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Behind You Is the Sea
An exciting debut novel that gives voice to the diverse residents of a Palestinian American community in Baltimore—from young activists in conflict with their traditional parents to the poor who clean for the rich—lives which intersect across divides of class, generation, and religion.
Funny and touching, Behind You Is the Sea brings us into the homes and lives of three main families—the Baladis, the Salamehs, and the Ammars—Palestinian immigrants who’ve all found a different welcome in America.
Their various fates and struggles cause their community dynamic to sizzle and sometimes explode: The wealthy Ammar family employs young Maysoon Baladi, whose family struggles financially, to clean up after their spoiled teenagers. Meanwhile, Marcus Salameh, whose aunt married into the wealthy Ammar family, confronts his father in an effort to protect his younger sister for “dishonoring” the family. Only a trip to Palestine, where Marcus experiences an unexpected and dramatic transformation, can bridge this seemingly unbridgeable divide between the two generations.
Behind You Is the Sea faces stereotypes about Palestinian culture head-on and, shifting perspectives to weave a complex social fabric replete with weddings, funerals, broken hearts, and devastating secrets.
Funny and touching, Behind You Is the Sea brings us into the homes and lives of three main families—the Baladis, the Salamehs, and the Ammars—Palestinian immigrants who’ve all found a different welcome in America.
Their various fates and struggles cause their community dynamic to sizzle and sometimes explode: The wealthy Ammar family employs young Maysoon Baladi, whose family struggles financially, to clean up after their spoiled teenagers. Meanwhile, Marcus Salameh, whose aunt married into the wealthy Ammar family, confronts his father in an effort to protect his younger sister for “dishonoring” the family. Only a trip to Palestine, where Marcus experiences an unexpected and dramatic transformation, can bridge this seemingly unbridgeable divide between the two generations.
Behind You Is the Sea faces stereotypes about Palestinian culture head-on and, shifting perspectives to weave a complex social fabric replete with weddings, funerals, broken hearts, and devastating secrets.
256 pages, Hardcover
First published January 16, 2024
About the author
Susan Muaddi Darraj
37 books199 followersSusan Muaddi Darraj won the 2016 American Book Award for her novel-in-stories, A Curious Land: Stories from Home.
Her new novel, Behind You Is the Sea (Harper Collins, 2024) is set in Baltimore and follows the stories of a Palestinian American immigrant community.
Her previous short story collection, The Inheritance of Exile, was honored by the U.S. State Department’s Arabic Book Program.
She was named a 2016 USA Ford Fellow, and she has received awards for her writing from the Maryland State Arts Council and the Greater Baltimore Cultural Alliance.
Her new children's chapter book series, FARAH ROCKS, was published from Capstone Books in January 2020. It is the first children's book series to feature an Arab American protagonist.
A Philadelphia native, she currently lives in Baltimore. Follow her on Instagram and Twitter @SusanDarraj.
Her new novel, Behind You Is the Sea (Harper Collins, 2024) is set in Baltimore and follows the stories of a Palestinian American immigrant community.
Her previous short story collection, The Inheritance of Exile, was honored by the U.S. State Department’s Arabic Book Program.
She was named a 2016 USA Ford Fellow, and she has received awards for her writing from the Maryland State Arts Council and the Greater Baltimore Cultural Alliance.
Her new children's chapter book series, FARAH ROCKS, was published from Capstone Books in January 2020. It is the first children's book series to feature an Arab American protagonist.
A Philadelphia native, she currently lives in Baltimore. Follow her on Instagram and Twitter @SusanDarraj.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 525 reviews
April 2, 2024
at a time when palestinians are being dehumanized by so many, i am grateful for the release of this book, which beautifully shows the opposite to be true.
this is a book about complicated people, neither good nor evil, those who are doing their best and those are not and those who may be beginning to try to. it would be apt at any time, but it is especially timely today.
bottom line: i'm very grateful to have read it.
(thank you to the publisher for the e-arc)
this is a book about complicated people, neither good nor evil, those who are doing their best and those are not and those who may be beginning to try to. it would be apt at any time, but it is especially timely today.
bottom line: i'm very grateful to have read it.
(thank you to the publisher for the e-arc)
May 28, 2024
Woven together short stories following Palestinian Americans across different classes, circumstances, and ages, this book highlights so much beauty and love and tragedy in what feels like real people’s families. The cop character and short stories made me uncomfortable, but his point of view and experiences were compelling as stories nonetheless. The difficulties of families, especially with older family members, comes across painfully and authentically. Some of the stories ended on somewhat abrupt notes, but the joy that these characters who felt like real people who exist embodied at moments was palpable. Great storytelling all around!
March 7, 2024
3.5 stars
An interconnected set of short stories about Palestinian Americans living in Baltimore, Maryland. The first few stories dragged for me; I didn’t feel like the characters were well-developed or that the stories accomplished an emotional arc by their conclusion. I agree with this review about Susan Muaddi Darraj’s writing perhaps perpetuating some stereotypes related to Arab men.
However, the stories in the second half of the book won me over much more. I felt like they captured how classism and racist manifest within the Palestinian American community, while also thoughtfully portraying nuanced Palestinian American female characters. My favorite two stories from the collection were “Behind You Is the Sea” and “Gyroscopes.” I’m looking forward to continuing to read Palestinian authors!
An interconnected set of short stories about Palestinian Americans living in Baltimore, Maryland. The first few stories dragged for me; I didn’t feel like the characters were well-developed or that the stories accomplished an emotional arc by their conclusion. I agree with this review about Susan Muaddi Darraj’s writing perhaps perpetuating some stereotypes related to Arab men.
However, the stories in the second half of the book won me over much more. I felt like they captured how classism and racist manifest within the Palestinian American community, while also thoughtfully portraying nuanced Palestinian American female characters. My favorite two stories from the collection were “Behind You Is the Sea” and “Gyroscopes.” I’m looking forward to continuing to read Palestinian authors!
