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. Take a look at today’s featured book, The Almond Tree by Michelle Cohen Corasanti. It has a whopping 4.7 star rating with 127 reviews.

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.

Author Michelle Cohen Corasanti has a BA from Hebrew University in Jerusalem and a MA from Harvard University, both in Middle Eastern Studies. She also holds a law degree. A Jewish American, she has lived in France, Spain, Egypt and England, and spent seven years living in Israel. She currently lives in New York with her family. The Almond Tree is her first novel.

What a Reader has to say about The Almond Tree…”…beautifully written and exhibits an inherent knowledge of life in the Occupied Palestinian Territories and Gaza. Corasanti’s elaboration of history and fiction has created a touching narration which ensnares the reader from the first chapter.”  Middle East Monitor

By Heather

2 thoughts on “The Almond Tree by Michelle Cohen Corasanti”
  1. There is no doubt in my mind that Michelle Cohen Corasanti is one of today’s greatest novelists, and most important socio-political commentators. What she’s done with The Almond Tree is highlighted the cause of one of the world’s most unjustifiably maligned, and oppressed people. She’s also produced a beautiful multifaceted story which is in equal parts utterly riveting, shocking, and addictive. If you liked Khaled Hosseini’s The Kite Runner, you’ll love this. I

    I’ve been doing a great deal of research on the subject of how the Palestinians are being treated in there own last, and reading similar book. In My studies,
    I’ve found that these books are similar and I would recommend fans of any of the these to read The Almond Tree:

    I Shall Not Hate 2. David Grossman – To The End of The Land 3. Tasting the Sky – Ibtisam Barakat 4. Ben White 5. Ilan Pappe 6. The Attack – Yasmina Khadra 7. Miko Peled – The Generals SOn 8. Peace not Apartheid – Jimmy Carter 9. Sharon and My mother-in-law 10. Miral – Rula Jebreal”

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