by Michelle Cohen Corasanti (Author)
Gifted with a mind that continues to impress the elders in his village, Ichmad Hamid struggles with the knowledge that he can do nothing to save his friends and family. Living on Occupied land, his entire village operates in constant fear of losing their homes, jobs and belongings. But more importantly, they fear losing each other. On Ichmad's twelfth birthday, that fear becomes reality. With his father imprisoned, his family's home and possessions confiscated, and his siblings quickly succumbing to hatred in the face of conflict. Ichmad begins an inspiring journey using his intellect to save his poor and dying family. In doing so he reclaims a love for others that was lost through a childhood rife with violence, and discovers a new hope for the future.
Format: Paperback
Pages: 352
Publisher: Garnet Publishing Ltd
Published: 30 Sep 2012
ISBN 10: 1859643299
ISBN 13: 9781859643297
Having just finished reading The Almond Tree by new author Michelle Cohen Corasanti, I can honestly state that it is one of the most riveting books I have read during the past several months. Corasanti takes a realistic premise and builds an interesting and highly believable story that only gets better as the pages fly by. While The Almond Tree is a fictional tale, much of it is based on the truth of what is today's world, and as such there is also an important message located within. I highly recommend this book. --Charline Ratcliff at Rebecca's Reads
With the onset of adulthood, one already must cope with so much. The Almond Tree follows the struggles of young Ichmad Hamid as his family is lose to strife, imprisonment, and everything they hold dear. The twelve year old learns it may be on him to use his limited talents to help his family and bring back something of a life. The Almond Tree is a strong addition to coming of age fiction collections, highly recommended. The Midwest Book Review. If this is too long, you can start with The Almond Tree is a strong addition until the end. - Helen Dumount, MBR Bookwatch January 2013 issue
I predict (The Almond Tree) will become one of the biggest bestsellers of the decade...an epic drama of the proportions of The Kite Runner... A story that grabs you from the first page...This novel is not a political lecture, but a gripping and compassionate work of fiction. Huffington Post, Spanish TV and Radio Host Guillermo Fesser Corasanti's tale of resilience, hope and forgiveness is a must-read both for those who are stumbling through the Israeli-Palestinian minefield for the first time, and others who know its sorrows all too well. -- Washington Report on the Middle East
... a Kite-Runner-like epic of Palestinian life... makes you aware of what it's like to exist under Israeli rule...told in a manner that strongly resembles the voice and narrative used by Khaled Hosseini in his popular novel, The Kite Runner...A Palestinian Tale Told by a Jewish American...Although possibly difficult for Israelis and Jews everywhere to read, The Almond Tree should be required reading for all as when there is understanding of the other side, peace can be achieved. -- The Times of Israel