February 22, 2024
Good book 🥰
December 22, 2023
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the gifted eARC
Following the diverse residents of a Palestinian-American community in Baltimore, SEA explores the inner psyches of those young and old, rich and poor, and the intertwined lives of the Palestinian diaspora across generation, class, and religion.
Books with shifting POVs sometimes risk writing superficial characters. That's why I was pleasantly surprised by Darraj's craft of writing profoundly flawed characters with rich inner workings, all achieved in short chapters. SEA centers around Palestinian & Palestinian-American women, who are often the victims of misogyny, lack the social & familial support to succeed, and suffer greatly from their male relatives' neglect/abuse.
What I love most about SEA is its centering on a diverse cast of Palestinians & Palestinian Americans without falling into overwritten tropes of immigrant struggles and its exploration of the "American Dream." Each chapter explores a different angle of the American experience, from poverty, teenage pregnancy, eating disorders, marital issues, to microaggressions in high school. SEA reaches the crescendo with its last story following a son's return from America to Palestine.
Don't miss this moving debut for fans of CALLING FOR A BLANKET DANCE (Oscar Hokeah) or EVIL EYE (Etaf Rum) 💙
Some chapters I particularly loved are,
• Behind you is the Sea: a house cleaner starts working for a wealthy Palestinian American family, only to realize "your own kind is often the worst." I love the emphasis that a "community" is often defined by socioeconomic status rather than one's ethnicity/country of origin.
• Gyroscopes: a high school kid tries to vocalize her unease with the school play Aladdin because of its harmful stereotypes of Arabs. I particularly appreciated the juxtaposition of the FMC's cousin's nonchalance and the mom's wise words.
• Worry Beads: an attorney realizes her father has dementia while she struggles to reconcile the violence she faced from past and present. Stories about ailing parents always give me the feels, and this one is no different.
• Escorting the Body: a son wants to honor his father's dying wish of being buried in Palestine. Reminiscent of AGAINST THE LOVELESS WORLD (Susan Abulhawa), this story touches upon the discrimination Palestinians faced and the beauty of a community.
I've seen some ownvoice reviews mentioning all the stereotypes that paint Arabic men in a terrible light and seem to cater to a Western audience. My lack of awareness while reading SEA speaks more to my ignorance of ownvoice literature by & about Arabs. I still strongly recommend that everyone pick up SEA, but please also read others' reviews afterward.
Following the diverse residents of a Palestinian-American community in Baltimore, SEA explores the inner psyches of those young and old, rich and poor, and the intertwined lives of the Palestinian diaspora across generation, class, and religion.
Books with shifting POVs sometimes risk writing superficial characters. That's why I was pleasantly surprised by Darraj's craft of writing profoundly flawed characters with rich inner workings, all achieved in short chapters. SEA centers around Palestinian & Palestinian-American women, who are often the victims of misogyny, lack the social & familial support to succeed, and suffer greatly from their male relatives' neglect/abuse.
What I love most about SEA is its centering on a diverse cast of Palestinians & Palestinian Americans without falling into overwritten tropes of immigrant struggles and its exploration of the "American Dream." Each chapter explores a different angle of the American experience, from poverty, teenage pregnancy, eating disorders, marital issues, to microaggressions in high school. SEA reaches the crescendo with its last story following a son's return from America to Palestine.
Don't miss this moving debut for fans of CALLING FOR A BLANKET DANCE (Oscar Hokeah) or EVIL EYE (Etaf Rum) 💙
Some chapters I particularly loved are,
• Behind you is the Sea: a house cleaner starts working for a wealthy Palestinian American family, only to realize "your own kind is often the worst." I love the emphasis that a "community" is often defined by socioeconomic status rather than one's ethnicity/country of origin.
• Gyroscopes: a high school kid tries to vocalize her unease with the school play Aladdin because of its harmful stereotypes of Arabs. I particularly appreciated the juxtaposition of the FMC's cousin's nonchalance and the mom's wise words.
• Worry Beads: an attorney realizes her father has dementia while she struggles to reconcile the violence she faced from past and present. Stories about ailing parents always give me the feels, and this one is no different.
• Escorting the Body: a son wants to honor his father's dying wish of being buried in Palestine. Reminiscent of AGAINST THE LOVELESS WORLD (Susan Abulhawa), this story touches upon the discrimination Palestinians faced and the beauty of a community.
I've seen some ownvoice reviews mentioning all the stereotypes that paint Arabic men in a terrible light and seem to cater to a Western audience. My lack of awareness while reading SEA speaks more to my ignorance of ownvoice literature by & about Arabs. I still strongly recommend that everyone pick up SEA, but please also read others' reviews afterward.
January 18, 2024
(4.5)
Beautiful, powerful, well done. A series of vignettes about a Palestinian-American community in Baltimore and their parents, this book shines a light on the various disappointments and intricacies of existing in between two cultures. Some really beautiful writing on the weight of father-daughter relationships (good and bad), sibling estrangement, and families showing up for and failing one another. Full review on TikTok, but I love love loved this.
Beautiful, powerful, well done. A series of vignettes about a Palestinian-American community in Baltimore and their parents, this book shines a light on the various disappointments and intricacies of existing in between two cultures. Some really beautiful writing on the weight of father-daughter relationships (good and bad), sibling estrangement, and families showing up for and failing one another. Full review on TikTok, but I love love loved this.
July 14, 2024
I received an ARC from Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.
3.5 stars
Behind You is the Sea is a collection of short stories about Christian Palestinians living in Baltimore. Each story is about a different character within the community. Together, these short stories span years and often intersect with one another through the characters.
I'm gonna be honest: I didn't like this book at all in the beginning. This is one of those books that I thought I would hate, but ended up liking a lot by the end. The reason why I struggled with this book at first is because some of the short stories leaned heavily towards stereotypes. And in my opinion, some of these stereotypes were unwarranted. Instead fighting against stereotypes, some of these stories actually amplified them in a really unhealthy way. There was one story in particular where I thought the author could have written an impactful depiction of the reality of occupation, but she instead decided to write a narrative based on a stereotype. Other times, I was extremely uncomfortable with the way the Arab male characters fetishized white women. It honestly felt like the author was trying too hard to westernize her male characters.
