HAWKE

*Mornings in Jenin* by Susan Abulhawa is a poignant and powerful novel that spans several decades, telling the story of a Palestinian family whose lives are profoundly affected by the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The novel centers around the Abulheja family, whose home in the West Bank town of Jenin is destroyed during the 1948 Arab-Israeli war. The narrative follows the lives of several generations, particularly focusing on the struggles and resilience of the protagonist, Amal, as she grows up in a refugee camp, grapples with the loss of her family members, and contends with the trauma of displacement. Through vivid storytelling, *Mornings in Jenin* paints a deeply human portrait of the Palestinian experience—capturing the pain of exile, the loss of homeland, and the hope for a better future despite the violence and suffering. The novel is an emotional exploration of love, survival, and the impact of political conflict on personal lives, offering readers a deeply empathetic view into the complexities of the Middle East and the ongoing struggle for peace and justice.

*Pakistan on the Brink: The Future of Pakistan, Afghanistan, and the United States* by Ahmed Rashid is a comprehensive and insightful analysis of the political, social, and economic challenges facing Pakistan in the 21st century. Written by a seasoned journalist and expert on South Asian affairs, the book explores the fragile state of Pakistan, especially in the context of its relationship with Afghanistan, the United States, and the broader region. Rashid addresses critical issues such as extremism, political instability, military dominance, and the struggle for democratic governance. He also delves into the complex dynamics between Pakistan and its neighbors, particularly the war on terror and the ongoing conflict in Afghanistan. Offering a mix of historical perspective and contemporary analysis, *Pakistan on the Brink* provides a detailed understanding of the internal and external pressures that threaten the stability of Pakistan and the region. It is both a warning and a call for action, urging global and local stakeholders to address these issues before they escalate further.

*The Palace of Illusions* by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni is a captivating reimagining of the *Mahabharata* from the perspective of Panchaali (Draupadi), the fiery and complex heroine at the heart of this ancient epic. The novel chronicles her life journey, from her childhood in the kingdom of Panchala to her marriage to the five Pandava brothers and her role in the great Kurukshetra war. Divakaruni paints Draupadi not only as a queen and a warrior but as a woman with her own desires, fears, and ambitions, struggling to find her place in a world dominated by power, politics, and fate. Through her voice, the novel explores themes of love, betrayal, destiny, and the search for self-empowerment, offering a fresh and intimate perspective on a well-known mythological tale. With its lyrical prose and vivid imagery, *The Palace of Illusions* is a beautifully told story of strength, resilience, and the complexities of being a woman in a patriarchal world.

*Yellowface* by R.F. Kuang is a provocative and timely novel that explores themes of racism, cultural appropriation, and identity in the publishing world. The story centers on June Hayward, a struggling white writer who steals the manuscript of a deceased Chinese-American author, Athena Liu, and publishes it under her own name. As June rises to fame with the stolen work, she grapples with the ethical and moral consequences of her actions, all while navigating the competitive and exploitative nature of the literary industry. The novel sheds light on issues of representation, privilege, and the complex dynamics of race in both the arts and society. With its biting satire and exploration of identity politics, *Yellowface* challenges readers to confront uncomfortable truths about appropriation and the erasure of marginalized voices in mainstream culture.