Rifqa

Rifqa Book Description

Each day after school, Mohammed El‑Kurd returned home to find his grandmother waiting with a fresh bouquet of jasmine. Her name was Rifqa, a living symbol of Palestinian resilience who seemed older than the land itself. In this powerful debut, El‑Kurd blends razor‑sharp wit with clear moral vision to expose the cruelty of Israeli settler colonialism. The poems trace Rifqa’s exile from Haifa to the family’s current dispossession in Sheikh Jarrah, Jerusalem, and they reveal the relentless horror of the Nakba. Through vivid language, El‑Kurd shows that the Palestinian struggle is a revolution that will not end until victory is achieved.

Readers will feel the weight of history in every stanza, yet the book remains accessible and emotionally gripping. Meanwhile, El‑Kurd’s personal memories create a bridge between past trauma and present resistance. The collection invites you to explore a story that is both intimate and universal, making it a must‑read for anyone interested in human rights, poetry, or Middle‑East history.

Key Features of Rifqa

Fans of lyrical narratives will appreciate the book’s concise 100‑page format, which offers a dense yet readable experience. Additionally, the work is written in clear English, allowing a broad audience to engage with the material without linguistic barriers. The poems are organized chronologically, guiding readers from Rifqa’s childhood in Haifa to the present‑day struggle in Jerusalem. Moreover, each piece is rich with sensory detail, from the scent of jasmine to the sounds of crowded streets, helping the reader visualize the scenes.

Furthermore, the collection includes a powerful foreword that contextualizes the Nakba for readers unfamiliar with the events. This added background makes the book educational as well as poetic. The ISBN numbers (ISBN‑10: 1642595861, ISBN‑13: 9781642595864) ensure easy cataloging, and the paperback’s lightweight design (25 grams) makes it simple to carry wherever you go.

Why Read This Book?

Because Rifqa combines personal memoir with historical testimony, it offers a unique perspective on a contested region. The author’s moral clarity invites readers to reflect on justice and resilience. Moreover, the narrative encourages empathy, helping people understand the human cost behind political headlines. Readers can also discover how poetry serves as a tool for resistance, turning grief into a call for change.

In addition, the book’s themes of exile, memory, and hope resonate across cultures. Therefore, it appeals not only to scholars of Middle‑Eastern studies but also to anyone who values stories of perseverance. The vivid portrayal of Rifqa’s life encourages discussion in book clubs, classrooms, and activist groups, making it a catalyst for meaningful conversation.

About This Book

Rifqa is a debut poetry collection that captures a family’s journey from Haifa to Sheikh Jarrah, illustrating the ongoing impact of the Nakba. The paperback’s 100 pages provide a concise yet powerful reading experience, and its new condition ensures pristine quality. Language: English. Shipping weight: 25 grams. For more details, visit the Goodreads page. You can also explore other English titles at our store through this link.