That being said, I encourage readers to stick with this book despite its rough start. The later stories are so worth reading. Aside from the problematic instances I mentioned, I think the author did a really good job exploring different subjects with complexity and nuance. For instance, I appreciated the study on classism and racism within the Palestinian community. Her characters are flawed, realistic, and interesting. Her writing is solid, especially for a debut author. She has a way of hooking you to each story, so much so that you want to know what happens even if you don't necessarily like the story. I was thoroughly invested in most of the stories in this book; my favourite ones are "Worry Beads" and "Escorting the Body." There were only about two stories that I didn't like. The others were all really good!
To conclude, I get what the author was trying to achieve with this collection of short stories. I think she met her goal for the most part, even though her storytelling fell victim to stereotypes in a few instances. I'm thankful I pushed through the first couple of stories and continued reading because otherwise I would never have known just how good the later stories were. I look forward to reading more from this author!
P.S. I listened to this on audio and the narration is really good! Definitely pick up the audiobook if you have access to it!
3.5 stars
Behind You is the Sea is a collection of short stories about Christian Palestinians living in Baltimore. Each story is about a different character within the community. Together, these short stories span years and often intersect with one another through the characters.
I'm gonna be honest: I didn't like this book at all in the beginning. This is one of those books that I thought I would hate, but ended up liking a lot by the end. The reason why I struggled with this book at first is because some of the short stories leaned heavily towards stereotypes. And in my opinion, some of these stereotypes were unwarranted. Instead fighting against stereotypes, some of these stories actually amplified them in a really unhealthy way. There was one story in particular where I thought the author could have written an impactful depiction of the reality of occupation, but she instead decided to write a narrative based on a stereotype. Other times, I was extremely uncomfortable with the way the Arab male characters fetishized white women. It honestly felt like the author was trying too hard to westernize her male characters.
That being said, I encourage readers to stick with this book despite its rough start. The later stories are so worth reading. Aside from the problematic instances I mentioned, I think the author did a really good job exploring different subjects with complexity and nuance. For instance, I appreciated the study on classism and racism within the Palestinian community. Her characters are flawed, realistic, and interesting. Her writing is solid, especially for a debut author. She has a way of hooking you to each story, so much so that you want to know what happens even if you don't necessarily like the story. I was thoroughly invested in most of the stories in this book; my favourite ones are "Worry Beads" and "Escorting the Body." There were only about two stories that I didn't like. The others were all really good!
To conclude, I get what the author was trying to achieve with this collection of short stories. I think she met her goal for the most part, even though her storytelling fell victim to stereotypes in a few instances. I'm thankful I pushed through the first couple of stories and continued reading because otherwise I would never have known just how good the later stories were. I look forward to reading more from this author!
P.S. I listened to this on audio and the narration is really good! Definitely pick up the audiobook if you have access to it!
January 5, 2024
This novel is composed of interlocking stories in which each chapter allows a glimpse into the members of a Palestinian American community in Baltimore.
Focusing on Palestinian diaspora, the residents have fierce voices, unapologetically themselves and crafted to deliver, in the most raw way, flawed characters who grapple with race, poverty, immigration, disability and misogyny. There is a clash of cultures, of identity and Arab heritage being suppressed by the American dream. The slice-of-life scenes offer somber and moving moments, often plagued by judgments. With fluid prose, Darraj writes a book that challenges stereotypes and readers are able to experience a wide range of emotions. Some stories are more memorable than others, yet they converge into a whole impactful piece. Read this book if you want to read more Palestinian stories. A powerful collection.
[ I received a complimentary copy from the publisher - Harpervia books . All opinions are my own ]
Focusing on Palestinian diaspora, the residents have fierce voices, unapologetically themselves and crafted to deliver, in the most raw way, flawed characters who grapple with race, poverty, immigration, disability and misogyny. There is a clash of cultures, of identity and Arab heritage being suppressed by the American dream. The slice-of-life scenes offer somber and moving moments, often plagued by judgments. With fluid prose, Darraj writes a book that challenges stereotypes and readers are able to experience a wide range of emotions. Some stories are more memorable than others, yet they converge into a whole impactful piece. Read this book if you want to read more Palestinian stories. A powerful collection.
[ I received a complimentary copy from the publisher - Harpervia books . All opinions are my own ]
February 12, 2024
I would not call this a novel. Instead, it is a collection of connected short stories. The characters looped around and interacted with each other over different points in time. But the characters were too flat and unidimensional for me to remember them when they returned. The stories are more of the same, all ready well recorded immigrant stories of people who don’t really feel like they fit in the new country nor in the old country. Some of them followed the diaspora’s rules and did well and others struggled more. Naturally there was generational and classist conflict. Although the characters were depicted as stereotypes of Palestinians, their experiences weren’t differentiated from other immigrant communities. I didn’t think anything differentiated this book from all the others.
February 16, 2024
4.5 🌟
Behind You Is the Sea by Susan Muaddi Darraj is a poignant and evocative collection of short stories that captivate with their emotional depth and rich storytelling. Darraj skillfully weaves together intricate narratives that explore themes of identity, family, and resilience, transporting readers to diverse settings with vivid prose.
While some stories resonated more deeply with me than others, each is a gem, leaving a profound impact and solidifying this collection as a must-read. Can't wait to see what Susan Muaddi Darraj will craft next.
Behind You Is the Sea by Susan Muaddi Darraj is a poignant and evocative collection of short stories that captivate with their emotional depth and rich storytelling. Darraj skillfully weaves together intricate narratives that explore themes of identity, family, and resilience, transporting readers to diverse settings with vivid prose.
