyond their thinking.
Already being a Palestine girl, her life was not that easy as boys. On the other hand, she was adamant to keep her friendship with a Zionist one. Naturally life was planning some series of hardship for her and the author narrated that scenario in a well appreciated tone.
Its a story of love, family, friendship, sorrow, tragedy and what not. But it's definitely not a soothing one as the cover looks. The reader can feel the pain in every alternate chapter. Potrait of different characters are good enough.
🌺🌺
AUTHOR : MARIAM El HOULI
RATING : 4/5🌟
🌺🌺
Looking at the cover, it feels so soothing. Those greenary, that eye soothing texture seems like it's a pleasent read. But we need to focus on those deep blank holes inside the image of the beautiful tree. Yes, like it looks little incomplete because of those middle part, the story is absolutely representing the same way,
Though it looks very simple and good at the beginning, but more deeper you go, more miseries will come out.
A Palestine girl made friendship with a Zionist. As it's a well known topic from history that these two groups never had good terms for each other - making friendship with one another was way beyond their thinking.
Already being a Palestine girl, her life was not that easy as boys. On the other hand, she was adamant to keep her friendship with a Zionist one. Naturally life was planning some series of hardship for her and the author narrated that scenario in a well appreciated tone.
Its a story of love, family, friendship, sorrow, tragedy and what not. But it's definitely not a soothing one as the cover looks. The reader can feel the pain in every alternate chapter. Potrait of different characters are good enough.
🌺🌺
November 30, 2022
Book :- THE OLIVE TREE
Author:- MARIAM EL HOULI
Rating:- 5/5
Review:-
🌳🌳The Olive Tree by Mariam El Houli is a compelling debut novel that serves as a love letter to the Palestinian people. It is a story of friendship, perseverance, loss, and the deadly effects that institutionalized discrimination can have on a nation's citizens.The book tries to highlight the plight of the Palestinians and human nature to discriminate and prejudice people based on their community. The story revolves around Nisma, a Palestinian teenager, and how her unconditional friendship with a Zionist, Hannah, brought about unexpected tragedies upon her.The storyline is intense, and so are the characters. However, sometimes the plot seems rushed and I felt that it would have been better if the story was a little more elaborate.This novel has corruption, division, and tragedy, but what I found most endearing was Nisma's innocence; despite experiencing several setbacks, she made an effort to be sympathetic. Nisma refuses to sever her relationship although both tribes have experienced conflicts and battles from historical times because of the occasionally unpleasant situations she has to deal with.🌳🌳
Author:- MARIAM EL HOULI
Rating:- 5/5
Review:-
🌳🌳The Olive Tree by Mariam El Houli is a compelling debut novel that serves as a love letter to the Palestinian people. It is a story of friendship, perseverance, loss, and the deadly effects that institutionalized discrimination can have on a nation's citizens.The book tries to highlight the plight of the Palestinians and human nature to discriminate and prejudice people based on their community. The story revolves around Nisma, a Palestinian teenager, and how her unconditional friendship with a Zionist, Hannah, brought about unexpected tragedies upon her.The storyline is intense, and so are the characters. However, sometimes the plot seems rushed and I felt that it would have been better if the story was a little more elaborate.This novel has corruption, division, and tragedy, but what I found most endearing was Nisma's innocence; despite experiencing several setbacks, she made an effort to be sympathetic. Nisma refuses to sever her relationship although both tribes have experienced conflicts and battles from historical times because of the occasionally unpleasant situations she has to deal with.🌳🌳
November 30, 2022
Beautiful
"Sometimes people are misunderstood – their actions are taken differently to their intentions. In the end, hatred is born out of all these things and generations suffer the consequences"
This book is about Nisma is Palestinian Muslim girl living her life in a town called Qulaif which is located in Israel.
This book talks about real situations that happening around and also she became friends with Zionists, which is quite uncomfortable and unbelievable because of the history they had.
Not everyone will have the emotion of being enemies right, this story will talk about it.
Growing up her life is not easy as the people around her, it's not easy for her to do the friendship with some other community and all. Ins school she used to face criticism because of her friendship and in the neighborhood of her house also hated her and didn't show any kindness towards her.
While facing many situations like these, how is she going to handle these issues? How she is going survive in the cruel world and all.
I just like how author has well written everything in the book and it's easy to understand everything that happens around her.
