The Palestinian Perspective, June 18, 2008 (Amazon.com)
By Barbara A. Jabr “FILM ENTHUSIAST” (St. Paul, MN USA)This is a profoundly moving book by a Palestinian woman about the plight of her people. A work of fiction, it breathes life into the Palestinian experience of the past sixty years in a way that dry works of history cannot. It describes the frustration and misery of a people who have been denied their land, human rights, and even an accurate understanding of the injustices they have endured. Susan Abulhawa has a very descriptive vocabulary that evokes the richness of the Arabic language itself. Anyone seeking to know why the woefully intractable Arab-Israeli conflict continues to endure will learn much from this book. It is an outstanding read by a gifted, impassioned author.

an eye-opener for anyone with a thirst to know, March 31, 2008 (Amazon.com)
By “Bob Smith” “OpenSlate”I’m the daughter of Palestinian-American immigrants who came here with a hope for the future. They still tried to tell us about what they left behind, and what we’re fighting for. I thought I knew pretty well what I was advocating all this time, until I bought a copy of this book. I couldn’t put it down, and I’ve reread it 3 more times since. I truly felt that I knew what it meant to be Palestinian, and felt that I truly could understand my parents and my family for the first time. I’ve recommended this book to all my friends who are still confused about my mission, my culture, and my pride. Anyone who needs a real point of view of an oppressed people needs to read this book. You won’t regret it.

Stomach-piercing, heart-aching, reality-revealing, December 10, 2007 (Amazon.com)
By Pamela B. Diiulio “Dr. Pamela Allegretto-Diiulio” (Kuwait)Susan Abulhawa’s first novel created pangs in my stomach as I read her historical fiction. The Scar of David will leave a scar in the heart of anyone who reads it - as the pain and disbelief of the author’s detailed account of a Palestinian family, raped by Israeli aggression and imperialism will surely mark a permanent memory to anyone who abhors injustice. Susan’s characters are alive in their misery but persistent in their hope for justice while yearning for the right of return to their homeland. She is to be commended for her expert use of language and metaphor to help unravel the knots of discord that still exist in her homeland today. Dr. Pamela Allegretto-Diiulio

an intense read, beautifully written !, November 11, 2007 (Amazon.com)
By Dennis C. Parrish (Bensalem, PA)At no time in my life has a book had such a firm grip on my heart and soul. The most intriguing aspect of Susan Abulhawa’s writing style is her innate ability to make you feel you are in every scene as a witness, resulting in a vast range of emotions including love, joy, sadness, horror, anger, forgiveness, wonderment, but never indifference. Though fictional, the characters soon become real, as if you’ve known, spoken, and walked with each of them. Susan Abulhawa has an exceptional talent and has given the world a beautiful gift, The Scar of David.

Putting a Face on the Palestinian Tragedy, August 19, 2007 (Amazon.com)
By Faroque Ahmed Khan

Susan Abulhawa provides a gripping narrative spanning three generations of Palestinians and with a very impressive interplay of various characters the author puts a human face on the tragedy that has befallen the Palestinians after 1948. READ MORE>>

Required Reading, August 14, 2007 (Amazon.com)
By Carl Wahl (Lansdale, PA)

Ms. Abulhawa has described the Palestinian condition in a way very few people understand. This book should be required reading by everyone.

Scar of David, July 12, 2007 (Amazon.com)
By Brenda Bentz (Seattle WA)

Both historically and psychologically accurate. A good read and a chance to watch Palestinians go through the experiences of living under military occupation after being driven from their homes in 1948. Ordinary people trying to live their ordinary lives with dignity and hope. I shared their pain and joy, but with the tension of already knowing when hope would be betrayed again. The symbolic role of David works. Beautifully written fiction, but also an opportunity to see the struggle in Israel/Palestine from the point of view of the dispossessed.

Beautifully written, powerful novel, July 11, 2007 (Amazon.com)
By Gail Miller “Women of a Certain Age”

I found The Scar of David to be a beautifully written, powerful novel which places real life characters we come to care deeply about in a historical narrative that must continue to be brought to light in a world that tries to place hoods over the facts.