While some stories resonated more deeply with me than others, each is a gem, leaving a profound impact and solidifying this collection as a must-read. Can't wait to see what Susan Muaddi Darraj will craft next.
January 3, 2024
An immensely beautiful collection of interwoven stories revolving around immigrant Palestinian-American families in Baltimore. Admittedly, I loved this book even more because it takes place in the city I call home, a city that isn’t very often a setting in such hopeful storytelling. Each character in Behind You Is The Sea gripped my heart and held it firm. Often, I was disappointed to see a chapter end because I had grown so fond of that character’s narrative. But then the next chapter would be just as interesting. Samira’s chapter, because I have always been a romantic at heart, was probably my favorite. I also found myself ploughing through the last chapter, devouring each page as Marcus traveled to Palestine for the first time. The resilience of the Palestinian people is astounding and the culture so rich and beautiful. I’m excited to continue learning more and reading as much as I can. From the River to the Sea…
(Thank you to HarperCollins for the ARC!)
(Thank you to HarperCollins for the ARC!)
April 26, 2024
What is most profound about this collection was the masterful crafts of the characters — regular Palestinians living ordinary lives, not as mere symbols, solely defined by tragedies and misfortunes. It highlights the universality of human experiences, that deep down, we're all pretty much the same — we’re just normal people with dreams, anxieties, prejudices, silly crushes, human failings, fuck-ups and idiosyncrasies.
Written as a series of interconnected stories set within the Palestinian community in the United States, the narratives all began with seemingly simple and straightforward premises, but they gradually swept you away into the lives of these flawed and deeply human characters. These individuals span various walks of life, representing different classes, statuses, cultural and generational divide within the Palestinian community. From a girl working as a maid for a wealthy family to a rich teenager struggling with self-esteem and body image issues; stories featuring two teenage pregnancies reveal contrasting family receptions; an examination of gender roles seamlessly woven in a murder cover up; and a love story. And despite the flaws and mistakes of these characters, I found myself thoroughly engaged in their journey, and ultimately is reminded of how universally broken and ordinary we all are.
“Destiny put everyone on a stage, to play a role, and some times the spotlight slipped off you to give you a break. A other times, it burned into you directly, relentlessly, as you stumbled through a soliloquy of exhaustion.”
I highly recommend this short stories collection. Read Palestine until Palestine is free. Thank you Times Reads for the gifted copy. I really appreciate it.
4.25/5
Written as a series of interconnected stories set within the Palestinian community in the United States, the narratives all began with seemingly simple and straightforward premises, but they gradually swept you away into the lives of these flawed and deeply human characters. These individuals span various walks of life, representing different classes, statuses, cultural and generational divide within the Palestinian community. From a girl working as a maid for a wealthy family to a rich teenager struggling with self-esteem and body image issues; stories featuring two teenage pregnancies reveal contrasting family receptions; an examination of gender roles seamlessly woven in a murder cover up; and a love story. And despite the flaws and mistakes of these characters, I found myself thoroughly engaged in their journey, and ultimately is reminded of how universally broken and ordinary we all are.
“Destiny put everyone on a stage, to play a role, and some times the spotlight slipped off you to give you a break. A other times, it burned into you directly, relentlessly, as you stumbled through a soliloquy of exhaustion.”
I highly recommend this short stories collection. Read Palestine until Palestine is free. Thank you Times Reads for the gifted copy. I really appreciate it.
4.25/5
February 25, 2024
4.5 stars
insanely beautiful collection of interconnecting stories about the Palestinian diaspora. i think writing a novel with shifting narratives lends the risk of creating forgettable characters in the mix, but i felt a deep connection to every single character, so much so that i was sad when their chapter would end. i thought the way characters experienced the American dream in their own unique ways was so interesting, seeing the effects of assimilation into Western society vs being unable to, the desperation of clinging to the remnants of ur culture, the cultural stain in being dishonoured from your own family. one of my favourite stories was Samira’s,, the father daughter relationship was soul destroying to read,, and i also loved how the novel had a full circle moment with Marcus visiting Palestine for the first time to return his fathers body,, incredibly moving.
thank you to Swift Press @ NetGalley for the e-Arc !
insanely beautiful collection of interconnecting stories about the Palestinian diaspora. i think writing a novel with shifting narratives lends the risk of creating forgettable characters in the mix, but i felt a deep connection to every single character, so much so that i was sad when their chapter would end. i thought the way characters experienced the American dream in their own unique ways was so interesting, seeing the effects of assimilation into Western society vs being unable to, the desperation of clinging to the remnants of ur culture, the cultural stain in being dishonoured from your own family. one of my favourite stories was Samira’s,, the father daughter relationship was soul destroying to read,, and i also loved how the novel had a full circle moment with Marcus visiting Palestine for the first time to return his fathers body,, incredibly moving.
thank you to Swift Press @ NetGalley for the e-Arc !
April 18, 2024
This is billed as a novel, but I’d describe it as a series of linked stories about three Palestinian-American families in Baltimore. I imagine the Palestinian community in Baltimore is small enough that many of them know, or at least know of, each other; that’s certainly the case here, and there are lots of connections between the characters from story to story, and characters recur. An interesting look in at a community that’s not often represented in American (any?) fiction.
April 29, 2024
2024 reads: 104/250
in this short story collection, we follow a palestinian community in baltimore, with each character being at a different point in their life.
going into this, i was given the heads-up that there are lots of characters. i agree, so it only feels fair i give everyone else this heads-up, too. despite the numerous characters, though, i really connected to them. i also enjoyed how, unlike some other short story collections i’ve read, these stories were interconnected and characters from previous stories often showed up in others.
i highly recommend this to anyone who enjoys adult contemporary novels.
in this short story collection, we follow a palestinian community in baltimore, with each character being at a different point in their life.
going into this, i was given the heads-up that there are lots of characters. i agree, so it only feels fair i give everyone else this heads-up, too. despite the numerous characters, though, i really connected to them. i also enjoyed how, unlike some other short story collections i’ve read, these stories were interconnected and characters from previous stories often showed up in others.
i highly recommend this to anyone who enjoys adult contemporary novels.
