We Could Have Been Friends, My Father and I: A Palestinian Memoir

In his memoir, Raja Shehadeh explores the complexities of his relationship with his father, Aziz Shehadeh, a lawyer, activist, and political detainee who was a vocal opponent of the British mandatory period, Jordan, and Israel. When Aziz is murdered in 1985, it changes Raja irrevocably.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 160 pages
Publication date: 03 August 2023
Publisher: Profile Books Ltd

A Finalist for the US National Book Award 2023 for Nonfiction




Profoundly personal as well as historically significant, The Return: Fathers, Sons, and the Land in Between by Raja Shehadeh is a captivating memoir that delves into the intricate relationship between a father and his son. Shehadeh, a lawyer, activist, and political detainee, was also the father of bestselling author and activist Raja. In this new and searingly personal memoir, Raja Shehadeh unpicks the snags and complexities of their relationship.


A vocal and fearless opponent, Aziz resists under the British mandatory period, then under Jordan, and, finally, under Israel. As a young man, Raja fails to recognise his father's courage and, in turn, his father does not appreciate Raja's own efforts in campaigning for Palestinian human rights. When Aziz is murdered in 1985, it changes Raja irrevocably.




This is not only the story of the battle against the various oppressors of the Palestinians, but a moving portrait of a particular father and son relationship. Raja Shehadeh's writing is raw and honest, revealing the deep love and admiration he had for his father, despite their disagreements and challenges. The book also sheds light on the historical context of the Palestinian struggle and the sacrifices made by generations of Palestinians in their fight for independence.




The Return: Fathers, Sons, and the Land in Between is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the complexities of the Middle East conflict and the power of family bonds. Raja Shehadeh's memoir is a testament to the resilience and determination of the Palestinian people and their unwavering commitment to their homeland.




About the Author


Raja Shehadeh is a Palestinian-American author and activist. He has written several books, including The Return: Fathers, Sons, and the Land in Between, which was named a finalist for the US National Book Award for Nonfiction in 2023. Shehadeh's work focuses on the Palestinian struggle for independence and the complexities of the Middle East conflict. He has been a vocal advocate for Palestinian rights and has been arrested and detained multiple times for his activism.

Weight: 134g
Dimension: 128 x 198 x 11 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781788169981
Edition number: Main