The Woman from Tantoura

The tragedy of Palestine has assumed massive proportions since the birth of Israel and the Nakba of the Palestinians in 1948. The original inhabitants of the land of Palestine were driven out, sent into exile, or forced to exist as occupied subjects in their very own land. There are scores of academic books and studies about the tragedy of Palestine. Despite the resentment of the Palestinians and the solidarity of most countries to their plight, including the United Nations, the illegal state of Israel continues its policies of aggression against the helpless occupied Palestinians. Egyptian writer Radwa Ashour in her Arabic novel titled The Woman from Tantoura: A Novel of Palestine translated brilliantly by Kay Heikkinen describes very well the plight and tragedy of Palestinian families, particularly its women. Women’s biggest sacrifice lies in the fact that they have to move to the homes of their husbands and in-laws after marriage.