'Timely and captivating, Ishmael's Oranges is beautifully crafted.'
* Elif Shafak, author of
Three Daughters of Eve *
'Richly, hauntingly written... immeasurably beautiful.'
*
Independent *
'Compelling.'
* Association of Jewish Libraries *
'Beautiful... Wonderfully written... a great read.'
* Hello! blog *
'In her first novel, Hajaj, who herself shares both Palestinian and Jewish heritage, shines a revealing spotlight on the consequences of deeply embedded prejudices.'
*
Booklist *
'If anyone can make a compelling, thought-provoking and honest story out of these disparate viewpoints, it's Hajaj.'
*
The National *
'Ishmael's Oranges is, one that conjures up the sights, smells and sounds of the Middle East as you turn the pages... much more than a standard retelling of the difficulties that beset two communities... an accomplished piece of storytelling... movingly told... If you are looking for a gripping, challenging summer read, then Ishmael's Oranges should be on your list.'
*
Jewish Chronicle *
'Claire Hajaj isn't afraid to ask difficult questions about how far people will go for love, for family, for faith or for country... At its heart, Ishmael's Oranges tells the everyday story of the Israel-Palestine conflict. It's not concerned with wider global implications or peace negotiations, but with presenting a new take on a familiar story: the way division affects real people and real families.'
*
Curious Animal *
'A beautifully rendered work that makes the tragedy of the Middle East real; highly recommended.'
*
Library Journal *
'[Hajaj] makes great efforts to be fair to the two sides of an apparently insoluble conflict, acknowledging the faults and anguish of each.'
*
World Literature Today *
