A review by ddnreads
Behind You Is the Sea by Susan Muaddi Darraj

emotional hopeful reflective fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

Behind You is the Sea is an adult slice of life fiction revolving around Palestinian Americans community in Baltimore. It consists of short stories focusing on one character and the next, finding out as the pages revealed that they know each other. I love this kind of book. The satisfaction of realising who's who is its own sugary treat.

Plotwise, the story stands on its own. You don't have to read them in orderly form.

This debut turned out to be an enjoyable read. Exceeding any of my expectations (which I didn't put much). Definitely looking forward to Susan M. Darraj's future works.

The conflicts are mostly family drama. Some are hopeful, some are bitter, the others make me wonder bcs I want the stories to keep going. We get to see various generations of Palestinians' struggles weaving through their lifes abroad. The different concern is quite striking as we come to aware about the class gap within the community.

It's like peeking through the life of Palestinians as they are. Flaws and all. 

I need y'all to read this book to remind that they should have a life as normal as what we're having. Fall in love the way we do. Having family close by to hold into. 

I hate how US propaganda and israhell genoci e dehumanize them or forced them to be the perfect heroes. They didn't deserve it one bit. Please keep them in your prayers. Always. ✨