Review by Tonika632 -- Divided World by Kenneth Pickering

Tonika632 · Post by **Tonika632** » 07 Oct 2020, 07:53

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

4 out of 4 stars

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Divided World: Plays of occupation and dispossession is a collection of plays that face unrest among populists as a result of interference of other countries, such as the UK and the US. Hannah Khalil, Kate Al Hadid, Hassan Abdulrazzak, and Kenneth Pickering wrote this masterpiece. Kenneth Pickering is also the editor of this book.

This collection of plays was not my usual pick. I was simply curious about the story that is standing behind the cover of this book. As I have read many plays before, I can say that this one is the most original of them all. The style of writing is out of this world, and that makes this collection unrepeatable. There is nothing to dislike about the book. What I love the most are the lists of characters provided for us before every chapter. Also, each author did an outstanding job and provided us with summaries for each play.

Every play tells a story important in so many ways. The book hits the most important problem today: refugees. For example, Hassam Abdulrazzak tells a story about how everyone, from babies to grandmas and grandpas, has to leave their houses due to hate and war, and that is heart-wrecking. I had a hard time choosing which play was my favorite. Eventually, the one that talks about a woman who has a hard time with her husband was the one that touched me. The last play differs from the others in every aspect. It is very sharp and brutal, and it has shaken my thoughts. The author was brave to tackle such a theme. Although it is emotionally heavy to read, that last play is important because it carries a powerful message.

I have found a few typographical errors while reading this book, but those did not affect my reading experience. There are graphic scenes and borderline profanity present in it. I can tell this book is edited professionally, but it needs a bit of polishing.

I am giving this book a solid 4 out of 4 stars for its originality and braveness. I would recommend this book to those who like drama and history. Divided World: Plays of occupation and dispossession shows us how people in war-affected areas see the world, and because of that, I would recommend it to activists that fight for human rights. Since there are graphic scenes present in the book, I do not recommend it to young readers.

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Divided World
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Ellylion · Post by **Ellylion** » 09 Oct 2020, 07:37

Sounds like a powerful read, touching on many burning questions. I still would rather prefer it to be a short stories collection, but the plays are quite acceptable too

Thanks for a great review!

Damis Seres Rodriguez · Post by **Damis Seres Rodriguez** » 10 Oct 2020, 18:34

Something quite similar happened to me. The genre is definitely not what I usually enjoy, but the cover did the trick. Great review!

Justine Ocsebio · Post by **Justine Ocsebio** » 11 Oct 2020, 05:01

I have read this book. This anthology is emotionally moving and has powerful commentaries on relevant issues. I’m glad you liked it. Nice review!

Drado_27 · Post by **Drado_27** » 11 Oct 2020, 06:42

Wonderful review as always! I thought about picking up this book, but I'm intimidated by language of the plays. Maybe someday! Keep up the good work!

SamaylaM · Post by **SamaylaM** » 11 Oct 2020, 07:06

Having read this anthology myself, it was good to see your take on it! I agree that the last play carried a powerful message. Lovely review!

kdstrack · Post by **kdstrack** » 11 Oct 2020, 07:42

I enjoyed reading your thinking process for choosing this book. This would not be my first pick for reading, either. The synopsis you have given of the stories have intrigued me. There are so many refugees. We fail to consider the circumstances that put them in that situation. I wonder if the couple your described found peace after their move. Great writing!

Post by **Bertha Jackson** » 11 Oct 2020, 09:06

I have a difficult time reading plays. Thank you for your review.

Kelyn · Post by **Kelyn** » 11 Oct 2020, 16:00

It's a little unusual to see a collection of short plays in book form. Kudos to the authors for tackling such a hot topic in today's world. Thanks for the review!

Pluma · Post by **Pluma** » 11 Oct 2020, 21:25

I admire the author for tackling this tough theme, and it sounds like it was quite well-done. It seems like a touching and thought-provoking read. Thanks for the great review!

Honest-reviewer · Post by **Honest-reviewer** » 12 Oct 2020, 01:05

I usually don’t prefer reading plays. But this book seems interesting. I can surely give this a try. Thanks for your review!

Saint Bruno · Post by **Saint Bruno** » 12 Oct 2020, 11:27

This is an insightful and engaging review. If I enjoyed drama books, this would have been a sure candidate. Good job!

Maconstewart · Post by **Maconstewart** » 12 Oct 2020, 11:38

It sounds as though this book is very touching and full of messages on behalf of refugees. We tend to go through our lives never thinking about the heartache some people have to endure. Great review!