Review by Alice Ngugi -- Divided World by Kenneth Pickering

Alice Ngugi · Post by **Alice Ngugi** » 22 Oct 2020, 11:13

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

4 out of 4 stars

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‘Until we address our self-serving hypocrisy in the Middle East and elsewhere, the world will continue to become far more unstable.’ This a quote by Kevin Smith in a letter to the London Evening Standard, 20th August 2017. It is quoted in the introduction of the book by editor Kenneth Pickering. I found this fitting and the most suitable summary of what Divided world is all about. This beautiful collection of plays is by incredible authors like Hannah Khalil, Kate Al Hadid, and Hassan Abdulrazzak.

The core theme revolves around the complicated and unbearable experiences that the refugees from the Middle East often encounter. The plays attempt to intermarry the normal folks to refugees.

As each story unfolds, different experiences are tackled. "A short story" and "Negotiation" bring to light the plight of two young refugee women. 'Jump,' a short story, by Kate explores the life of a young Yousef who is in search of a peaceful life far from his war-stricken country. Hassan's plays bring the collection to a close in a hypnotic tone. He engages the reader to feel and try to identify themselves with the refugees.

This book has incorporated several themes such as sarcasm, irony, and once in a while, comic relief. It made the book quite interesting, and I could not quite put it down when I started reading. The introduction by the editor, Kenneth Pickering, was quite eye-opening as it laid the foundation on what one was about to encounter while reading the book.

What I loved most about the book is the relevance in its mission of enlightening the issues and the difficulties the refugees face. I loved its general idea. Again, the plays are not very long. They are short and precise, a factor that I appreciate in the book. I was not bored with too much unnecessary information. I barely found any errors, and I believe the book was edited by a professional.

The book contains a certain amount of sexual content and profanity that is not ideal for young readers. Therefore, I do not recommend the book for young children. I recommend the book to any person who wants to learn more about the plight of refugees and how devastating, traumatic, and disruptive wars can be.

Because of all the reasons mentioned, I rate the book 4 out of 4 stars. It was well executed and, it did achieve its goal, in my opinion. I would not have it any other way.

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Divided World
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Alice Ngugi · Post by **Alice Ngugi** » 25 Nov 2020, 17:37

It was a great book. Thanks

Sou Hi · Post by **Sou Hi** » 25 Nov 2020, 21:23

Thanks for your nice review. I have seen some reviews about this book, and they also give it good ratings. Even though I'm not into plays, looks like this book will be worth a try.

Anusha Thatavarthi · Post by **Anusha Thatavarthi** » 25 Nov 2020, 23:10

I enjoyed it very much. Thanks for the great review!

SamaylaM · Post by **SamaylaM** » 26 Nov 2020, 00:38

This was a really great read for me as well. I enjoyed reading Jump and it made me quite emotional. Thanks for your nice review!

Nedbrian · Post by **Nedbrian** » 26 Nov 2020, 02:21

Reading this book now and I am looking forward to seeing what you experienced reading the book.

Prisallen · Post by **Prisallen** » 26 Nov 2020, 09:10

There is nothing good about war, and it wouldn't hurt any of us to be able to empathize with other people and understand their thinking and beliefs more. Thanks for your wonderful review!

Alice Ngugi · Post by **Alice Ngugi** » 03 Feb 2021, 09:55

Prisallen wrote: ↑26 Nov 2020, 09:10 There is nothing good about war, and it wouldn't hurt any of us to be able to empathize with other people and understand their thinking and beliefs more. Thanks for your wonderful review!

Indeed. I do agree with you.

Alice Ngugi · Post by **Alice Ngugi** » 03 Feb 2021, 09:56

Nedbrian wrote: ↑26 Nov 2020, 02:21 Reading this book now and I am looking forward to seeing what you experienced reading the book.

I hope you enjoy as much as I did.

Alice Ngugi · Post by **Alice Ngugi** » 03 Feb 2021, 09:56

SamaylaM wrote: ↑26 Nov 2020, 00:38 This was a really great read for me as well. I enjoyed reading Jump and it made me quite emotional. Thanks for your nice review!

Thanks for sharing!