Suad Amiry is a celebrated Palestinian author and architect whose works often delve into the poignant realities of Palestinian identity and society. Her writing is characterized by its sharp insight and sensitive portrayal of human experiences amidst political turmoil. Deeply engaged with architecture, Amiry views it not just as a profession but as a metaphor for safeguarding and conserving cultural heritage. Her literary approach blends personal reflection with broader social commentary, offering readers a unique perspective on life under occupation. Through her writings, she seeks to document and comprehend the complexities of the Palestinian condition.
Exploring the rich history of Damascus, Suad Amiry intertwines personal and familial narratives set against the backdrop of the city's vibrant culture. Through the lens of her family's legacy, particularly the Baroudi women, she delves into themes of love, betrayal, and identity, spanning three generations. The book not only captures the essence of the city’s past, from the Ottoman Empire to its current struggles, but also reflects on the complexities of family ties and the longing for a lost heritage, ultimately portraying Damascus as a symbol of both connection and loss.
"Set in Jaffa in 1947-51, this fable-like novel is a heartbreaking tale of young love during the beginning of the destruction of Palestine and displacement of its people. At times darkly humorous and ironic but also profoundly moving, this novel based on a true story follows the lives of a 15 year old engineer, Subhi, and the 13 year old girl, Shams, he hopes one day to marry. It brings Jaffa vividly to life as a beautiful city by the sea where Jews, Palestinians and Christians lived peacefully just before it was destroyed by the November 29, 1947 UN General Assembly Resolution 181 that would partition Palestine into two states and the end of the British Mandate on May 14, 1948. The first part of the story conveys the prosperous life of this cosmopolitan city on the Mediterranean--with its old cinemas, lively cafes and brothels, open air markets, a bustling port and orange groves on the hills behind--through the lives of the families of Subhi and Shams, but particularly through Subhi, a gifted engineer. As the novel evolves, the bombing and displacements of families begin, and we get a fascinating though dark close-up of how those who were left survived which we see more through Shams and her sisters. This novel is a cinematic, though devastating account of an important moment in history of the Middle East and portrait of city irrevocably changed"-- Provided by publisher
"Sharon and My Mother-in-Law" by Suad Amiry offers a poignant and humorous look at daily life in Ramallah from 1981 to 2004. Through her diaries and emails, Amiry captures the frustrations of movement, love, and absurdities like her dog's Jerusalem identity card, all while managing her elderly mother-in-law during a curfew.
Describes the author's experience of living on the West Bank since the early
eighties. The author tells about the life and gossip of her neighbourhood in
Ramallah, her moving family history, and the struggle to live a normal life in
an insane situation, based on her diary, which she kept during the Israeli
invasion of Ramallah in March 2002.
A well-illustrated guide to the material culture of the fellahin, the villagers who inhabited the central highlands of Palestine at the turn of the 20th century.
