Miral: A Novel [Paperback]

Rula Jebreal (Author), John Cullen (Translator)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 3, 2010

Soon to be a major motion picture from the award-winning director Julian Schnabel, starring Freida Pinto.

WRITTEN BY the much-admired Italo-Palestinian journalist Rula Jebreal, Miral is a novel that focuses on remarkable women whose lives unfold in the turbulent political climate along the borders of Israel and Palestine. The story begins with Hind, a woman who sacrifices everything to establish a school for refugee Palestinian girls in East Jerusalem. Years later Miral arrives at the school after her mother commits suicide. Hind sees that Miral has the potential to change the world peacefully-but Miral is appalled by the injustice that surrounds her, and flirts with the notion of armed resistance. Hind desperately works to persuade her to stay the course of education, hard work, and non-violent resolution-but is she too late?

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

This novel of a Palestinian girl growing up amid the intifada is packed with historical facts, but never rises above mediocrity. Philanthropist Hind Husseini creates a children's shelter in 1948 in response to the destruction wrought by the first Arab-Israeli war. Decades later, Miral comes into Hind's care after her mother kills herself. As Miral witnesses the effects of the Israeli campaigns against the intifada, she draws closer to the political fringes, finally choosing to join the struggle in full. Yet the benevolent influence of Hind and an eye-opening friendship with an Israeli socialist subdues Miral's radicalism and offers some hope for the future. Jebreal is a successful journalist in Italy, and true to form the plot rips along with quick-reading prose, though the characters' simplicity presents a big problem, in that, despite the dire circumstances, it's hard to connect with archetypes. It's perfectly serviceable and offers a reliable refresher of the Palestinian struggle, but there are many more distinguished novels on the subject.
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From Booklist

After the 1948 war, Hind Husseini set up an orphanage and boarding school in Jerusalem for homeless Palestinian girls. In this gripping historical novel based on Husseinis efforts, Palestinian-born Italian journalist Jebreal focuses on the girls Hind saves, including Miral, and the young men and adults they know. As Miral grows up, she teaches in desperate refugee camps in the West Bank, witnesses Israeli terror (including soldiers breaking the arms of children who throw stones), joins young activists in the Occupied Territories, and falls in love. She also befriends a young Jewish peace activist. The individual viewpoints are the strength of the story, which presents the family and political history from many sides, including Palestinian girls oppressed by Arab regimes and at home, as well as by the Israeli Occupation. There is loathing for collaborators. But are peace negotiations betrayal? After her friend is shot dead in a demonstration, should Miral throw a Molotov cocktail? There are few novels that show the personal conflict in such depth and complexity. With a movie forthcoming, this will spark passionate discussion. --Hazel Rochman

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 18 and up
  
• Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: Penguin (Non-Classics) (November 3, 2010)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0143116193
• ISBN-13: 978-0143116196
• Product Dimensions: 7.7 x 5.1 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #366,884 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

33 of 40 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing,,,,,, December 22, 2010

By 

Sheri - See all my reviews

This review is from: Miral: A Novel (Paperback)

I just finished reading this book and I want to say I found it amazing! Having just visited Palestine this past summer, last time I was there was 1976, I known where every part of this book takes place. Rula does such a great job bringing alive the colors, smells and landscape of the country. I eyewitnessed myself and my 18 year old son, the hardship of occupation but the unrelating hope that both sides have for peace. In Ramallah there is contact bustle from shop owner and their customers. Especially coming from America and knowing the freedom to be able to travel anywhere in the 50 states without carrying passports or official documents, i couldn't help but be sad for those kicked off the bus just because they were Palestinian. But they were content and went back to there homes. In Jersulem, although separated I witnessed Isreali and Palestinian walking and working together. It is a hard life for both peoples but especially the Palestinian people. That being said there is always a glimmer of hope for peace! Rula does such a great writing this book and her story is so amazing for her to have accomplished this much. I would recommend this book to everyone. It gives you such a great sense of hope for one day peace in the region!

30 of 37 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Thank You, Jimmy Fallon, January 20, 2011

By 

Reader - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Miral: A Novel (Kindle Edition)

Surprisingly, I learned about this book on the late-night talk show hosted by Jimmy Fallon. I purchased it the day I received my Kindle for Christmas (First book I read on the ebook reader!). Jebreal is a talented author with the ability to hook readers. Most surprisingly, I have learned a significant amount about the historical context of the story. Not a product plug, but... It helped reading with the Kindle as the dictionary would explain some cultural references. Enjoy! And thank you Jimmy Fallon!

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Essential reading for any proponent of Peace., April 10, 2011

By 

Alwina - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Miral: A Novel (Paperback)

Charlie Rose in his inimitable choice of guests on his show gave the public a chance to meet Rula Jabreal. It didn't take a minute after the show for me to run to my computer and push the Amazon.com quick order button to get her book. Although Rula calls her book a novel - it is based on a true story and she writes in a journalistic rather than literary style - at first reading a little confusing.
There are statements in the book one wants to underline! It gives a heart-rendering account not only of the harsh political background but the experience of suffering political choices can,have and always will create. The further away from the first reading the more impact the content has on you - it warrants a second reading. One feels the true cry for the world in general to pursue Peace as a first priority. One word of warning: Don't see the film without having read the book! The film is good as augmentation.