This book was not for me. I found it to be redundant in it's story and seemed more focused on the sexual aspect than anything else and left me wondering what the actual plot was.
The book takes place in1940s Palestine where we meet Rasheed and Rasheeda, very close twins that have grown up with the best education and have been raised where they are treated with equality, something uncommon for females in Palestine.
The book delves into the sexual aspect in the first chapters when Rasheed happens upon his French teacher, father Fredrico, pleasuring a woman, something that would be forbidden by a priest. Later Fredrico happens upon Rasheed failing in his attempt to satisfy a lover. At this point Fredrico offers to teach him how to be a worthy lover and tells him to observe him during an encounter with his lover. Rasheed does so and brings his sister along for the education so they may watch and discuss after.
This teaching is brought up repeatedly throughout the book with all Rasheed's sexual encounters and then again with Rasheeds son. It felt so repetitive and unnecessary and overshadowed all other aspects of the book.
I was so disappointed in this story as I was expecting more about the culture and struggles especially when they bring up how both twins were treated equally despite one being female. Something you don't hear about much in Palestine. This book fell very short with me and I would not choose another book by this author.
The book takes place in1940s Palestine where we meet Rasheed and Rasheeda, very close twins that have grown up with the best education and have been raised where they are treated with equality, something uncommon for females in Palestine.
The book delves into the sexual aspect in the first chapters when Rasheed happens upon his French teacher, father Fredrico, pleasuring a woman, something that would be forbidden by a priest. Later Fredrico happens upon Rasheed failing in his attempt to satisfy a lover. At this point Fredrico offers to teach him how to be a worthy lover and tells him to observe him during an encounter with his lover. Rasheed does so and brings his sister along for the education so they may watch and discuss after.
This teaching is brought up repeatedly throughout the book with all Rasheed's sexual encounters and then again with Rasheeds son. It felt so repetitive and unnecessary and overshadowed all other aspects of the book.
I was so disappointed in this story as I was expecting more about the culture and struggles especially when they bring up how both twins were treated equally despite one being female. Something you don't hear about much in Palestine. This book fell very short with me and I would not choose another book by this author.