Chapter 1 - 3

[Melanie]

First impressions

[Melanie]

I just read the first three chapters, so far so good. I like that List and Hilmi hang out with each other. It's what expats do, but also like that they are a bit awkward with each other.

[Milena]

I love how Liat observes everything so intensely- gorgeous description from the outset- the opening paragraph to chapter 3 was just beautiful. Being a creative, the paragraph and conversation on all the different blues was magical for me. I was in that paint isle.

[Melanie]

Yes i loved all the blues. And then wandering around New York.

[Deirdre]

The writing in this book is beautiful and descriptive. I love that it takes place in New York as I can picture everything so clearly.
I love when a book grabs me from the start. The first chapter was jarring and unexpected. It really shows the fear, suspicion and racism that exists especially since 9/11. This chapter shows the other side. I felt so bad for Liat from the start. I thought the author did a fantastic job portraying this part of New York society and also the juxtaposition of the normalcy with the cleaning and rocking out to Nirvana. I wanted to reach out and hug her.
The meeting between Liat and Hilmi was so sweet and innocent I thought. It seemed so real of when people meet and are at first shy and unsure of themselves. I can't wait to read more of them.
I just love at the end of chapter 3 when Hilmi expresses this idealistic sweet dream of them swimming together in the sea.

[Keriann]

Read the first three chapters and really enjoying this book, I feel like I have learned lots from this book already, it's makes me sad how our main character was treated just because she looked middle eastern and sadly enough this is a true view of what happens in society 😫

[Candace]

Finally received the book today! Interesting how Liat has an artists perspective when she first meets Himli. She notices his imperfections but describes them as they are perfection.

[Catherine]

I'm late to the party. I'm liking Liats character already. I didnt like how the FBI treated her, I was annoyed with them lol. At first meeting I was a little suspicious of Hilmi wondering whether he was involved in something dodgy!
You quickly get the sense when List and Hilmi are talking about childhood memories, how as children they are aware of the rift between Israel and Palestine and how this affects there every day lives.

[Melanie]

Ilka wrote: "Damn it, I just had a really long post written, hit a wrong key by mistake and it's all gone... I hope I can remember everything.
I agree with Deirdre that the first chapter was really jarring. Whe..."

i agree about the ignorance of Liat is partially to make the reader acquainted. At the same time, a lot of Israelis I know are a bit "ignorant" as they don't like to look at things to closely, because once you do, you have to admit it's wrong.

[Melanie]

Jayne Catherine pinkett wrote: "I'm late to the party. I'm liking Liats character already. I didnt like how the FBI treated her, I was annoyed with them lol. At first meeting I was a little suspicious of Hilmi wondering whether h..."

Welcome to the party, there is still some cake left :)