Bitter Almonds Hardcover – 13 Aug 2015

A delightful and mesmerising tale recounted beautifully by a " Hakawati" (traditional storyteller) A human story, with a multifaceted love core, set against one of many crucial milestones in Middle Eastern and Palestinian history. Enough of political background to whet the appetite of those interested to look further but never straying from the core human facet of it. Kept me hooked from the very start, which I must confess, I was very pleasantly surprised. Finishing it was akin to saying goodbye to ones family and friends! Genuine and very endearing, not least due to the meticulous research that went into the social background and details of the period. Liked the style, gentle, flowing and sensual enough to leave ones imagination to take it this one step further, teasingly. On all levels, be it a nice love yarn or a profound mirror of the period through the eyes of its protagonists, it is indeed an enthralling read.Onto to greater achievements Lilas.Ali Dabbagh

Great and enthralling novel that highlights issues of displacement. Particularly applicable to today's world.

I love historical novels, but only if the history comes with an engrossing plot that's filled with twists and turns I don’t expect. BITTER ALMONDS is that kind of book. The story begins in 1948 Palestine, and centers on Omar, an orphan born on the very night he and his newly-adopted family are whisked away to exile in Damascus. The reader follows brave Omar into adulthood, and into a forbidden love match with beautiful and earnest Nadia. (Note: If what you’re seeking is a mushy romance, you’d best check out the Harlequin section). BITTER ALMONDS is a period novel that expands your world and sometimes, breaks your heart. A wonderful read I recommend.

While reading Bitter Almonds I was immersed in an unfamiliar world – the Middle East – a place rich in history and culture. The writing style was very engaging and I turned the pages quickly to uncover the secrets of the close-to-life characters in their struggles as Palestinian refugees in Damascus. The premise of this novel mirrors what is taking place in the Middle East and gave me insight into the human heart and a deeper understanding of the hardship one endures.

The first page of Bitter Almonds brought me back to my youth, a time of turmoil in the Middle East when Palestinians were driven from the newly proclaimed state of Israel. It focuses on a family in exile, trying to make a life for themselves, their interactions, conflicts and unique cultural ways of problem solving, It kept me up late trying to read it in one day. I couldn't put it down. The cultural traditions were fascinating, and the conflicts wrenched me to the core. The story was at times heartbreaking, heartwarming, tender, sharp, tragic, sad and happy. I’ve recommended this book to my friends and family. It is a book that everyone needs to read.

Amazing story full of symbolism , lots of feelings ,very descriptive; the readers engage thier five senses while reading, the material deals with the psychological aspect of every day life of 1948 palestinian immigration( Nakba) to the refugee camps in Syria . The characters are very well structured & their attitude towards the refuegge life represents the different personality reactions of their crule immegration & oppression by the Israeli, leaving their free life behind to become refugees.

I truly enjoyed reading this novel. I particularly enjoy historical fiction, and this novel blends both a charming love story and an easy primer on what was happening at the time. I enjoyed learning about the traditions and customs surrounding. Having the author talk to us at our book club added to the pleasure as we got to ask questions and find out about her inspiration. I can't wait to read her next, Lost in Thyme, as well as her first.