OK. It's just, while feeling positive about the message that is about hope and peace in Palestine, the story just doesn't sound real. The author seems to know too much about Miral's thoughts and feelings, which made suspicious. Of course, it is 'based on' facts. Perhaps the whole thing is fictional, a novel produced in a hope to raise awareness in the world that not all Palestinians are extremists. Miral was torn between the two opposing positions: that of armed struggle and that of diplomacy and peace. In the end, her choice seems too righteous and her fate too good to be true. Taken as a novel, however, it is not easy to feel sympathetic with Miral either and her encounters with other people sound like poorly written scenes from midnight movies. (I hope that the movie based on this book won't turn out just that!) Written with more skill, the story could have been more effective. I am not sure if it is the writing, or the translation, but the book is simply not a compelling read. The author attempts to take on complex historical and moral issues, but isn't able to convey any new insights. Most problematically, the author tries to make the characters seem human by telling us about them, rather than revealing their personalities through actions and dialogue. Really, the storyline is barely worth one star. But the importance of the subject matter requires another star, in my opinion.
What do You think about Miral (2004)?
The struggle for the liberation of Palestine meets Harlequin Romance. A bad match.
—Lindsay
Loved it. Very powerful. Cant wait till the movie comes out on March 25th.
—HeadOfLego
So far Im impressed. Got to know about it at KGB Bar....
—BugMeNot
The second half was better than the first.
—eyelene
