Top 10 Susan Abulhawa Books

Rebekah Cabrera
10 min readOct 1, 2024

Welcome book enthusiasts to our latest roundup featuring the literary works of Susan Abulhawa. Dive into the world of this talented author as we present a selection of her captivating books that will take you on a journey through history, culture, and human emotions.

Get ready to immerse yourself in the stories that have captured the hearts of readers worldwide, as we explore the unique perspectives and vivid imagery that define Susan Abulhawa's writing. Join us as we uncover the essence of her works and discover why they have become a must-read for many.

As an Amazon Affiliate™ I may earn through qualifying purchases

1. The Virgin of Small Plains

the-virgin-of-small-plains-356877–1

A Novel

The Virgin of Small Plains is a riveting novel that weaves together the mysteries of a small town in Kansas. For seventeen years, the community has tended to the grave of a teenage girl, known as the Virgin of Small Plains, whose death remains shrouded in secrets.

When Mitch Newquist returns to this town and sparks tensions, old friendships and old wounds are awakened. Faced with unresolved feelings, Abby Reynolds is driven to uncover the truth about Mitch's departure.

As the town's secrets unravel, The Virgin of Small Plains unflinchingly explores the consequences of a single night that changed lives forever. Praised for its insightful characterization and evocative sense of place, this mesmerizing novel leaves readers deeply absorbed, questioning the healing power of truth and the cost of innocence.

  • Authors: Nancy Pickard
  • Publisher: Ballantine Books
  • Published Date: May 29, 2007
  • Page Count: 370.0
  • Print Type: BOOK
  • Categories: Fiction
  • Maturity Rating: NOT\_MATURE
  • Language: en

Enjoy Free with Amazon Audible

Enjoy for Free at Amazon Kindle Unlimited

2. Comes the Blind Fury

comes-the-blind-fury-234443–1

A Novel

Paradise Point is seemingly an idyllic location, but hidden beneath the surface is a haunting past. Set a century ago, the lush scenery of Paradise Point harbors a gentle blind girl whose life was riddled with tragedy. Cruelly tormented by taunting children, she meets a fateful end on the cliffs, her spirit forever bound to the island.

Fast forward to the present day, and Michelle, a young girl with dreams of a carefree life on Paradise Point, arrives at her new home. Filled with excitement and eager to make friends, she finds herself drawn to the mysterious legacy of the island. The hand of a blind child appears to her, yearning for friendship, seeking revenge, and whispering her name.

In this gripping novel by John Saul, the line between past and present blurs as Michelle becomes entangled in the tale of the blind fury. The island's chilling secrets are unraveled, as the echoes of the past collide with the present, weaving an intricate and suspenseful narrative.

"Comes the Blind Fury" is a haunting exploration of grief, vengeance, and the inextricable ties that bind us to the places we hold closest. With its immersive storytelling and atmospheric setting, this thrilling novel will grip readers from the very first page. Discover the chilling secrets of Paradise Point and the impact one tragic, forgotten story can have on the lives of many in this unforgettable novel by John Saul.

  • Authors: John Saul
  • Publisher: Dell
  • Published Date: November 03, 2010
  • Page Count: 385.0
  • Print Type: BOOK
  • Categories: Fiction
  • Average Rating: 5.0
  • Ratings Count: 2.0
  • Maturity Rating: NOT\_MATURE
  • Language: en

Stream for Free from Amazon Audible

Read for Free at Kindle Unlimited

3. The Blue Between Sky and Water

the-blue-between-sky-and-water-508264–1

The Blue Between Sky and Water, authored by Susan Abulhawa, offers a poignant narrative of love, family, and resilience, taking place against the backdrop of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Through the perspective of the Baraka family, the story unfolds around their displacement from their homeland, Beit Daras, in the turmoil of 1947.

Abulhawa masterfully crafts a tale that is at once heartrending and hopeful as the Barakas embark on an excruciating journey to Gaza. Sixty years after their displacement, the resonant echoes of the past remain as Mamdouh's granddaughter, Nur, embarks on her own quest for self-discovery. As she unravels the intertwined strands of her family's history and the unbreakable bonds among its members, she delves deep into the unshaken ties that bind them together. With unflinching human authenticity and enthralling storytelling, The Blue Between Sky and Water is a lyrical and deeply moving portrayal of the indomitable strength of the human spirit amidst adversity.

  • Authors: Susan Abulhawa
  • Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing
  • Published Date: April 23, 2015
  • Page Count: 332.0
  • Print Type: BOOK
  • Categories: Fiction
  • Maturity Rating: NOT\_MATURE
  • Language: en

Enjoy Free @ Audible

Read for Free @ Amazon Kindle Unlimited

4. The General's Son

the-generals-son-218992–1

Journey of an Israeli in Palestine

"The General's Son: Journey of an Israeli in Palestine" is a deeply personal account of transformation by Israeli peace activist Miko Peled. With a unique perspective, Peled shares his journey from a privileged youth in Israel's elite, where he served in its military proudly, to becoming a fearless advocate for nonviolent struggle and equal rights for all Palestinians and Israelis.

