Breakfast in Palestine

by Dixiane Hallaj

Young and impulsive, Dixiane dove heart-first into a cross cultural marriage four months after meeting the man who was to become her life’s companion, Muhammad Hallaj. In the fairy tale version, they would have ridden off into the sunset and lived happily ever after. However, life seldom adheres to the fairy tale script.They had always planned to live in the Middle East, but their first reservations were cancelled by the June War of 1967. They rearranged their lives to be able to provide financial support for Muhammad’s family should the need arise. In 1970 they tried again. Escalating unrest in Jordan did not derail their plans a second time. They mailed their extensive collection of books, packed personal belongings and set off with their two sons—walking right into a civil war called Black September.Breakfast in Palestine recounts Dixiane’s introduction to her new Palestinian family, and how she coped with a new language, new culture, new social demands, and her love affair with the new and often unfamiliar foods—all while living through a war complete with tanks and heavy artillery.

176 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 28, 2021

About the author

Dixie spent eleven years in the Middle East, six of them in Occupied Palestine, as part of her husband's extended family, listening as they shared much of the refugee experience with her. Recently she visited refugee camps on the West Bank, including Kalandia, where she listened to the stories of many of the women. These experiences inspired her first two novels.

The amazing life of her grandmother, Lola, inspired her third novel released in August, 2012.

Reviews

[Lenora Good · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love a good memoir, I love history, and I love good food and recipes, and this delightful book gives me all.

Ms. Hallaj lived with her husband and (at the time) two children in Palestine. This book gives us a beautiful look into her sudden extended family from a vastly different culture. She was welcomed with open arms, and accepted into the family, where she learned a new language, a new culture, and a vastly different kitchen.

Neon pink pickled turnips for breakfast? But of course! Hummus? Naturally, this is the Middle East, after all. Not only does Ms. Hallaj give us stories about the foods, and recipes adapted to American kitchens, she gives us history with flavor.

She also provides links at the end of each chapter for more information on the recipes and histories.

If you are an armchair traveler pining for a place and time to visit, if you are a moderately adventurous cook, if you just want to feel good about your fellow human beings, read this book. Totally delightful

[Terry Korth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Breakfast in Palestine is more than a memoir. Although a touching story of a young couple, it also introduces foods, customs, and the mindset of those living through everyday life during a war. Dixiane meets her husband's Palestinian family, who welcomes her with open arms. The war both helps and hinders her understanding of their traditions. Determined to make the best of an awkward situation, too many people—too little space, she discovers food is universal. Part memoir, part cookbook, part history lesson, Breakfast in Palestine is a delightful read, which led me to both discovery and awe. Another great book by Dixiane Hallaj.

[Catherine Pomeroy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Breakfast in Palestine ties food, culture and politics to the personal in the author's memoir of moving to Jordan in the 1960s with her husband and young children. There is a sense of adventure and bravery in imagining moving to a land where you don't speak the language, have not yet met your in-laws and are unfamiliar with customs and food, only to be compounded by finding oneself in the middle of civil war. Interspersed, we learn about Palestinian foods, complete with photos and recipes. A compelling account a transformative time in this young family's life which entertains and teaches.
Highly recommend!!

[Rosann Ferris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dixiane’s warmth and brutal honesty are touching. Life for a Western wife in a Middle Eastern family is anything but easy. The author’s dual themed story blends her early experiences in Palestinian areas of civil-war-torn Jordan and her connection to traditional foods and how to prepare them. The story is entertaining but understates the degree of difficulty to assimilate. Her strength of character and enduring love for her husband and sons gave her the courage to adapt and prosper. Congratulations to the author on a life well lived. Breakfast in Palestine also brings to light the tragic plight of the Palestinian people. I highly recommend this book!