Review by anua24060 -- Divided World by Kenneth Pickering

[Anusha Thatavarthi]

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

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3 out of 4 stars

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Divided World by Kenneth Pickering is an anthology of plays reflecting the prevailing conditions in the Middle East. In the book's introduction, Kenneth Pickering talks about how the interference of the USA and Britain are the reasons for the current conditions in the Middle East. He also talks about the impact of the Sykes-Picot agreement on the Middle East. This book comprises ten plays that deal with different countries in the Middle East, their residents, and refugees.

The first play is a fictionalized account of the conversation between Sykes and Picot before they signed the agreement. It shows their hypocrisy as they divide the countries of the Middle East among Britain and France. There are several short plays that hit the point home in a few words. Jump is the longest play in the book which tells the story of a young man who wants to go to Greece for the parkour world championship. He can’t get out due to the crisis in his country. The play shows his anguish and the toll it takes on his mental health and family relationships. It shows in detail how the dreams of common people are affected by pointless wars fought between countries.

Some plays in this book are loosely based on real-life stories by refugees. The profiles of the playwrights are provided after their plays, so the readers can better understand the person behind the words. Fiction is a powerful tool to send a message, and that point is proved by this book. Initially, I didn’t have any real knowledge about the crisis in the Middle East except what I watched on the news, but after I read this book, I got a better understanding of the conditions there and the constant fear and despair in which the citizens are living. Even after finishing the book, it made me think.

The thing I liked the most about the book is how most of the plays are mainly focused on common people who are always ill-effected by wars. It made me empathize with the characters more. The fictionalized plays of historical events were also really interesting.

There is nothing I specifically disliked about the book. But there are some errors in the book. They will not distract the readers much from reading, but if those errors are corrected, the book will be perfect.

I give this book 3 out of 4 stars. I want to give it a perfect rating, but one star is deducted for the errors. I recommend it to readers who like to read plays and readers interested in crisis in the Middle East.

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Divided World
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[NetMassimo]

An interesting collection of plays that have deep roots in our recent history and show various aspects of the problems currently existing in the Middle East. Thank you for your great review!

[Nqobile Mashinini Tshabalala]

I don't understand the need for wars. The lives of many get disrupted because of a few power-hungry individuals! I will skip this book but I enjoyed your review.

[kdstrack]

The plays in this collection show us how politics and government often take away our freedom instead of helping give us the means to enjoy it. I enjoyed the background information you included about the history of the area and the authors. Great insights!

[Eutoc]

I read this book sometime ago and I enjoyed it. I'm glad you also liked it.

[Sou Hi]

Thanks for your insightful review. I have read a few reviews about this book, but yours shows me another aspect of this collection of plays. Most people would think of war when the Middle East is mentioned, but few would talk about the lives of the innocent people stuck there.

[Anusha Thatavarthi]

An interesting collection of plays that have deep roots in our recent history and show various aspects of the problems currently existing in the Middle East. Thank you for your great review!

Thank you for commenting!

[Anusha Thatavarthi]

I don't understand the need for wars. The lives of many get disrupted because of a few power-hungry individuals! I will skip this book but I enjoyed your review.

Agreed.

[Anusha Thatavarthi]

The plays in this collection show us how politics and government often take away our freedom instead of helping give us the means to enjoy it. I enjoyed the background information you included about the history of the area and the authors. Great insights!

Thank you!

[Anusha Thatavarthi]

Thanks for your insightful review. I have read a few reviews about this book, but yours shows me another aspect of this collection of plays. Most people would think of war when the Middle East is mentioned, but few would talk about the lives of the innocent people stuck there.

Thank you!

[Saint Bruno]

Your review is both insightful and detailed. I am not a fan of this genre but I am sure those who do will find this review helpful.

[Raluca_Mihaila]

I loved this collection, even if I started it with skepticism. I totally agree with your review, great job!

[Laura Ungureanu]

I enjoy plays, especially if they are inspired by real events, so this book sounds wonderful to me. Thank you for this detailed review!

[Fozia RYK]

A debt of gratitude is in order for your canny review. I have perused a couple of surveys about this book, however yours shows me another part of this assortment of plays. The vast majority would consider war when the Middle East is referenced, however few would discuss the lives of the blameless individuals stuck there.

[Fozia RYK]

It's actual a ton of humankind is caught up with being oblivious of the past occasions. Unexpectedly, these equivalent 'failed to remember' happenings are a lot of forming our present and future circumstances. Much obliged to you for quite an itemized and adroit review.