This thought-provoking book is mirrored in many ways by the transformation his father, a decorated Israeli general, had undergone three decades earlier. Renowned author Alice Walker contributed a foreword to the first edition, praising its hopefulness in addressing the Israel/Palestine issue.

"The General's Son" does not shy away from exploring the complexities of the situation, taking readers through South Africa, East Asia, several European countries, and the West Bank, Gaza, and Israel itself in the new Epilogue. This journey of self-discovery is an eye-opening exploration of the human side of conflict and peace, making it a compelling read in the category of Biographies & Autobiographies.

  • Authors: Miko Peled
  • Published Date: July 13, 2016
  • Print Type: BOOK
  • Categories: BIOGRAPHY & AUTOBIOGRAPHY
  • Maturity Rating: NOT\_MATURE
  • Language: en

Listen Free via Audible

Read for Free with Amazon Kindle

5. This Is Not a Border

this-is-not-a-border-453661–1

Reportage & Reflection from the Palestine Festival of Literature

In the tenth anniversary of the Palestine Festival of Literature, some of the world's most distinguished artists – from Alice Walker to Michael Ondaatje to Claire Messud – share their thoughts on this vital gathering of writers and readers in Palestine. Established in 2008 by authors Ahdaf Soueif, Brigid Keenan, Victoria Brittain, and Omar Robert Hamilton, the Palestine Festival of Literature aimed to break the cultural siege imposed by the Israeli military occupation, to strengthen artistic links with the rest of the world, and to reaffirm the power of culture over the culture of power. In "This Is Not a Border", the gathered work is a testament to the power of literature to promote solidarity and hope in the most desperate of situations.

Contributing authors include J. M.

Coetzee, China Miéville, Alice Walker, Geoff Dyer, Claire Messud, Henning Mankell, Michael Ondaatje, Kamila Shamsie, Michael Palin, Deborah Moggach, Mohammed Hanif, Gillian Slovo, Adam Foulds, Susan Abulhawa, Ahdaf Soueif, Jeremy Harding, Brigid Keenan, Rachel Holmes, Suad Amiry, Gary Younge, Jamal Mahjoub, Molly Crabapple, Najwan Darwish, Nathalie Handal, Omar Robert Hamilton, Pankaj Mishra, Raja Shehadeh, Selma Dabbagh, William Sutcliffe, Atef Abu Saif, Yasmin El-Rifae, Sabrina Mahfouz, Alaa Abd El Fattah, Mercedes Kemp, Ru Freeman. Experience the heartbreak and hope of this unique festival through the eyes of the authors who have been there.

  • Authors: J.M. Coetzee, William Sutcliffe, Michael Ondaatje, Teju Cole, Alice Walker, Michael Palin, Deborah Moggach, China Miéville, Jeremy Harding, Henning Mankell, Molly Crabapple, Linda Spalding, Adam Foulds, Gillian Slovo, Geoff Dyer, Chinua Achebe, Mahmoud Darwish, Yasmin El-Rifae, Suheir Hammad, Mercedes Kemp, Najwan Darwish, Susan Abulhawa, Suad Amiry, Sabrina Mahfouz, John Horner, Bridget Keenan, Pankaj Mishra, Kamila Shamsie, Atef Abu Saif, Selma Dabbagh, Jehan Bseiso, Omar El-Khairy, Remi Kanazi, Maath Musleh, Ghada Karmi, Ed Pavlic, Muiz,, Ru Freeman, Nancy Kricorian, Nathalie Handal, Mohammed Hanif, Victoria Brittain, Rachel Holmes, Raja Shehadeh, Claire Messud, Jamal Mahjoub
  • Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing USA
  • Published Date: July 18, 2017
  • Page Count: 353.0
  • Print Type: BOOK
  • Categories: Biography & Autobiography
  • Maturity Rating: NOT\_MATURE
  • Language: en

Listen Free at Amazon Audible

Enjoy for Free on Amazon Kindle Unlimited

6. No Place to Call Home

no-place-to-call-home-477438–1

A Novel

In JJ Bola's No Place to Call Home, a poignant novel, a family escapes the political turmoil of Congo and forges a new life in the United Kingdom. The story follows the young Jean, who experiences the trials of fitting in at his new school and dealing with the pressures at home.

As the family struggles to maintain their identity and culture while navigating modern British society, they encounter a colorful cast of characters, including the womanizing Tonton. Together, they discover a sense of community and belonging, even amidst the challenges they face.

