I Saw Ramallah
I Saw Ramallah by Mourid Barghouti, published by Anchor on May 13, 2003, is a poignant exploration of the Palestinian experience through the lens of exile. This reprint edition, comprising 208 pages, presents Barghouti’s reflections as he returns to Ramallah after thirty years away, grappling with the stark contrasts between his memories and the realities shaped by the Israeli occupation. The narrative delves into themes of identity, belonging, and the profound impact of displacement on the human spirit.
Readers will find a deeply personal account that captures the essence of Barghouti’s journey, marked by a sense of loss and a quest for understanding. The book intricately weaves together elements of memory and resilience, offering insights into the Palestinian predicament. Through vivid descriptions and emotional depth, Barghouti articulates the complexities of being a Palestinian Arab in a changing landscape, making this work significant for those interested in the Middle East and its rich, yet tumultuous history.
Official synopsis Publisher
WINNER OF THE NAGUIB MAHFOUZ MEDAL FOR LITERATURE
A fierce and moving work and an unparalleled rendering of the human aspects of the Palestinian predicament.
Barred from his homeland after 1967’s Six-Day War, the poet Mourid Barghouti spent thirty years in exile—shuttling among the world’s cities, yet secure in none of them; separated from his family for years at a time; never certain whether he was a visitor, a refugee, a citizen, or a guest. As he returns home for the first time since the Israeli occupation, Barghouti crosses a wooden bridge over the Jordan River into Ramallah and is unable to recognize the city of his youth. Sifting through memories of the old Palestine as they come up against what he now encounters in this mere “idea of Palestine,” he discovers what it means to be deprived not only of a homeland but of “the habitual place and status of a person.” A tour de force of memory and reflection, lamentation and resilience, I Saw Ramallah is a deeply humane book, essential to any balanced understanding of today’s Middle East.
Author
Publisher
Topics
FAQ
What is “I Saw Ramallah” about?
Who is the author of “I Saw Ramallah”?
When was “I Saw Ramallah” published?
What is the ISBN for “I Saw Ramallah”?
What are the book details (language, pages, edition)?
