Review by Tavaiel26 -- Divided World by Kenneth Pickering

Tavaiel26 · Post by **Tavaiel26** » 24 Mar 2020, 12:21

[Following is a volunteer review of "Divided World" by Kenneth Pickering.]

4 out of 4 stars

Share This Review

Divided World; Plays of occupation and dispossession by Kenneth Pickering is compromised of several modern plays related to the themes of conflict in the Middle East and refugees. It starts with a historical introduction by Kenneth Pickering setting the scene and explaining the broader sides of the conflict. The first play by him is a theatricalization of the Sykes-Picot agreement that split the territories of the Middle East between France and Britain

Later we move on to plays by other authors; Hannah Khalil’s first story is about refugees and how they are perceived, and conveniently ignored, by the community. Her second play speaks of belonging, of being unable to go back home, and the importance of legacies and heritage. Kate Al Hadid’s playwright follows Yousef and his family and friends, as he dreams of escaping war-torn Gaza and enjoying the freedom to practice parkour somewhere else.

Hassam Abdulrazzak tells us the story of everyone that had to leave home, because home wasn't safe anymore, how they were treated and how some of them never found a home again.
"Eventually it became clear that we had to flee the country. There was no other choice" an excerpt in the play The Ship No One Wanted is in my opinion one of the strongest quotes in this book. We are confronted with the harsh reality of a situation most of us have never lived and with the terrible possibility of having to one day forsake our homes.

This book was wonderful and gut-wrenching. This subject is very current as the modern world is bound to witness a rapid increase in the number of climate refugees in the next years. Hopefully books like this one can encourage us to see our fellow humans better, as they are, and not as fear portrays them. I genuinely loved most of the plays in this book, they were well written and well-paced. These incredible stories encompassed a number of perspectives about the issues faced by the Middle East as a consequence of intervention by foreign powers.

Unfortunately, I felt the last play didn't fit with the overall tone of the book and just sort of added shook value, but nothing else really. It made an incredible book end on a low note.

Taking everything into consideration, I genuinely believe this is an excellent book and I rate it 4 out of 4 stars. Sadly, the last play makes it unsuitable for young readers, but I would enthusiastically recommend the book to everyone else because of its extremely relevant theme. Anyone with an interest in the Middle East, immigration and the situation of refugees around the world will genuinely appreciate this book.

******
Divided World
View: on Bookshelves

Post by **Alice Heritage** » 06 Apr 2020, 02:28

These plays sound hard-hitting. What a great idea to address the complexities of the Middle East situation in dramatic form. Fabulous review!

Prisallen · Post by **Prisallen** » 06 Apr 2020, 08:19

The plight of these refugees is, indeed, heartwrenching. This book seems to give the reader an idea of what they go through. Thank you for an informative and interesting review!

Post by **Sushan Ekanayake** » 06 Apr 2020, 19:58

A book comprised of scripts, as I get it, about problems in the Middle East! Sounds interesting. Thanks for sharing

Erin Dydek · Post by **Erin Dydek** » 08 Apr 2020, 06:40

A book of play wouldn't normally interest me, but I like that this book aims to increase empathy towards the plight of refugees. Books that remind us about having compassion and sympathy for other human beings are essential. Thanks for the great review!

Sophy Chunge · Post by **Sophy Chunge** » 11 Apr 2020, 15:05

I wouldn't mind reading plays, it breaks the monotony of reading prose. Seems it's a book which focuses on some heavy themes in the world. Based on this review, I can totally choose to read this book.

Maria Esposito · Post by **Maria Esposito** » 14 Apr 2020, 05:10

I really admire the people who put this book together, it seems like it is a collective effort to show the shared plight of Middle Eastern people. I might pick it up. Thank you for a great review!

Post by **Shrabastee Chakraborty** » 19 Apr 2020, 09:36

I never read a book of plays, especially such a heart-wrenching book as this one. I am not even sure if I could handle reading about the all too real scenario the characters find themselves in. Thanks for such an insightful review!

Jorge Leon Salazar · Post by **Jorge Leon Salazar** » 01 May 2020, 10:23

I read this book and enjoyed it, the format based on plays seemed nice to me. It deals with historical themes to draw attention to historically important situations. Excellent review.

Caffrey_19 · Post by **Caffrey_19** » 13 May 2020, 04:03

All I see are the reflections of political decay, self-centered humans, and territorial challenges. These are real-life happenings and I can't help but wonder. Is there truly hope for the human race? Nice work.