With the uncertainties of their future looming, this heartwarming story explores themes of love, loss, identity, and the search for a place to call home. Simon and Schuster brings this engaging tale to readers in 2018, with a total of 288 pages and an average rating of 4.0 out of 5.

  • Authors: JJ Bola
  • Publisher: Simon and Schuster
  • Published Date: June 05, 2018
  • Page Count: 288.0
  • Print Type: BOOK
  • Categories: Fiction
  • Average Rating: 4.0
  • Ratings Count: 1.0
  • Maturity Rating: NOT\_MATURE
  • Language: en

Enjoy Free via Amazon Audible

Read for Free on Amazon Kindle Unlimited

7. The Parisian

the-parisian-218476–1

Embrace the allure of Isabella Hammad's masterful debut novel, The Parisian. Set during an era of significant change for the Palestinian people, this riveting tale follows Midhat Kamal, a dream-chasing young man, through his studies in France before World War I to his turbulent return to his homeland at the beginning of the quest for independence.

Rich in intrigue, lush in detail, The Parisian explores themes of love, loyalty, identity, and self-discovery against a backdrop of political upheaval. Experience the elegantly woven narrative as it questions the power of the past to shape the present and offers a poignant exploration of the world on the brink of falling apart. A stunning addition to the literary canon from a mesmerizing new voice, The Parisian is a must-read for fans of historical fiction and those intrigued by the intertwining of personal and political struggle.

  • Authors: Isabella Hammad
  • Publisher: Grove Press
  • Published Date: April 09, 2019
  • Page Count: 636.0
  • Print Type: BOOK
  • Categories: Fiction
  • Maturity Rating: NOT\_MATURE
  • Language: en

Listen for Free on Audible

Read for Free with Amazon Kindle Unlimited

8. The Book of Disappearance

the-book-of-disappearance-266288–1

A Novel

"The Book of Disappearance" delves into the unsettling situation of Palestinians vanishing suddenly from Israel. Presenting contrasting viewpoints, Alaa's and Ariel's perspectives depict the aftermath of such a traumatic event.

Set in the tumultuous atmosphere of modern Tel Aviv, the novel takes readers on a deep exploration of conflicting memories, national myths, and the intricate complexities of the Palestinian issue. Through Antoon's renowned translation, readers are granted access to the marginalized narrative.

  • Authors: Ibtisam Azem
  • Publisher: Syracuse University Press
  • Published Date: July 12, 2019
  • Page Count: 253.0
  • Print Type: BOOK
  • Categories: Fiction
  • Maturity Rating: NOT\_MATURE
  • Language: en

Stream for Free @ Audible

Enjoy for Free from Amazon Kindle

9. My Life as a Villainess

my-life-as-a-villainess-132630–1

Essays

My Life as a Villainess, written by esteemed New York Times bestselling author Laura Lippman, offers a thought-provoking compilation of essays. Through the perspective of a humorous and relatable woman, these insightful essays delve into the intricacies of motherhood later in life, the impact of reading on our personal growth, and the various relationships that significantly shape our existence. Unravel the twists and turns of Lippman's unpredictable life, interwoven with the fascinating world of crime fiction, and uncover the remarkable journey that transformed her into a celebrated crime novelist.

This enthralling book will leave you alternating between bursts of laughter and moments of introspection, forging a deeper connection with Laura Lippman as you engage with her compelling narrative.

  • Authors: Laura Lippman
  • Publisher: HarperCollins
  • Published Date: August 04, 2020
  • Page Count: 197.0
  • Print Type: BOOK
  • Categories: Biography & Autobiography
  • Maturity Rating: NOT\_MATURE
  • Language: en

Enjoy Free at Audible

Explore Free with Amazon Kindle Unlimited

10. Rifqa

rifqa-241283–1

Rifqa, a powerful debut poetry collection by Mohammed El-Kurd, delves into the heart-wrenching reality of dispossession and resistance in the Palestinian refugee communities. Set in Sheikh Jarrah, a notorious neighborhood in Jerusalem, Palestine, El-Kurd's verses beautifully capture the author's personal experience of displacement at the hands of the Israeli government and US-based settler organizations.

The book is not only a poignant tribute to the author's late grandmother, who was driven out of Haifa during the genocidal establishment of Israel, but also a stark reminder of the continuation of home takeovers and demolitions as an ongoing practice of ethnic cleansing across historical Palestine. With its 105 pages and impactful verse, Rifqa is a compelling exploration of the devastating effects of displacement and an unwavering testament to the resilience of the Palestinian people.

  • Authors: Mohammed El-Kurd
  • Publisher: Haymarket Books
  • Published Date: October 12, 2021
  • Page Count: 105.0
  • Print Type: BOOK
  • Categories: Poetry
  • Maturity Rating: NOT\_MATURE
  • Language: en

Hear for Free via Audible

Enjoy for Free via Kindle Unlimited

--

--