Shelved as 'abandoned'
April 22, 2024not my sort of book at all. too much of it centred around dodgy romantic relationships.
July 26, 2024
In a climate where Palestinians are often denied their humanity, this book's release feels particularly important. It offers a nuanced portrayal, showcasing them not as one-dimensional characters, but as complex individuals – some striving to do good, others falling short, and some perhaps taking their first steps on that path. While this story would resonate at any time, it feels especially timely today.
Darraj paints a vivid portrait of the Palestinian-American community in Baltimore, weaving together the stories of three families – the Baladis, the Salamehs, and the Ammars.
Each family has its own dreams and struggles, just like anyone else. We meet strong women like Reema, supportive sisters like Maysoon, and a police officer named Marcus who grapples with his background. There's even Hiba, who feels left out by others but finds comfort with her grandparents.
The book doesn't tell one big story. Instead, it shows us little glimpses into their lives, like snapshots in an album. We see their hopes, their heartbreaks, and their desire to belong. Even though they face challenges, there's a sense of connection between their stories that feels comforting. You'll find yourself caring about them, celebrating their wins, and feeling their pain.
This isn't just about Palestinians; it's about everyone. It shows how strong people can be, no matter what. It breaks down stereotypes and reminds us that deep down, everyone wants to be loved, accepted, and have a place to call home.
The city of Baltimore itself becomes a character in the story. It's where these families build new lives, raise their children, and chase their dreams. Familiar places like the library become important to them, making the story feel even closer.
This is a book that will stay with you long after you finish it. It's a story you'll want to share with everyone, a story that reminds us of our shared humanity despite our differences. It's a beautiful journey, and you won't regret taking a chance on it. In the end, it's not about simply "liking" the book, but about feeling the emotions, understanding the characters, and remembering that we're all in this together.
4 /5 stars.
Darraj paints a vivid portrait of the Palestinian-American community in Baltimore, weaving together the stories of three families – the Baladis, the Salamehs, and the Ammars.
Each family has its own dreams and struggles, just like anyone else. We meet strong women like Reema, supportive sisters like Maysoon, and a police officer named Marcus who grapples with his background. There's even Hiba, who feels left out by others but finds comfort with her grandparents.
The book doesn't tell one big story. Instead, it shows us little glimpses into their lives, like snapshots in an album. We see their hopes, their heartbreaks, and their desire to belong. Even though they face challenges, there's a sense of connection between their stories that feels comforting. You'll find yourself caring about them, celebrating their wins, and feeling their pain.
This isn't just about Palestinians; it's about everyone. It shows how strong people can be, no matter what. It breaks down stereotypes and reminds us that deep down, everyone wants to be loved, accepted, and have a place to call home.
The city of Baltimore itself becomes a character in the story. It's where these families build new lives, raise their children, and chase their dreams. Familiar places like the library become important to them, making the story feel even closer.
This is a book that will stay with you long after you finish it. It's a story you'll want to share with everyone, a story that reminds us of our shared humanity despite our differences. It's a beautiful journey, and you won't regret taking a chance on it. In the end, it's not about simply "liking" the book, but about feeling the emotions, understanding the characters, and remembering that we're all in this together.
4 /5 stars.
January 17, 2024
read on its pub day! i've been waiting for this novel for a long time bc i'm a huge fan of susan muaddi darraj since the 1st palestine writes festival, and couldn't wait for her first venture into adult fiction!
it was super interesting to read about the lives of christian palestinians (i think this is the first time i have) since there isn't that much about them in contemporary fiction. it didn't feel like a christian story though, in that it still felt super relatable to me through the palestinian american experience. it's crazy how relatable it feels yet no one in my life has ever experienced anything like that in the book; i think perhaps it's because we are all connected through exile, even if we are different.
it's a collection of short stories, each chapter from a different pov, with all the characters tied to each other in some way. at first, i read it like a normal novel, which made it super confusing when i had to keep going back and remember how this new character was related to the previous. when u separate each story though, it makes it easier to read. overall, it wasn't what i was expecting but it is refreshing to read new stories and structures like this!
stuff i bookmarked without context:
* you have to be loyal to your exile as much as you are loyal to your homeland.
* the nurse with the long gray hair asked if we should call someone else, but there is no one.
* he still couldn't beleve he was at a wedding where you had to stand in line and fetch your own food.
it was super interesting to read about the lives of christian palestinians (i think this is the first time i have) since there isn't that much about them in contemporary fiction. it didn't feel like a christian story though, in that it still felt super relatable to me through the palestinian american experience. it's crazy how relatable it feels yet no one in my life has ever experienced anything like that in the book; i think perhaps it's because we are all connected through exile, even if we are different.
it's a collection of short stories, each chapter from a different pov, with all the characters tied to each other in some way. at first, i read it like a normal novel, which made it super confusing when i had to keep going back and remember how this new character was related to the previous. when u separate each story though, it makes it easier to read. overall, it wasn't what i was expecting but it is refreshing to read new stories and structures like this!
stuff i bookmarked without context:
* you have to be loyal to your exile as much as you are loyal to your homeland.
* the nurse with the long gray hair asked if we should call someone else, but there is no one.
* he still couldn't beleve he was at a wedding where you had to stand in line and fetch your own food.
December 31, 2023
Nine stories of Palestinian Americans in various stages of feeling abandoned, used, alone. There’s stories of young kids just trying to get by, living in the US, dealing with their old parents’ ways. There’s a young man whose father has died, and he must return the body to Palestine. There’s a young woman whose father has dementia yet he’s been the only defender of her integrity.
