Book Review: The Olive Tree

The Olive Tree by Mariam El Houli is a beautiful story about a place torn apart by war. We meet two girls who become friends despite the world telling them they should never speak. Nisma is an Islamic Palestinian living in Israel. Hannah is a Jewish Zionist. Circumstances bring them together and the story unfolds to give us a glimpse into the hatred that separates the people in Israel.

Mariam is not afraid to tackle the concepts of bigotry and segregation. She pulls us in head-first, allowing readers to experience a teen being beaten and kept from school by a parent for talking to someone "not of the faith." We see how government officials have been corrupted and turn a blind eye to the violence. We see the ostracism that occurs when someone breaks the rules. But more importantly, Mariam shows us what we need to do to combat the disease of hatred - find our love and compassion.

If you want to read a book to help you understand systematic prejudice, not just in Israel, but anywhere in the world, this beautiful tale is the book for you.

Buy a copy of The Olive Tree:
Paperback: https://amzn.to/4aFpdc6
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