Description
Book SynopsisJosephine comes to Kuwait from the Philippines to work as a maid. She meets Rashid, and with all the wide-eyed naivety of youth, believes she has found true love. But when she becomes pregnant, and with the rumble of the Gulf War growing louder, Rashid abandons her and sends her home with their baby son, José. Brought up struggling with his dual identity in the Philippines, José clings to the hope of returning to his fathers country when he turns eighteen. Will his Kuwaiti family live up to his expectations? Alsanousi crafts a captivating saga that boldly deals with issues of identity and alienation.
Trade ReviewAmbitious, cultivated and brave Financial Times Saud Alsanousi is an important emerging literary voice Susan Abulhawa, author of Mornings in Jenin Alsanousi is a voice of conscience -- Boyd Tonkin The Independent Engrossing, political and heartfelt -- Bidisha Great wit and lightness of touch. Truly cosmopolitan and deeply humane -- Robin Yassin-Kabab, author of The Road from Damascus The National A bold, heart-felt indictment against racism in Arab society. A narrative with power and resonance, which captivates the reader with its artful simplicity and its endearing protagonist -- Leila Aboulela, prize-winning author of Lyrics Alley