All of the stories were extremely moving. In most of them, nothing extraordinary happens or nothing momentous. It’s family relations, long pent up feelings of hurt, but there’s a devastation in the everydayness of it. There’s also a theme of an unnameable divide between the younger generations that have never known Palestine and their parents and grandparents who came from there. The younger people don’t know their own history, what has happened in their parents’ land, and it is a very distant, removed land, a world apart. We see that joining of a vision and understanding in the last story ESCORTING THE BODY which I think was one of the strongest. Similarly, WORRY BEADS was so powerful.
It was an extremely powerful strong collection and a standout for the month. There were no bad stories, and most of them left me wanting more, wanting to continue, thankful that I got a glimpse.
All of the stories were extremely moving. In most of them, nothing extraordinary happens or nothing momentous. It’s family relations, long pent up feelings of hurt, but there’s a devastation in the everydayness of it. There’s also a theme of an unnameable divide between the younger generations that have never known Palestine and their parents and grandparents who came from there. The younger people don’t know their own history, what has happened in their parents’ land, and it is a very distant, removed land, a world apart. We see that joining of a vision and understanding in the last story ESCORTING THE BODY which I think was one of the strongest. Similarly, WORRY BEADS was so powerful.
It was an extremely powerful strong collection and a standout for the month. There were no bad stories, and most of them left me wanting more, wanting to continue, thankful that I got a glimpse.
January 16, 2024
Thank you to Netgalley and HarperVia for a Digital ARC of this book.
I absolutely loved this book. It is so beautiful and intense and sad all hopeful all at the same time.
What I got from reading this story is each chapter is a different story from the same family (but a whole larger generation of a family) and it tells you about a what is currently going on in their lives. There is often struggle, pain between family members but always love and support a way to find a way through whatever they are dealing with.
So if you enjoy stories that are from different voices than your own (possibly) as the author is Palestinian American author, then I recommend picking this up Today!!
I absolutely loved this book. It is so beautiful and intense and sad all hopeful all at the same time.
What I got from reading this story is each chapter is a different story from the same family (but a whole larger generation of a family) and it tells you about a what is currently going on in their lives. There is often struggle, pain between family members but always love and support a way to find a way through whatever they are dealing with.
So if you enjoy stories that are from different voices than your own (possibly) as the author is Palestinian American author, then I recommend picking this up Today!!
June 30, 2024
If there's one thing I love about this book is in the mundane lives of the characters, the intricate weaving of a community and how each and everyone of us is connected in their own ways. And to me, this book is perfect at a time like this - a time where Falestinians are seen as one collective being, a symbol of grief and horror. But this story, its an insight that they are more than just a collective symbol. This story puts a name to every single person, of them making mistakes, of them having dreams and inspirations, of them being in love, of them building up a family, of them having flaws. Its of them being human.
Written in an interconnected-short stories format, we follow the lives of Christinian-Palestinians who has started and lived their lives in Baltimore.
Firstly, I loved how diverse and different all the stories are. And its fun to see how they connect with one another. But on top of it all, I loved how each and every one of them, even in that small community that they lived in, are different from one another. Each characters has their own uniqueness and its just very mundane. Its the way that they were portrayed as any other neighbour that we can have, in which shows us that, they are all humans just like anyone of us. Some of the stories will leave you gasping in shock and will definitely take you by surprise. And some, will rip your heart open and make you cry. This variety of emotions through the characters that has grasped you from the very start of the story makes it such a wonderful read. Its eye opening but its also, just very mundane.
Out of all the stories, there were two that had me bawling and sobbing - Worry Beads, on complex relationships between families and how women were treated, and Escorting the Body Home, where I was both pissed and sad for the character.
But again, Darraj had done such a splendid job in showing the complex relationships between humans, and the struggles for the newer generation of a displaced community, living in a place that was home to them but not for the older generations. I liked that it was subtly interwoven in the stories and it was brought up in ways that showed that, the sense of belonging and home, it can be just a concept to them too and not something that is embodied.
Overall, this collection is endearing to me at most. I devoured it in one seating and it had changed my view in how we see them not just as a cause, but as humans. The fight for the right to stay and live as humans. From the river to sea, Falestine will be free.
4.5🌟 overall
Thank you to Times Reads for the copy! I truly appreciate it.
"Destiny puts everyone on a stage, to play a role, and sometimes the spotlight slipped off you to give a break. At other times, it burned into you directly, relentlessly, as you stumbled through a soliloquy of exhaustion."
Written in an interconnected-short stories format, we follow the lives of Christinian-Palestinians who has started and lived their lives in Baltimore.
Firstly, I loved how diverse and different all the stories are. And its fun to see how they connect with one another. But on top of it all, I loved how each and every one of them, even in that small community that they lived in, are different from one another. Each characters has their own uniqueness and its just very mundane. Its the way that they were portrayed as any other neighbour that we can have, in which shows us that, they are all humans just like anyone of us. Some of the stories will leave you gasping in shock and will definitely take you by surprise. And some, will rip your heart open and make you cry. This variety of emotions through the characters that has grasped you from the very start of the story makes it such a wonderful read. Its eye opening but its also, just very mundane.
Out of all the stories, there were two that had me bawling and sobbing - Worry Beads, on complex relationships between families and how women were treated, and Escorting the Body Home, where I was both pissed and sad for the character.
But again, Darraj had done such a splendid job in showing the complex relationships between humans, and the struggles for the newer generation of a displaced community, living in a place that was home to them but not for the older generations. I liked that it was subtly interwoven in the stories and it was brought up in ways that showed that, the sense of belonging and home, it can be just a concept to them too and not something that is embodied.
Overall, this collection is endearing to me at most. I devoured it in one seating and it had changed my view in how we see them not just as a cause, but as humans. The fight for the right to stay and live as humans. From the river to sea, Falestine will be free.
4.5🌟 overall
Thank you to Times Reads for the copy! I truly appreciate it.