Aaminah - June 13, 2007

This first novel by Palestinian author Susan Abulhawa is amazing. The Scar of David may actually be one of the most important pieces of contemporary literature. At once a difficult and emotional read, it is also about hope for an abused people. There is so much life contained within its pages, that those who think that the Palestinian people are only about death and martyrdom will be shocked. READ MORE>>

Edith Cook - May 13, 2007
Your novel should be required reading for every American who is baffled by “Arab terrorism.” It is a shame that Americans get only one-sided views in the media. And most people don’t bother to inform themselves or seek out the truth of a complementing, “opposite” side.Though a disturbing read, I nonetheless loved your book. Keep up the good work!

Joyce DeBroux, Readers’ Book Emporium (Rocky Mount, NC) May 11, 2007Wow! The Scar of David. Lyrical and melodical in it’s language, amazingly insightful and beautiful in it’s story, this was a book that haunts you even in your dreams. TSoD opened my eyes to view the Palestinian’s as HUMAN beings and their plight as a HUMAN plight. READ MORE>>

Yasmin Abdel-Shafi - May 7, 2007

Just wanted to tell you how much I loved your book “The Scar of David”. I’m also a Palestinian living in the US, and of course the Palestinian issue is very close to my heart. Your book is wonderful, and I already recommended it to all my friends. It is a perfect way to explain to the world the Palestinian catastrophe, instead of relying on the biased media. Your writing style is amazing, I couldn’t put it down! Thank you so much for your hard work and effort.

Andra Tracy, Outward Bound Books (Indianapolis, IN) May 6, 2007

This had to be one of the tenderest stories I have read and yet it was a terrifying one as well. Living here in the United States, it is true, we are sheltered. So how could I imagine what it is like to lose your home, land, and your family? I’ve read the story of Amal and her family, which is the story of Palestine. Now I see the reality of one nations attempt to wipe out another nation because of their religious beliefs. Only time will have the ending to this story and I can only hope that it’s resolution will be peaceful. I am grateful for the opportunity to read this book and I will encourage my library to get this book and my friends to read it.

Manal Shurafa Al-Qasem (Holland, PA) May 3, 2007
I started reading this book two weeks after I bought it. I was postponing it knowing that it will bring to life the parts of me that I kept enclosed for many years. READ MORE>>

Osama Al-Qasem (Holland, PA) April 16, 2007
I cried for Dalia, I cried for Amal, I cried for Yousef, I cried for Huda, I cried for Sara and mostly I cried for Palestine. because I am sure this tragedy is not exclusive to this family. even though it is a factious story, I am sure without trying to search too hard, many a family can claim it to be their biography. READ MORE>>

Sanna Nimtz Towns & Joseph Towns, Coalition for Palestinian Rights (Minnesota) April 8, 2007

Susan Abulhawa’s first novel, The Scar of David, is an intricately woven tapestry of historical fiction chronicling the Palestinian Abulheja family over four generations. The novel begins in Ein Hod, the village where patriarch Yehya Abulheja, a peasant olive farmer, and his family, wife Basima and sons Hasan and Darweesh, live. This land of olive trees has been nurtured by Yehya’s relatives and ancestors for over forty generations. We witness the simple and charming life of these peasants when son Hasan, on errands for his father to the Old City in Jerusalem, meets with his best friend Ari Perlstein; both boys share their lives, families and dreams with each other. READ MORE>>

Linda Hanna (Philadelphia, PA) - March 6, 2007
Many thanks for Scar of David. I read it last week….almost all in one sitting….as I was flying back from Miami to Oakland (celebrated mom’s 60th with her). I really liked the book. Really liked it. Even though Fadwa had read it and was singing its praises, I think it would have been a looooooong time before I would have gotten around to reading it if I didn’t have the copy you gave me. It was an emotional, touching read, and I appreciated that, especially at that particular moment. Have been wanting to tell you.

Jean H Sharp - March 5, 2007
A few weeks ago, before we went out to CA, I finished your book. I have to say that I am rendered speechless with how good it is. It is so powerful, beautifully written, educational, enticing to read (I couldn’t put it down), and heartbreaking. I can’t believe you have written this wonderful book. How hard you must have worked…I can’t even imagine! Everyone should read it not only because it is excellent but also because how skewed our view of these countries is. Congrats to you…you should feel so proud.

