Review by Cazrichmond -- Divided World by Kenneth Pickering
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Caroline Anne Richmond
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Review by Cazrichmond -- Divided World by Kenneth Pickering
[Following is a volunteer review of "Divided World" by Kenneth Pickering.]
Divided World: Plays of Occupation and Dispossession is a collection of plays and poetry created by three authors, Hannah Khalil, Kate Al Hadid and Hassan Abdulrazzak. All three writers have Middle Eastern backgrounds. The book is edited and compiled by Kenneth Pickering, who is a professor of drama at the University of Kent and also a playwright in the United Kingdom.
Each author is introduced by a profile, describing their backgrounds, education and achievements. Following the individual profiles are the author’s modern plays. The text is written in the format of a play’s script, except for a monologue and poems. Extra detail is given regarding stage set up, which is very useful in setting the scene and describing the environment and surroundings. Each piece of work is a sensitive insight into the plight of refugees and the hardships of living in the Middle East.
A theme apparent throughout the book is a feeling of not belonging. One play follows a Middle Eastern family taking a trip to the British Museum. Just like the artefacts in the museum, the family feel they don’t belong in Britain and will never go back home. There is much sadness conveyed in how the family had to seek refuge in another country, despite loving the country from where they fled. Another play explores the desperation of people wanting to leave their war-torn homes, but unable to get permission from the authorities. This play includes families wanting more freedoms that many of us in the western world take for granted. This is also apparent in the female character, whose opportunities and freedoms are diminished because of her gender.
A play about a Syrian family, who have to flee their home and are extorted by unscrupulous smugglers, is moving. The smugglers take them on a dangerous and arduous journey to seek asylum in the United Kingdom. They risk their lives many times to make the journey, travelling overseas in a small dinghy, with barely enough room. Reading this play is very emotional, and it is difficult to comprehend the lengths refugees will go to, to provide a better life for their families.
Including in the book is humour, romance, friendships and adult themes. I enjoyed these additions as they made the characters very relatable. I found the humour a welcome addition, as the book is quite distressing in some parts. There are also some lovely relationships between characters, and it is apparent how hard they will fight to protect their family and loved ones.
The book is thought-provoking, educational and informative. It gives an insight into the Middle East and the hardships that are imposed on its residents. The collection includes religion, culture and unstable governments and authorities, who impose harsh restrictions on freedom. The themes are suitable only for adults, as profanity and sexual themes are included throughout the book. The book may be unsuitable for more sensitive readers because of the emotional and harrowing content.
I found nothing to dislike about the book and didn’t find any grammar or spelling mistakes, so I believe it has been edited. I rate the book 4 out of 4 stars. It is a unique book, which is more beneficial to read than some media we are exposed to regarding the Middle East. It’s a short book and can be read in a few hours, but it will leave you thinking for a much longer time.
******
Divided World
View: on Bookshelves
Divided World: Plays of Occupation and Dispossession is a collection of plays and poetry created by three authors, Hannah Khalil, Kate Al Hadid and Hassan Abdulrazzak. All three writers have Middle Eastern backgrounds. The book is edited and compiled by Kenneth Pickering, who is a professor of drama at the University of Kent and also a playwright in the United Kingdom.
Each author is introduced by a profile, describing their backgrounds, education and achievements. Following the individual profiles are the author’s modern plays. The text is written in the format of a play’s script, except for a monologue and poems. Extra detail is given regarding stage set up, which is very useful in setting the scene and describing the environment and surroundings. Each piece of work is a sensitive insight into the plight of refugees and the hardships of living in the Middle East.
A theme apparent throughout the book is a feeling of not belonging. One play follows a Middle Eastern family taking a trip to the British Museum. Just like the artefacts in the museum, the family feel they don’t belong in Britain and will never go back home. There is much sadness conveyed in how the family had to seek refuge in another country, despite loving the country from where they fled. Another play explores the desperation of people wanting to leave their war-torn homes, but unable to get permission from the authorities. This play includes families wanting more freedoms that many of us in the western world take for granted. This is also apparent in the female character, whose opportunities and freedoms are diminished because of her gender.
A play about a Syrian family, who have to flee their home and are extorted by unscrupulous smugglers, is moving. The smugglers take them on a dangerous and arduous journey to seek asylum in the United Kingdom. They risk their lives many times to make the journey, travelling overseas in a small dinghy, with barely enough room. Reading this play is very emotional, and it is difficult to comprehend the lengths refugees will go to, to provide a better life for their families.
Including in the book is humour, romance, friendships and adult themes. I enjoyed these additions as they made the characters very relatable. I found the humour a welcome addition, as the book is quite distressing in some parts. There are also some lovely relationships between characters, and it is apparent how hard they will fight to protect their family and loved ones.
The book is thought-provoking, educational and informative. It gives an insight into the Middle East and the hardships that are imposed on its residents. The collection includes religion, culture and unstable governments and authorities, who impose harsh restrictions on freedom. The themes are suitable only for adults, as profanity and sexual themes are included throughout the book. The book may be unsuitable for more sensitive readers because of the emotional and harrowing content.
I found nothing to dislike about the book and didn’t find any grammar or spelling mistakes, so I believe it has been edited. I rate the book 4 out of 4 stars. It is a unique book, which is more beneficial to read than some media we are exposed to regarding the Middle East. It’s a short book and can be read in a few hours, but it will leave you thinking for a much longer time.
******
Divided World
View: on Bookshelves
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