Over the month of January for winter break, SciencesPalestine President Ysabella Titi hosted a book club to discuss the novel Against the Loveless World. Its author, Susan Abulhawa, is a Palestinian-American political activist and founder of  the non-profit Playgrounds for Palestine, which builds playgrounds for children in Palestine.

“Against the Loveless World  told a fictional story that gave insight on the real-lived, daily Palestinain experience, especially through key events like occupation, the Intifada, and small acts of resistance,” Titi said.

Released in 2020, the novel centers around the main character, Nahr, reflecting on her life in an Israeli prison. Readers follow Nahr as she grows up in Kuwait and her subsequent journey between Jordan and Palestine. Set in the background of many key events in Palestinian history, Against the Loveless World explores the lives of Palestinians throughout the upheavals following the establishment of the state of Israel in 1948. The novel is filled with rich and compelling characters who make the book easy to read as they struggle to find their place and purpose in a world which has continuously uprooted them. 

Against the Loveless World is beautifully written as Abulhawa weaves in themes of occupation, resistance, love, sexuality, and purpose. The writing is powerful and filled with impactful and intense one-liners. One of the novel’s strongest elements is its character relationships, both platonic and romantic. 

The main character, Nahr and her connections with her grandmother, mother, husband and friends give insight into how the lives of Palestines both in and out of Palestine are complicated by both the occupation and displacement as well as gender norms, the patriarchy and homophobia. 

While discussing Against the Loveless World in the book club, Titi compared stories of Palestinian culture and politics with the events of the novel. As Nahr described the deep connection between Palestinians and the land and animals of Palestine, Titi brought up how the Israeli government has used ecological warfare against Palestinians. At one point in the novel, the main characters are attacked by Israeli soldiers while harvesting the olive plants on their orchard. The novel draws from true events in Palestine where Israeli soldiers and settlers have been responsible for the destruction of thousands of olive trees1, a plant vital to Palestinian identity and sustenance. 

“There were several subtle details that I wanted to explain or look into the grander context of what was happening historically in that moment. Also, if I found anything particularly beautiful or troubling, I wanted to share that with everyone else,” Titi stated. 

All in all, the book club provided an insightful and thought-provoking discussion of Against the Loveless World and, more generally, Palestine and Israel. A strong and compelling novel coupled with discussions led by Titi created a positive and informative experience for attendees. 

As for future book clubs, said Titi, “Whatever people are interested in, I think it is nice to read more lighthearted works, similar to Susan Abulhawa’s novels since they are nice and easy to read, but still give important insight into Palestine and the lives of Palestinians.”

1. Ibrahim, Noor. “Why the West Bank Olive Harvest Is a Flashpoint for Conflict.” Time, Time, 1 Nov. 2019, time.com/5714146/olive-harvest-west-bank/.