Behind You Is the Sea
Ratings1
Average rating3.5
15
Ratings1
Average rating3.5
An exciting debut novel that gives voice to the diverse residents of a Palestinian American community in Baltimore—from young activists in conflict with their traditional parents to the poor who clean for the rich—lives which intersect across divides of class, generation, and religion.
Funny and touching, Behind You Is the Sea brings us into the homes and lives of three main families—the Baladis, the Salamehs, and the Ammars—Palestinian immigrants who’ve all found a different welcome in America.
Their various fates and struggles cause their community dynamic to sizzle and sometimes explode: The wealthy Ammar family employs young Maysoon Baladi, whose family struggles financially, to clean up after their spoiled teenagers. Meanwhile, Marcus Salameh, whose aunt married into the wealthy Ammar family, confronts his father in an effort to protect his younger sister for “dishonoring” the family. Only a trip to Palestine, where Marcus experiences an unexpected and dramatic transformation, can bridge this seemingly unbridgeable divide between the two generations.
Behind You Is the Sea faces stereotypes about Palestinian culture head-on and, shifting perspectives to weave a complex social fabric replete with weddings, funerals, broken hearts, and devastating secrets.
Reviews with the most likes.
3.5 rounded down; A short story collection about Palestinians who reside in America for different reasons, and they all carry their troubles and issues. It raises voices to their experiences as there are culture clashes, and what it means to be yourself, bringing in a part of you that doesn't quite fit this country. I enjoyed Mr. Ammar Gets Drunk at the Wedding, which was most relatable as two cultures clash. I highly suggest the audiobook!
