Eleven Lives: Stories from Palestinian Exiles

This anthology of Palestinian refugee stories, written by the refugees themselves, explores the experiences of exile, displacement, and daily life in camps. The 11 lives given voice here represent the myriad displacements caused by war and occupation since 1948, forming a collective testament of a people driven from their homes. The stories highlight the inadmissible existence of the Palestinian people and their resilience in the face of adversity.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 300 pages
Publication date: 08 December 2022
Publisher: OR Books

This remarkable anthology, penned entirely by Palestinian refugees who have been compelled to reside outside their homeland, offers a profound exploration of the experiences of exile, reflections on the events that have led to displacement, and the unrelenting realities of daily life in a camp. Comprising 11 unique narratives, each one serves as a poignant testament to the myriad displacements that the war and occupation have inflicted upon the Palestinian people since the Nakba of 1948. At the same time, these stories collectively form a collective testament to a people driven from their homes and land by the oppressive forces of colonial occupation.

As Edward Said astutely observed in 1984, the objective of Israel's colonial warfare extends beyond material pursuits, aiming to minimize the existence of the Palestinian people as a whole. Moreover, it is a narrative project driven by the explicit intention to erase Palestinian history, rendering it devoid of any coherent narrative direction that points towards self-determination. Within these pages, Palestinian refugees take center stage, sharing their own histories through the lens of creative writing. The result is 11 Lives, a captivating collection of stories that unfolds like a tapestry of experiences. From children's adventures in the narrow alleys of refugee camps to teenage martyrs and ghosts residing just next door, the narratives encompass a wide range of emotions and perspectives.

What unites these 11 stories is a steadfast acknowledgment of the inadmissible existence of the Palestinian people, a truth highlighted by Edward Said. Their words resonate persistently, spanning from the Nakba to the Naksa, traversing through defeats, massacres, love affairs, and revolutions. The stories of Palestinians in exile remain open-ended, their echoes reverberating across borders until the day of Palestine's liberation.

Contributions to this anthology come from notable figures such as Nadia Fahed and Intisar, adding depth and richness to the narratives. Their insights and experiences provide valuable perspectives, shedding light on the complexities and challenges faced by those who have been forced to leave their homes and endure the hardships of exile.

In conclusion, 11 Lives is a powerful testament to the resilience and determination of the Palestinian people. Through the voices of those who have endured displacement and hardship, this anthology offers a glimpse into the lives of a community that continues to persevere in the face of adversity. It serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for self-determination and the universal right to return to one's homeland. As readers immerse themselves in these stories, they are invited to join the chorus of voices calling for justice, peace, and the recognition of the Palestinian people's rightful place in the world.

Weight: 266g
Dimension: 127 x 203 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781682193471