"Let It Be Morning" is a remarkable novel that will captivate readers with its thought-provoking storyline and emotionally charged themes. Written by Sayed Kashua, the story takes place in an Arab village in Israel and follows the journey of Sami, a young man who finds himself caught between two conflicting worlds.
Sami's return to his hometown after living in Jerusalem for several years is not the joyous homecoming he had hoped for. Instead, he finds his village under the oppressive occupation of the Israeli army. Kashua's writing brilliantly captures the chaos and despair that befalls Sami's community, effectively portraying the collective trauma experienced by the villagers.
One of the novel's strengths lies in Kashua's ability to delve into the internal struggles faced by Sami as he wrestles with his identity as an Arab Israeli. Through Sami's story, the author explores the complexities of cultural and societal expectations, compelling readers to reflect on the impact of political and social dynamics on one's sense of self.
Available on Audible
Kashua's writing style is eloquent, evoking powerful emotions and allowing readers to deeply connect with his characters. The vivid descriptions and powerful imagery employed by the author bring the story to life and elicit a strong emotional response.
The novel also delves into themes such as family dynamics, societal injustices, and the clash of cultures. Kashua's exploration of these topics adds depth and richness to the narrative, encouraging readers to contemplate the multifaceted issues faced by Arab Israelis.
What are readers saying?
"Sayed Kashua's novel, "Let It Be Morning," has received a range of reviews, with readers expressing diverse opinions on the book. The story delves into themes of identity and belonging from the perspective of a Palestinian Israeli protagonist. While some readers appreciated the powerful depiction of the protagonist's struggles, others found the storytelling style challenging and the ending unsatisfying.
Many reviewers praised the book's authentic portrayal of the Palestinian Israeli experience and Kashua's adept handling of complex societal issues. They found the protagonist's journey and inner conflicts thought-provoking and emotionally impactful. Readers appreciated Kashua's exploration of themes such as alienation, discrimination, and the search for belonging, considering them timely and relevant.
However, some readers found the storytelling style difficult to follow. They found the stream-of-consciousness narration confusing and disjointed, which hindered their understanding and engagement with the story. Several reviewers also criticized the slow pacing, with multiple repetitive scenes that unnecessarily lengthened the book.
A common criticism among readers was the unsatisfying ending. Some felt it was abrupt and left too many loose ends, while others found it ambiguous and open to interpretation. This lack of closure frustrated readers seeking a more conclusive and fulfilling ending to the protagonist's journey.
Despite the mixed reception, many readers acknowledged the importance of "Let It Be Morning" in shedding light on the complex realities faced by Palestinian Israelis. They appreciated the book's ability to humanize the characters and offer a nuanced perspective on the socio-political challenges they encounter. Overall, "Let It Be Morning" has sparked meaningful conversations and debates among readers, though its narrative style and ending have proved divisive among them.
LetItBeMorning BookLovers MustRead