Middle East/North African Lit discussion

Please if you are reading or want to read Yasmine post here .

I've just finished Yasmine and on the whole enjoyed it. I think the author tried a little too hard in places to find similarities and justifications in the Iraqi-Jewish experience with that of the Palestinians - but perhaps that's my own biases coming through. I did like learning more about the Jewish community in Iraq and will try and track down the author's The Dove Flyer which is the loose predecessor to Yasmine and explores the families activities in Baghdad before going into exile in Israel. I'm not a great fan of romance, so was pleased that it took a back seat to the political and cultural issues explored.

I started the vovel last night , so I wouldn't wait to finish "the other side of Israel" frist , I will try to write more thoughts when I move forward .

I read two chapters , I felt so confused in chapter two , may be because the protagonist himself was troubled and confused ?

bringing up Oum Kalthoum makes me always travel to and wonder about that era !

I want to read more about Iraqi Jews .

I just downloaded it today. Hope to start it by Weds.

Diane wrote: "I just downloaded it today. Hope to start it by Weds."

:)

I am about 25% through the book .

I finished the novel , this was a good and a very interesting and troubling read . It gave me so many issues to digest , raised more questions about "Identities" and applyed even more complications on how we can expect the Palestinian-Israeli situation to be solved .

I will try to read "The Dove Flyer" as well .

*****
Any one is reading or going to read this one too ?
*****
From the "Independent"

http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-ent...

I am on page 100. Found the beginning a bit confusing but am finding it much clearer the more I read. The language seems a bit simplistic at times.

Diane wrote: "I am on page 100. Found the beginning a bit confusing but am finding it much clearer the more I read. The language seems a bit simplistic at times."

I see you finished it , do you want to share any thoughts about it ?

I found the beginning a bit confusing but as I went further on it began to make sense. It did make me realize how complex the problems are there, and why it is not a simple matter to just end the hostilities. Their cultures, their heritage, their hates, it almost boggles the mind how far apart they are. There are of course some similarities as well, but it seems not enough of them to bridge the difference. Glad I read this, but as you stated many many things to think about.

I got a copy of this book this week and am planning to read it next week so I hope I'm not too late to join in a discussion here (I'm not sure when you all started it.)

I recently read The Dove Flyer and enjoyed it very much so am now looking forward to reading Yasmine. I put my review of The Dove Flyer on my blog if anyone wants to read it http://leftontheshelfbookblog.blogspo...

I am looking forward to seeing what you all think of Yasmine.

Anna wrote: "I got a copy of this book this week and am planning to read it next week so I hope I'm not too late to join in a discussion here (I'm not sure when you all started it.)

I recently read [book:The D..."

Please share your thoughts with us whenever you are ready ! :)