"Sometimes people are misunderstood – their actions are taken differently to their intentions. In the end, hatred is born out of all these things and generations suffer the consequences"
This book is about Nisma is Palestinian Muslim girl living her life in a town called Qulaif which is located in Israel.
This book talks about real situations that happening around and also she became friends with Zionists, which is quite uncomfortable and unbelievable because of the history they had.
Not everyone will have the emotion of being enemies right, this story will talk about it.
Growing up her life is not easy as the people around her, it's not easy for her to do the friendship with some other community and all. Ins school she used to face criticism because of her friendship and in the neighborhood of her house also hated her and didn't show any kindness towards her.
While facing many situations like these, how is she going to handle these issues? How she is going survive in the cruel world and all.
I just like how author has well written everything in the book and it's easy to understand everything that happens around her.
November 29, 2022
The story revolves around Nisma, a Palestinian teenager, and how her unconditional friendship with a Zionist, Hannah, brought about unexpected tragedies upon her.
Though it is a short read of about 160 pages, it is nothing less than an emotional roller coaster. Each page is penned down with outpouring raw emotions of love, hate, grudge, compassion, and hope.
The storyline is intense, and so are the characters. However, sometimes the plot seems rushed and I felt that it would have been better if the story was a little more elaborate.
The book tries to highlight the plight of the Palestinians and human nature to discriminate and prejudice people based on their community. It also motivates the readers to move ahead by not falling prey to the destiny.
Overall, it is a tragic read but still has a shade of optimism. It is one such book that doesn't consume much of your time but leaves you with a heavy heart.
Though it is a short read of about 160 pages, it is nothing less than an emotional roller coaster. Each page is penned down with outpouring raw emotions of love, hate, grudge, compassion, and hope.
The storyline is intense, and so are the characters. However, sometimes the plot seems rushed and I felt that it would have been better if the story was a little more elaborate.
The book tries to highlight the plight of the Palestinians and human nature to discriminate and prejudice people based on their community. It also motivates the readers to move ahead by not falling prey to the destiny.
Overall, it is a tragic read but still has a shade of optimism. It is one such book that doesn't consume much of your time but leaves you with a heavy heart.
November 30, 2022
Nisma is a teenage girl full of curiosity and angst against the world where she can play with her friend, where the world won't judge people on the basis of religion, and where society's crimes don't get counted upon the individual.
Where opinions are not only for the deep pockets.Where people believe in karma. But her life takes an upside-down turn when her parents died, she was now and then being transferred from one relative to another, what will she do now, how she is going to survive this humongous turmoil?
This book will ask questions about your choices and how smoothly your current life is going on, the emotional depth in this book is a conglomerate of various emotional outbursts hidden inside the words of the author, which showcases the character's dilemma. I would recommend this one who is actually ready for this emotional ride.
Where opinions are not only for the deep pockets.Where people believe in karma. But her life takes an upside-down turn when her parents died, she was now and then being transferred from one relative to another, what will she do now, how she is going to survive this humongous turmoil?
This book will ask questions about your choices and how smoothly your current life is going on, the emotional depth in this book is a conglomerate of various emotional outbursts hidden inside the words of the author, which showcases the character's dilemma. I would recommend this one who is actually ready for this emotional ride.
November 16, 2022
Written in a very profound manner, the book "The Olive Tree" revolves around the story of Nisma who is a Palestinian and makes friendship with Hannah, a Zionist.
The fact that both the groups have tensions and wars since historical periods, Nisma refuses to break her bond due to the stressful events she faces every now and then.
The book is a worthwhile read but it comes with the concept of segregation, corruption and tragic scenes which will make its readers discover an altered reality in a fictionalized format.
No doubt, author 'Mariam El Houli' did and appreciable work with the character evolvements and creating a compassionate character like Nisma but at the same time I feel sympathy for her too. Highly recommended to everyone
The fact that both the groups have tensions and wars since historical periods, Nisma refuses to break her bond due to the stressful events she faces every now and then.
The book is a worthwhile read but it comes with the concept of segregation, corruption and tragic scenes which will make its readers discover an altered reality in a fictionalized format.
No doubt, author 'Mariam El Houli' did and appreciable work with the character evolvements and creating a compassionate character like Nisma but at the same time I feel sympathy for her too. Highly recommended to everyone
November 29, 2022
Book : The Olive Tree
Author : Mariam El Houli
This book is a tale of friendship, strength and loss.
