Claire Hajaj

Review: Ishmael’s Oranges by Claire Hajaj.

I was captivated by the author’s writing and the emotions she described throughout the story. The author’s storytelling of a journey of two separate cultures, and family history, heritages and their struggles to find their own self as an individual hangs in the air. It’s an emotional journey of finding a true home and peace in oneself, regardless of the define histories and identities in a part of the world that has been badgered with conflict for generations.

The story’s main character, Salim, is introduced in the beginning as a young boy in the city of Jaffa and the reader follows his path throughout his life. Judit is also introduced in earlier chapters and we learn about her family history and heritage. The union between these two characters is both compelling and heartbreaking.

The weakening of the two families, and two cultures in opposition, only brought on hostility. Through the years a slow aching tragedy builds from a marriage of two young people, one Palestinian the other Jewish. The couple and their children are gradually ripped apart by loyalty and bloodline and they were at a crossing point for their future.
Salim, who was educated in London, wants to return to the land of his birth and continue with the family business running an orange grove. Marc, their son of mixed cultures rejects the Palestinian ways and wants to become a dancer. Judit is unable to convince her husband of his obligation to raise a multi-cultural family in harmony. You can feel all the emotions that this story brings to the reader….… (more)

I received this book as part of the Early Reviewers program. This is the story of Nicholas who travels to Africa following the death of his father, leaving his fiancé behind, in the hope of building a children’s hospital and to try and find himself. Once there he becomes immersed in a land and culture so very different where water is one of the most important aspects of life. As he begins to develop a plan to bring water to the village, he has to make decisions that will affect not only his life but the lives of those he has come to care about.

What an amazing story told with such intensity that it will leave the reader breathless and racing to finish to the end. Reader beware, this story will stick with you well after you have read the last page and appreciate life.… (more)