A wonderful, moving book. Please read it., February 26, 2007 (Amazon.com)
By ArabAmericanChristian (Chicago, USA)

I met Susan, the author, quite by chance this weekend at a bookstore where she was signing the book. I bought a signed copy from her, took it home and read almost all of it in one sitting. Susan has done something very difficult and admirable, READ MORE>>

An unforgettable story, February 14, 2007 (Amazon.com)
By Pearl Crescent (Delmarva, USA)

I keep a journal and record in it much of what I read, because at 66 much of what I read is eminently forgettable, both by virtue of its lack of importance and due to my failing memory. But I will never forget this book. READ MORE>>

John - February 13, 2007 — Your book was a wonderful and eye opening revelation from a perspective that more Americans should examine. Good job.

must read, January 30, 2007 (Amazon.com)
By john hansen “prana” (los angeles)

susan has woven together the human thread i have never been able to express when sharing my amazed and appalled passions about palestine. the pages of my honored volume are strewn with tears of compassion, heartbreak, primal rage and primal love…but, more importantly, an entrenched awareness of strengthened hope in that, as dr. said desired, a narrative has emerged that will bring a new voice to the ancient, twisted ironies of this deformed oppression. may that voice light in the ear of receptive hearts…for the way to protect the hearts of those yet to be born is to break the glass cover over those who live now in shallow sleep.

Mesmerizing, January 16, 2007 (Amazon.com)
By Truth teller “Knower of things” (Columbus, OH)

soul-searing prose penned with startling even-handedness. Ms. Abulhawa is certainly a patriot of the Palestinian perspective, but her ability to rise above the fray and encompass all viewpoints is remarkable. Now a presence in the literary landscape, this is a voice that belongs at the bargaining table.

Moving, tragic, and a must read, January 15, 2007 (Amazon.com)
By Brian Wood (Washington DC)

Ms. Abulhawa has composed a marvelous story that weaves history with fiction, personal experience with imagination into a dynamic novel that offers points of contact for readers of many backgrounds. Her narration thick with motherly affection and human virtue invites the reader to read slowly and truly experience the story she is trying to tell. READ MORE>>
Compelling and beautifully written, January 9, 2007 (Amazon.com)
By M. Lodge

This narrative may be fiction, but it tells the common experience of Palestinians living in the Occupied Territories and in the diaspora. Abulhawa touches on critical historical events, 1948, 1967, Sabra & Shatila, as well as life under military occupation and the ensuing uprisings. She places these events in the context of human lives and mundane daily events of cooking meals, going to school, making love, and raising children. Her characters have both complexity and humanity, drawing in the reader to care about their circumstance and future. READ MORE>>
Deeply Moving Novel, January 3, 2007 (Amazon.com)
By Sonia M. Rosen “Sonia Rosen” (Philadelphia, PA), January 3, 2007 (Amazon.com)By Sonia M. Rosen “Sonia Rosen” (Philadelphia, PA)Everyone should read Susan Abulhawa’s The Scar of David. This story of a Palestinian family’s journey through four generations of Israeli occupation offers beautiful, balanced, and intensely humanistic insight into the experience of both Palestinians and Israelis. READ MORE>>
The Resilience of the human spirit crawling from the rubble of the occupation claiming back their humanity, December 14, 2006 (Amazon.com)
By nadum (philadelphia)

, January 3, 2007 (Amazon.com)By Sonia M. Rosen “Sonia Rosen” (Philadelphia, PA)Everyone should read Susan Abulhawa’s The Scar of David. This story of a Palestinian family’s journey through four generations of Israeli occupation offers beautiful, balanced, and intensely humanistic insight into the experience of both Palestinians and Israelis. , December 14, 2006 (Amazon.com)By nadum (philadelphia)The book traces the life of a Palestinian family from the late 1940 to now and examines the impact of the occupation on their lives, and their connection to the land. It starts with their lives in Ein Hud before the occupation in 1948, then moves to Jenin (refugee camp) before and after 1967. It touches on a sleuth of human quarks ranging from that strongest of bonds, the bond between mother and daughter over three generations, to the concept of displaced identity of a boy Ismail snatched from his mom’s arms as a baby by an Israeli soldier to be raised as Jewish boy (David) to find later that he is an Palestinian Arab. READ MORE>>