Review by Nedbrian -- Divided World by Kenneth Pickering

Nedbrian · Post by **Nedbrian** » 29 Nov 2020, 16:36

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

4 out of 4 stars

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History is a bank of knowledge from which anyone can draw information about power tussle in countries and continents. All around the world, many regions and continents have undergone several forms of power interference. These are challenges often associated with consequences and the Middle East is no exception. However, there is a lot to learn and implement from this transcontinental region.

Divided World is a collection of 8 plays aimed at showing how Imperialism was practiced and the effects the occupation by foreign powers had in the Middle East. This book is authored by Hannah Khalil, Kate Al Hadid, and Hassan Abdulrazzak, who have Middle Eastern backgrounds. Edited by Kenneth Pickering, Divided World is a short anthology comprising of modern drama that hints at the issues affecting immigrants and their progeny. Kenneth Pickering writes an introduction which is followed by his play. His play ''Exploring the Boundaries'' is one in which two characters, Sir Mark Syke and François Picot, made the defining agreement to split the territories of the Middle East.

Other plays by the authors discuss refugees, maintaining legacies, and the damaging effects of wars on lives, families, and communities. These plays are filled with hopes, laughter, anger, frustrations that the Middle Easterners felt under foreign powers as the foreign nations occupied and dispossessed them, especially of oil. Not only do these plays bring to view the plight of the Middle Easterners, but it also brings to light the hopelessness and unfairness present-day refugees are going through.

I loved that this book is written by people with Middle East backgrounds. This implies that research alone was not the only basis for this wonderful play collection. Another impressive feature I like about this book is how each play still draws attention to the different historical factors that define the Middle East we know today. There are punctuation and grammatical errors observed but these are believed to be intentional by the authors and editor. That said, there is nothing I dislike about this book.

I would recommend this book for lovers of history, interested in learning more about various continental culture and its origin. This book is highly educative and easy to comprehend. There are several sex scenes in the book and adult language in the last play. Because of the use of profane words, this book is not suitable for children and young adolescents.

This sensational book has a descriptive style that allows the reader to experience each scene. It also brings to light the plight of today’s immigrants and refugees. As such, I would rate this book as 4 out of 4 stars.

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Divided World
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Raluca_Mihaila · Post by **Raluca_Mihaila** » 14 Dec 2020, 08:25

I also loved this book and all the stories. I agree with your observation regarding the errors, as I felt the same way. You did a great job with the review!

GianKosi77 · Post by **GianKosi77** » 14 Dec 2020, 11:40

Your review is well organized. I am currently reading this book, I hope it I will enjoy it too.

Nedbrian · Post by **Nedbrian** » 15 Dec 2020, 15:15

raluca_mihaila wrote: ↑14 Dec 2020, 08:25 I also loved this book and all the stories. I agree with your observation regarding the errors, as I felt the same way. You did a great job with the review!

Thank you

Nedbrian · Post by **Nedbrian** » 15 Dec 2020, 15:15

GianKosi77 wrote: ↑14 Dec 2020, 11:40 Your review is well organized. I am currently reading this book, I hope it I will enjoy it too.

I am sure you will. Thank you

Tarilan · Post by **Tarilan** » 17 Dec 2020, 04:00

"These plays are filled with hopes, laughter, anger, frustrations...". This is my kind of book. The kind that makes you see through someone's eyes and feel what they feel. Thanks for the wonderful review.

Nedbrian · Post by **Nedbrian** » 17 Dec 2020, 08:42

Tarilan wrote: ↑17 Dec 2020, 04:00 "These plays are filled with hopes, laughter, anger, frustrations...". This is my kind of book. The kind that makes you see through someone's eyes and feel what they feel. Thanks for the wonderful review.

Sure, this book is surely one to love