Review of Operation Olive Tree
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Jolyssa High
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- Latest Review: Operation Olive Tree by Jemil Metti
Review of Operation Olive Tree
[Following is a volunteer review of "Operation Olive Tree" by Jemil Metti.]
Operation Olive Tree by Jemil Metti is a historical fiction that gives readers a glimpse into the conflict in the early 1980s between Israelis and Palestinians. The story follows the relationship of an Israeli named Irith Goldman and a Palestinian named Jamal Shaheen. The characters begin their dynamic relationship at a progressive high school called Wahat-Al-Salam, which promotes the idea of coexisting peacefully. As a way to encourage peacefulness, Neve Shalom and its educators encourage Jamal and Irith to perform opera as a duo. On the surface, the idea is to show the country ways to accomplish unity through music, but as the story develops, there is a different motive at the core. As Jamal and Irith try to exist cohesively, political and societal views push to make this unattainable. The two try to focus on their music but find themselves focusing on their basic survival.
The part of the book that stuck out to me the most was the strength of the two characters, Jamal and Irith. Both were challenged constantly with doubts by their peers and enemies on the idea of coexisting peacefully. Neither of the characters gave into the merciless attacks on their ideas and chose to stand for what they believed they were attempting to accomplish by their work. Jamal and Irith show many examples of choosing to do what is right, even if it is considered to be “siding with the enemy”. This book shows readers the challenges of what it was like to hold such a progressive idea during this period. I believe this is a good reflection of the kind of thought process behind discrimination in other countries.
While reading this book, there was nothing negative that stuck out to me. One thing to point out, I did not know much about the conflict between the two making the book confusing at times, if the reader is not paying attention. The historical content was not common knowledge for me and required more investigation. These aspects of the book did not deter me, but this could be a factor to consider when choosing a book for other readers. There are sensitive topics such as racism, terrorism, homophobia, and child abuse that could be potentially triggering to other readers.
Due to my impression of the book being overall positive, I would rate this book 4 out of 4 stars. Operation Olive Tree is a captivating and thrilling book that will keep the reader engaged. The book is written well and professionally edited. I did not find any writing errors.
I recommend this book to adults due to its advanced language and complex content. Readers who enjoy historical fiction will not want to put this book down. This book discusses religion, racism, and other important issues while educating others on the complex conflict between Israelis and Palestinians.
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Operation Olive Tree
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Operation Olive Tree by Jemil Metti is a historical fiction that gives readers a glimpse into the conflict in the early 1980s between Israelis and Palestinians. The story follows the relationship of an Israeli named Irith Goldman and a Palestinian named Jamal Shaheen. The characters begin their dynamic relationship at a progressive high school called Wahat-Al-Salam, which promotes the idea of coexisting peacefully. As a way to encourage peacefulness, Neve Shalom and its educators encourage Jamal and Irith to perform opera as a duo. On the surface, the idea is to show the country ways to accomplish unity through music, but as the story develops, there is a different motive at the core. As Jamal and Irith try to exist cohesively, political and societal views push to make this unattainable. The two try to focus on their music but find themselves focusing on their basic survival.
The part of the book that stuck out to me the most was the strength of the two characters, Jamal and Irith. Both were challenged constantly with doubts by their peers and enemies on the idea of coexisting peacefully. Neither of the characters gave into the merciless attacks on their ideas and chose to stand for what they believed they were attempting to accomplish by their work. Jamal and Irith show many examples of choosing to do what is right, even if it is considered to be “siding with the enemy”. This book shows readers the challenges of what it was like to hold such a progressive idea during this period. I believe this is a good reflection of the kind of thought process behind discrimination in other countries.
While reading this book, there was nothing negative that stuck out to me. One thing to point out, I did not know much about the conflict between the two making the book confusing at times, if the reader is not paying attention. The historical content was not common knowledge for me and required more investigation. These aspects of the book did not deter me, but this could be a factor to consider when choosing a book for other readers. There are sensitive topics such as racism, terrorism, homophobia, and child abuse that could be potentially triggering to other readers.
Due to my impression of the book being overall positive, I would rate this book 4 out of 4 stars. Operation Olive Tree is a captivating and thrilling book that will keep the reader engaged. The book is written well and professionally edited. I did not find any writing errors.
I recommend this book to adults due to its advanced language and complex content. Readers who enjoy historical fiction will not want to put this book down. This book discusses religion, racism, and other important issues while educating others on the complex conflict between Israelis and Palestinians.
******
Operation Olive Tree
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Latest Review: Operation Olive Tree by Jemil Metti