This book is all about a girl named Nisma. As we know all girls is a princess for her home. She is 16-year-old. she loves her family but the most her grandmother, Nazik.
But we also know the life isn't easy for anyone.
She does friendship with her new friend, Hannah, is a Zionist. But Nisma refuses to break her bond due to the stressful events.
To know what next...?
Go and grab it now.
The language is simple to read. The cover looks pretty. The writing style is 'OMG' just amazing. The characters are well described. The narration style is also good. I would definitely recommend to everyone.
Author : Mariam El Houli
This book is a tale of friendship, strength and loss.
This book is all about a girl named Nisma. As we know all girls is a princess for her home. She is 16-year-old. she loves her family but the most her grandmother, Nazik.
But we also know the life isn't easy for anyone.
She does friendship with her new friend, Hannah, is a Zionist. But Nisma refuses to break her bond due to the stressful events.
To know what next...?
Go and grab it now.
The language is simple to read. The cover looks pretty. The writing style is 'OMG' just amazing. The characters are well described. The narration style is also good. I would definitely recommend to everyone.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 30, 2022
This is the author's first novel and as a debut it was beautiful. It was heartbreaking and heartwarming at the same time. It was full of love, friendship, hope, family, corruption, tragedy and sadness. Every character was perfect. Their emotions were skillfully portrayed. Every scene was really well executed. The plot and presentation of this book was very unique and wonderful. It was so engaging from the beginning that I finished reading it in one sitting. The language was simple but the perfectly chosen words made it more impressive. Overall it was a great experience reading such a book. It is a must read for all book lovers.
December 31, 2024
Firstly I have to say that I got to know this woman earlier in 2024 and was amazed at the amount of things she does in her life. This book was something I aimed to read as she has put her heart in to write it so if I care for her why not read her work.
It was by far a gripping story that shows two sides of cultures and religions but how we can put this aside to care for someone which is a basic human right.
Without giving too much detail it’s a story that allows you into Mariam’s world of speech and truth of who she is and what she stands for.
A good insight for all to read and take lessons away.
It was by far a gripping story that shows two sides of cultures and religions but how we can put this aside to care for someone which is a basic human right.
Without giving too much detail it’s a story that allows you into Mariam’s world of speech and truth of who she is and what she stands for.
A good insight for all to read and take lessons away.
May 2, 2022
The Olive Tree is thoughtfully written. Well expressed cultural contrast . I enjoyed this book, and felt deeply for the characters. In our current world situation we need more books about overcoming differences. Well done.
June 21, 2022
A Beautiful Story
This beautifully written story seems all too real. The author brings different characters who intertwine their lives, joy,pain and fear in a believable way. I highly recommend this book.
-Momma's Morning Cup
This beautifully written story seems all too real. The author brings different characters who intertwine their lives, joy,pain and fear in a believable way. I highly recommend this book.
-Momma's Morning Cup
June 14, 2022
Great read.
February 5, 2025
The Olive Tree by Mariam El Houli is a beautiful story about a place torn apart by war. We meet two girls who become friends despite the world telling them they should never speak. Nisma is an Islamic Palestinian living in Israel. Hannah is a Jewish Zionist. Circumstances bring them together and the story unfolds to give us a glimpse into the hatred that separates the people in Israel.
Mariam is not afraid to tackle the concepts of bigotry and segregation. She pulls us in head-first, allowing readers to experience a teen being beaten and kept from school by a parent for talking to someone "not of the faith." We see how government officials have been corrupted and turn a blind eye to the violence. We see the ostracism that occurs when someone breaks the rules. But more importantly, Mariam shows us what we need to do to combat the disease of hatred - find our love and compassion.
If you want to read a book to help you understand systematic prejudice, not just in Israel, but anywhere in the world, this beautiful tale is the book for you.
Mariam is not afraid to tackle the concepts of bigotry and segregation. She pulls us in head-first, allowing readers to experience a teen being beaten and kept from school by a parent for talking to someone "not of the faith." We see how government officials have been corrupted and turn a blind eye to the violence. We see the ostracism that occurs when someone breaks the rules. But more importantly, Mariam shows us what we need to do to combat the disease of hatred - find our love and compassion.
If you want to read a book to help you understand systematic prejudice, not just in Israel, but anywhere in the world, this beautiful tale is the book for you.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews