The Woman I Left Behind

There is an inexplicable fascination around relationships and the dynamics between people. There is something bizarrely enjoyable about watching or learning about other people's lives - perhaps as a means of escape from our own or better yet a subconscious desire to compare and contrast or even live our lives vicariously through others. This is why we are so drawn to reality shows in today's day and age. This book doesn't quite satisfy the latter part of my hypothesis but I did pick it up because I was immensely intrigued to read about the dynamic between the all-American Irene and the pure-bred Palestinian Khalid. I was very pleasantly surprised to learn that the "differences" referred to by the author were not of the generic and expected nature referring to the current political state of affairs between the superpower and the defenseless rapidly dying country but rather a story about a boy and a girl who fall in love and happen to endure their own set of ups and downs. Not to say there is no reference to the political state - as there absolutely is - but it is cleverly and nonchalantly folded into the story as no more than a backdrop as opposed to taking center stage. This book is so engrossing, so rich and so dramatic in description, symbolism and in the simple construction of words. It is like prose on a treadmill. The author tackles a lot of significant and very deep issues in her story thereby setting the stage for a mesmerizing and culturally enlightening ride. As a Palestinian, I can attest to the accuracy with which she captured the political and social mood, the exile, the emotions and the passion and fire with which Khalid lives his life. The events in this story are so intense that you will experience love in its purest form and anger in its most raw and ugly state. This book has the power to rock your emotions in a state of frenzy - like a rollercoaster - your emotions will soar and then plummet in a matter of minutes.....It is a book of rare proportions - not to be missed.

This book was definetly one of the best books I've ever read, and I strongly recommend it. It was so true when Khalid said of Irene, but it applies to every American, she has an inborn, cultural arrogance that makes her blindto other ways of acting,perceiving, thinking about the world.This explains the bumper stickers, Proud to be an American and flags everywhere. Americans don't see the pain they are causing because they are all blind with arrogance. I learned, and laughed and cried from this book! It was hard to put down and I hated to finish reading it, I wanted it to go on but I would like to see Israel end it's occupation of Palestine!

This first novel by Kim Jensen opens up a world that we might not even think or know about. It offers the explanation of cultural differences and the struggles that come with them. "The Women I left behind" is one of those timely love stories in the mist of conflict, or not. It moves the conscience while stirring the soul. This is a must read to find passion and romance, to debate world issues, and to truely relax with a hot cup of coffee. You may need a pot. It's a page turner.

I just read this book in one day and couldn't put it down. It was everything a good novel should be--a great story, a powerful, poetic writing style, and a strong social message. This is a must read! If you want to laugh, cry, and learn more about Palestine and Palestinians--get a copy of The Woman I Left Behind.

I just read this brand-new novel by Kim Jensen, and I LOVED it. This is not an awkward novel at all, but offers a brilliant, poetic, experimental approach to writing. This book captures the essence of a love relationship in a multicultural world. It made me laugh and cry. Read it!!