NPR's Book of the Day A new novel follows the love lives of three generations of Palestinian American women
Feb 3, 2025
Betty Shamieh discusses her debut novel, portraying three generations of Palestinian American women navigating love and identity. She draws parallels to the humor of 'Sex and the City,' while tackling deep themes of family legacy. Shamieh also highlights the resilience of Palestinian women amid conflict, using comedy to emphasize their humanity. Her ten-year writing journey reflects the challenges and joys of bringing complex characters to life.
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Arabella's Dilemma
- Arabella, the main character, faces a dilemma between two men: Aziz, a medic in Gaza, and Yoav, an Israeli-American artist.
- This choice represents a conflict between cultural expectations and personal desires, impacting future family life.
Anti-heroine and Assimilation
- Arabella is an anti-heroine aware of her flaws, which creates comedic tension.
- She grapples with assimilation and proximity to power, avoiding being seen as Palestinian for perceived advantage.
Unexpected Novel
- Betty Shamieh, a playwright, felt compelled to write her first novel, "Too Soon," despite wanting to pursue other projects.
- The novel, started 10 years ago, explores Palestinian women's experiences, a topic she had extensively covered in her plays.
