Official Review: Divided World by Kenneth Pickering

sarahmarlowe randomeducator · 02 Mar 2019, 19:40

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Divided World" by Kenneth Pickering.]

3 out of 4 stars

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Divided World: Plays of Occupation and Dispossession is a short anthology of modern dramas addressing issues that affect refugees and the generations that come after them. Timely and powerful, these modern plays investigate lives beyond the news stories.

Edited by Kenneth Pickering, the plays in the Divided World anthology are written by authors from Middle Eastern backgrounds. These authors include Hannah Khalil, Kate Al Hadid, and Hassan Abdulrazzak. I like that the editor includes profiles of each playwright along with their plays. Reading about them provided not only a background but also an insight into the authors before I read their works.

Most of the authors’ contributions are relatively short, with the exception of one that has several acts and scenes. Some of the plays are painfully touching, bringing with them a mixture of anger, humor, symbolism, and absurdism. The recurring theme throughout the book is the feeling of being out of place. These characters feel unaccepted in new homelands, not fitting in even with their own families. They strive for acknowledgment of their accomplishments and even their humanity.

“Jump,” in particular, is a brilliantly written piece containing a depth of feeling and perceptiveness. This play is written by Kate Al Hadid, who does an exceptional job building her drama. With select words, character development, and stagecraft, Al Hadid develops a powerful slice of life that stays with me even now. The play is about Yousef, a typical young man living in Gaza with a typical family. He has a desire for autonomy like most humans do, but he does not enjoy opportunities for freedom because the government does not allow citizens to move about as they wish. His family and friends seem to be disheartened, allowing their circumstances to dissuade them from trying to dream of more. Al Hadid uses symbolism, stage direction, and technology to bring life to the motif of restriction and limitation. “Jump” is beautifully written, and I was able to see the production in my mind as I read it.

I would sincerely love to be able to give Divided World 4 stars. Unfortunately, numerous punctuation errors were not caught through the editing process. Because of that, I am required to deduct a star, giving this collection 3 out of 4 stars. I want to reiterate, however, that although the editing may be lacking, the content is good for the mind.

I recommend this book to people who enjoy good dramas and those who are concerned with immigrant issues including culture and adjustment. Prospective readers may want to know that there are sexual situations and several uses of adult language in some of these plays. People who prefer reading prose should obviously not choose this book unless looking for a change of pace.

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Divided World
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Cecilia_L · Post by **Cecilia_L** » 05 Mar 2019, 14:35

This sounds like an interesting collection featuring relevant topics. Thanks for your interesting review.

gen_g · Post by **gen_g** » 05 Mar 2019, 20:55

This sounds like an absolutely fascinating read; it's great that such a wide range of emotions were displayed by the various playwrights. It's a pity about the errors, hopefully, they'll be rectified soon. Thanks for the lovely review!

Rose Harebate · Post by **Rose Harebate** » 06 Mar 2019, 04:34

"Some of the plays are painfully touching, bringing with them a mixture of anger, humor, symbolism, and absurdism." The book that is able to deliver emotions to a reader is a must read. Thanks for an amazing review.

Post by **kandscreeley** » 06 Mar 2019, 09:23

Neat! I don't think I've seen a collection of plays in quite a well, nevertheless one from Middle-Eastern authors. It's too bad about the errors, but if they are mostly with punctuation, I can probably overlook them. Thanks for a great review.

sarahmarlowe randomeducator · 15 Mar 2019, 08:22

Cecilia_L wrote: ↑05 Mar 2019, 14:35 This sounds like an interesting collection featuring relevant topics. Thanks for your interesting review.

It truly is interesting. I love reading good dramas. Thanks for stopping by!

sarahmarlowe randomeducator · 15 Mar 2019, 08:24

gen_g wrote: ↑05 Mar 2019, 20:55 This sounds like an absolutely fascinating read; it's great that such a wide range of emotions were displayed by the various playwrights. It's a pity about the errors, hopefully, they'll be rectified soon. Thanks for the lovely review!

Yes! I loved having the opportunity to read these dramas. Like you, I would love to see this volume edited and reissued. Thanks for stopping by!

sarahmarlowe randomeducator · 15 Mar 2019, 08:26

Rose Harebate wrote: ↑06 Mar 2019, 04:34 "Some of the plays are painfully touching, bringing with them a mixture of anger, humor, symbolism, and absurdism." The book that is able to deliver emotions to a reader is a must read. Thanks for an amazing review.

I agree! I truly enjoyed being able to read this collection. Thanks for stopping by!

sarahmarlowe randomeducator · 15 Mar 2019, 08:28

kandscreeley wrote: ↑06 Mar 2019, 09:23 Neat! I don't think I've seen a collection of plays in quite a well, nevertheless one from Middle-Eastern authors. It's too bad about the errors, but if they are mostly with punctuation, I can probably overlook them. Thanks for a great review.

Yes! This is a great collection. I really enjoyed it, and I would love to see it edited again. Thanks for stopping by!

yvayner · Post by **yvayner** » 22 Feb 2020, 15:51

I am new to drama but this seems like a very timely, touching piece.

Menace Crypto · Post by **Menace Crypto** » 07 Sep 2020, 05:49

Wow a middle-eastern collection of drama depicting cultural roots sounds fantastic.

Lilyflower-x2 · Post by **Lilyflower-x2** » 07 Sep 2020, 05:54

It must be awful feeling to be unaccepted by a person's family. I am intrigued to read more on what life is like in the middle east.

asere_maryanne · Post by **asere_maryanne** » 07 Sep 2020, 05:58

The last time I read such a book was in high school, but the themes covered make me want to "take a look." Thanks for the review.

Misael Carlos · Post by **Misael Carlos** » 07 Sep 2020, 05:58

I seldom see novels tackle stories about refugees and i am looking forward to digging into this book and be enlightened about their plight and how the challenges make them stronger. Congrats to the author for coming up with this book!