Strangers in the House

Good book

I had the pleasure to buy the book for my book club. it is one of the best book I read this year. I did not find the book political or boring at all. for me his way of telling the story of the occupation was very human, peaceful and touching. he is a wonderful writer and story teller. I did recommend this book to my friends and I will definitely recommend it to anyone who whish to know more about the Palestinian conflict.

I have bought most of Raja Shehadeh's books and this is one of the best. History lovers would love it. I give them as presents to my friends and family as i think it is very important that they hear the Palestinains point of view which is seldom heard. Please buy and pass on to all your friends.So thay will understand the situation there better. There are facts in the book you never hear on the news are read in the newspapers.

Fantastic book. I would recommend this book to everyone to read. Especially politicans. Find out the truth about how terrible the Palestinians are treated. Palestinians need their own state as they can not get proper hunam rights under an Israeli Government. There is a vote on Mon 10th Oc 2014t in the houses of Parliment. I urge you to write to your M.P and urge them to vote for Palestinians get their own state. After reading Raja' book you will definitily.

This is an excellent, well written, unique and intelligent book about father-son relationships in the Arab world which also gives insight into life under occupation; it is however, much more than an account of the occupation. Shehadeh has led a more privileged life than most Palestinians though he remains affected by the occupation in many ways; his experiences and empathy has led him to form Al-Haq (a succesful Palestinian human rights organisation.)This account is moving and gives insight into the expectations of family in the Middle East and, in particular of Shehadeh's desire for approval from his father who remains critical of him into adulthood despite his success.One of his other books, Palestinian Walks is beautiful though this is a more readable (and difficult to put down) account of his complex relationship with his father and his search for justice after his father's assassination.A must read!

Am finding this a fascinating and informative read.Gives real feel for frustration of Palestinians under Israeli rule,whilst remaining positive about Israelis themselves as people.

I have to say that this was one of the most unstimulating biographies I have ever read - instead of not being able to put the book down I had to force myself to pick it up and carry on until the bitter end!! The book is essentially about Raja's unremarkable relationship with his father - which he seems to have spent a lifetime contemplating to the extent that he felt compelled to put it all in writing believing we would all find it interesting. However his father was actually a pretty good father (except for committing the mortal sin of not giving Raja enough praise), so his constant negative analysis of his relationship with his father does not make good compelling reading. Of course there is the ongoing dispute between Palestine and Israel which was part of Raja's life as he grew to adulthood, and then his father's murder with Raja attempting to determine who was responsible but in his book these events appear to be relatively insignificant compared to Raja's personal relationship with his father.