July 14, 2024
Behind You Is The Sea, Susan Muaddi Darraj’s third collection for adults, is billed as a novel but is definitely a (very) loosely connected series of short stories about Palestinian-American families in Baltimore. This in itself is not a problem for me. Indeed, looking at the book this way helps me to appreciate the stories that I did like. The standout here is the final entry, ‘Escorting the Body’, where Marcus accompanies his father’s body back to be buried in Palestine despite their estrangement in life; Marcus detested his father for disowning his younger sister Amal. In a homeland he has never visited before, Marcus discovers that his fluent Arabic sounds old-fashioned because he learned it from older relatives, and negotiates a more complex memory incarnated in the figure of Rita, a woman shunned after her arrest and rape during the intifada in 1989, but protected by his father, who also gave her the task of shielding his house from settlers. Despite its cliched plot, I also emotionally connected to Samira in ‘Worry Beads’, who is negotiating her beloved father’s dementia in the face of family indifference and past violence.
The rest… not so much. A lot of Behind You Is The Sea reminded me of Aisha Abdel Gawad’s Between Two Moons, which focuses on an Egyptian-American family in New York; both books often feel like YA because of their reliance on familiar coming-of-age beats. Many of Darraj’s narrators are very young, dealing with things like teen pregnancy, abusive parents, body image issues and the problematic school production of Aladdin; these issues are obviously important but felt too hackneyed for me. Having said that, though, Darraj’s writing is nowhere near as distinctive as Gawad’s. It’s the sort of pared-back simple prose that I suspect comes from US creative writing classes, as I seem to read versions of it in a lot of American debuts. I struggled constantly to remember who anybody was, partly because the stories flip between a lot of characters and time periods, but partly because very few of the characters are distinguished other than by their family roles. And for a collection which Etaf Rum thinks ‘fearlessly confronts stereotypes about Palestinian culture’, I found a lot of the situations quite stereotyped – I’m not really equipped to comment on this, but I was interested to note that the two reviews I’ve found from Arab-American readers make the same criticism.
I’m sorry not to have liked this more, especially as Swift Press were kind enough to send me a hardback copy after my Netgalley file didn’t work.
I received a free proof copy of this novel from the publisher for review.
The rest… not so much. A lot of Behind You Is The Sea reminded me of Aisha Abdel Gawad’s Between Two Moons, which focuses on an Egyptian-American family in New York; both books often feel like YA because of their reliance on familiar coming-of-age beats. Many of Darraj’s narrators are very young, dealing with things like teen pregnancy, abusive parents, body image issues and the problematic school production of Aladdin; these issues are obviously important but felt too hackneyed for me. Having said that, though, Darraj’s writing is nowhere near as distinctive as Gawad’s. It’s the sort of pared-back simple prose that I suspect comes from US creative writing classes, as I seem to read versions of it in a lot of American debuts. I struggled constantly to remember who anybody was, partly because the stories flip between a lot of characters and time periods, but partly because very few of the characters are distinguished other than by their family roles. And for a collection which Etaf Rum thinks ‘fearlessly confronts stereotypes about Palestinian culture’, I found a lot of the situations quite stereotyped – I’m not really equipped to comment on this, but I was interested to note that the two reviews I’ve found from Arab-American readers make the same criticism.
I’m sorry not to have liked this more, especially as Swift Press were kind enough to send me a hardback copy after my Netgalley file didn’t work.
I received a free proof copy of this novel from the publisher for review.
March 6, 2024
(4.5/5) Books like these make me excited about reading! This was so lovely to read after being in a bit of a reading slump. I found myself having a hard time putting it down.
I loved the interwoven stories and all the different perspectives. It was so nice to hear about other characters from different POVs, allowing me to stay updated on what was happening in their lives.
This is a great work of fiction to read if you want to read more Palestinian-American perspectives. The author did a wonderful job balancing the real politics of the Palestinian experience with fictional characters, making it a heartwarming and excellent read.
The only reason why this wasn’t 5 stars for me was I found some of the dialogue a bit cringey, and I also had a problem with the mention of Asp*rgers when he and the label have been discredited by actual autistic people.
I loved the interwoven stories and all the different perspectives. It was so nice to hear about other characters from different POVs, allowing me to stay updated on what was happening in their lives.
This is a great work of fiction to read if you want to read more Palestinian-American perspectives. The author did a wonderful job balancing the real politics of the Palestinian experience with fictional characters, making it a heartwarming and excellent read.
The only reason why this wasn’t 5 stars for me was I found some of the dialogue a bit cringey, and I also had a problem with the mention of Asp*rgers when he and the label have been discredited by actual autistic people.
April 21, 2024
I am realizing that I need way more books like this in my life! I really enjoyed this set of interconnected stories, and I found them all to be so compelling. Equal parts hopeful, funny, and heartbreaking, these glimpses into the lives of Palestinian Americans living in Baltimore sucked me in completely, and it was definitely hard to put down.
I was really impressed that each of the characters felt so fully realized in their sections (and the glimpses we see in each other’s sections) despite having such a small amount of time with each character. The writing is so skillful in the way that you get the whole life of a character through such short stories of just a short time in their life.
What I loved most about this collection was seeing characters in the midst of pivotal moments in their life. It was so real and often quite emotional. Absolutely 5⭐️ and curious to look into this author’s work more. Highly recommend.
I was really impressed that each of the characters felt so fully realized in their sections (and the glimpses we see in each other’s sections) despite having such a small amount of time with each character. The writing is so skillful in the way that you get the whole life of a character through such short stories of just a short time in their life.
What I loved most about this collection was seeing characters in the midst of pivotal moments in their life. It was so real and often quite emotional. Absolutely 5⭐️ and curious to look into this author’s work more. Highly recommend.
Read
January 17, 2024An excellent collection of interconnected stories set in a Palestinian American community in Baltimore. This book is described as a novel but I think a novel-in-stories is more accurate. Although the stories are strongly linked through the characters, each story also holds up on its own (IMHO). Highly recommend for your 2024 reading list!
If you are looking for stories set in Palestine, I recommend the author's previous collection A CURIOUS LAND. I also enjoyed that book, but I think this one was better. :) Why not read both?
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for a free advance copy of this book.
If you are looking for stories set in Palestine, I recommend the author's previous collection A CURIOUS LAND. I also enjoyed that book, but I think this one was better. :) Why not read both?
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for a free advance copy of this book.
January 10, 2024
Behind You is the Sea is a novel composed of nine stories tying together three Palestinian families living in Baltimore. Each story explores different complicated facets of the Palestinian diaspora, made up of beautiful writing and memorable characters. I devoured this in just two sittings!
May 7, 2024
This is one of the most beautiful books that I have read in recent years. Through several vignettes, Susan Muadd Daraj loosely interweaves the stories of 3 families - the Baladis, the Salamehs, and the Ammars, Palestinian immigrants who arrived in America with their own dreams and wishes but they received different welcomes. Although the members of these families come from the same land their lived experiences there as well as here are unique. The author, by showcasing the individual challenges and triumphs of the characters she writes about in this book tries to dispel the myth that we can paint all Arabs with the same broad brush. Reema Baladi is a fighter and will rise against all odds. Maysoon her baby sister will support her nephew's success. Marcus Salameh, a police officer, in Baltimore Police department will try to understand and fail to do so his father's rage against his sister Amal and himself. While Hiba will be treated disdainful by her family but find salvation in her grandparents' home. These interlocking stories are told by multiple voices and the time line moves in a non-linear manner. But that did not confuse me in the least because the author gently guided me through the time lines and the narrative and in her expert hands, I was safe. Despite the struggles, I found the book strangely uplifting, comforting even and my heart was filled with the characters and their lives even after I finished the book. The fact that the book is based in Baltimore and mentioned familiar streets and our beloved Enoch Pratt library made the book even more personal. In fact, Baltimore is hugely present in the book and takes the form of a character in itself. Baltimore is the place where the immigrant Palestinians come and embark on their new lives, and Baltimore is the city that children of these immigrants are born in and create their own memories.
I am in a dilemma about this book. On one hand, I want to shout about this from the rooftop and on the other, I want to keep this just to myself to savor the feelings it evoked in me. If I suggest this to someone and they tell me they did not like it, I may be crushed. 😀
I am in a dilemma about this book. On one hand, I want to shout about this from the rooftop and on the other, I want to keep this just to myself to savor the feelings it evoked in me. If I suggest this to someone and they tell me they did not like it, I may be crushed. 😀
February 11, 2024
one thing ab me is i’m gonna eat up a book w intertwining stories
January 13, 2024
4.5⭐️s rounded up. Thank you Libro.fm for the ALC. To be released 1/16/24.
Behind You is the Sea is a collection of short stories following different members in a Palestinian American community. TW for domestic violence, rape, murder, incest, affairs, fertility struggles, miscarriages, death of a parent, racism, and a parent who struggles with dementia.
We follow characters from all walks of life, from deep poverty to the insanely wealthy to characters that span all ages. There were moments that were touching and beautiful and some that were downright horrendous.
I liked that the stories varied so much, giving the reader so many types of perspectives from the Palestinian diaspora. As the daughter of an immigrant whose mother grew up in deep poverty and being her caretaker later on in life, as well as experiencing some of the racism (especially the covert racism from classmates), I could relate to a few of the stories.
One of the stories in particular really opened my eyes to the Arab take on Aladdin. Not being Arab and watching it as a kid, I never realized the overt racism and stereotyping especially from the opening song, Arabian Nights (they even changed the lyrics for the live action due to this).
The Hashtag story was the most difficult one for me to listen to.
In the last story is where readers really hear a little more about the Israeli occupation when the MC, a cop, follows his father’s wish and transports his body back to Palestine.
I highly recommend this short story collection, especially with the atrocities currently happening in Gaza. I did not know much about Palestine prior to last year and it has really been eye-opening.
Behind You is the Sea is a collection of short stories following different members in a Palestinian American community. TW for domestic violence, rape, murder, incest, affairs, fertility struggles, miscarriages, death of a parent, racism, and a parent who struggles with dementia.
We follow characters from all walks of life, from deep poverty to the insanely wealthy to characters that span all ages. There were moments that were touching and beautiful and some that were downright horrendous.
I liked that the stories varied so much, giving the reader so many types of perspectives from the Palestinian diaspora. As the daughter of an immigrant whose mother grew up in deep poverty and being her caretaker later on in life, as well as experiencing some of the racism (especially the covert racism from classmates), I could relate to a few of the stories.
One of the stories in particular really opened my eyes to the Arab take on Aladdin. Not being Arab and watching it as a kid, I never realized the overt racism and stereotyping especially from the opening song, Arabian Nights (they even changed the lyrics for the live action due to this).
The Hashtag story was the most difficult one for me to listen to.
In the last story is where readers really hear a little more about the Israeli occupation when the MC, a cop, follows his father’s wish and transports his body back to Palestine.
I highly recommend this short story collection, especially with the atrocities currently happening in Gaza. I did not know much about Palestine prior to last year and it has really been eye-opening.
January 9, 2024
real rating: 3.8/5
Behind You is the Sea is a book about three Palestinian families residing in Baltimore. While reading this book, I learned about the vast size of Palestinian families and how every member is related to one another.
I read this book so quickly that I finished it in less than 24 hours. As I mentioned, three large families are involved, so there are many characters to keep track of. However, what sets this book apart is that each chapter focuses on different characters from different families. It's not confusing because I don't need to remember all the names; I can connect the dots as I read the stories.
for the longer version of my review, please check on my instagram account
Behind You is the Sea is a book about three Palestinian families residing in Baltimore. While reading this book, I learned about the vast size of Palestinian families and how every member is related to one another.
I read this book so quickly that I finished it in less than 24 hours. As I mentioned, three large families are involved, so there are many characters to keep track of. However, what sets this book apart is that each chapter focuses on different characters from different families. It's not confusing because I don't need to remember all the names; I can connect the dots as I read the stories.
for the longer version of my review, please check on my instagram account
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