Picture a Palestinian-American storyteller who turned the pain and resilience of her people into unforgettable novels—meet Susan Abulhawa! Born to refugees of the 1967 Six-Day War, she’s a novelist, poet, and activist whose works, like the international bestseller Mornings in Jenin, weave history, heart, and hope. Her stories have captivated millions, making her the most widely read Palestinian author ever.
With a scientist’s precision and a poet’s soul, Abulhawa crafts tales that shine a light on Palestinian experiences, blending personal narratives with the weight of history. Beyond her books, she’s a fierce advocate for human rights, founding Playgrounds for Palestine to bring joy to children in refugee camps. Ready to dive into her world?
The Making of Susan Abulhawa
Born on June 3, 1970, in Kuwait to Palestinian parents displaced from Jerusalem’s At-Tur neighborhood, Susan Abulhawa’s early life was shaped by exile. Her father was expelled at gunpoint, and her mother, studying in Germany, couldn’t return, reuniting with her family in Jordan before settling in Kuwait. Abulhawa moved to the United States as a teenager, studying biology at Pfeiffer University and earning a master’s in neuroscience at the University of South Carolina. She built a career in medical research, but her heart was elsewhere—writing and activism became her true calling.
Her first language was Arabic, and her love for storytelling began with essays and political commentaries in outlets like the New York Daily News and Chicago Tribune. Inspired by her heritage and the Palestinian struggle, she transitioned to fiction, pouring her experiences into novels that resonate globally.
Susan Abulhawa’s Unforgettable Stories
Abulhawa’s debut novel, The Scar of David (2006), later republished as Mornings in Jenin (2010), is a multigenerational epic tracing a Palestinian family through six decades of Israeli occupation. Translated into 32 languages and selling over a million copies, it’s a heart-wrenching classic in Palestinian literature, praised for its lyrical prose and historical depth. Critics call it “piercing, lyrical, and unfailingly moving.”
Her second novel, The Blue Between Sky and Water (2015), explores the lives of Palestinian women across generations, blending magical realism with stark realities of displacement. Translated into 19 languages, it’s lauded for its “luminous prose” and vivid characters. Against the Loveless World (2020), a finalist for the Aspen Words Literary Prize, follows Nahr, a defiant Palestinian woman navigating exile and resistance. Critics, including Pulitzer winner Viet Thanh Nguyen, call it a “thrilling” masterpiece. Abulhawa also penned a poetry collection, My Voice Sought the Wind (2013), showcasing her versatility.
Her style is a tapestry of rich detail, emotional truth, and political courage, rooted in Palestinian identity. She tackles themes of dispossession, resilience, and love, making the personal universal while never shying away from hard truths.
Why Susan Abulhawa Matters
Susan Abulhawa’s impact transcends literature. Her novels give voice to Palestinian stories, countering mainstream narratives with authenticity and grace. As Edward Said advocated, she reclaims self-representation, crafting narratives that educate and humanize. Her work has inspired readers worldwide, fostering solidarity and understanding, while her activism—through Playgrounds for Palestine and the Palestine Writes Literature Festival—uplifts communities and amplifies marginalized voices.
Her courage to speak truth to power, from boycotting unbalanced media discussions to supporting the BDS movement, cements her as a cultural force. Abulhawa’s legacy is one of resilience, showing how stories can heal, resist, and inspire.
About Susan Abulhawa
- Born: June 3, 1970, in Kuwait
- Key Works: Mornings in Jenin, The Blue Between Sky and Water, Against the Loveless World, My Voice Sought the Wind
- Awards: 2021 Palestine Book Award, 2021 Arab American Book Award (Against the Loveless World)
- Fun Fact: She founded Playgrounds for Palestine in 2001 to build playgrounds for kids in refugee camps.
Snag Mornings in Jenin and dive into Susan Abulhawa’s soul-stirring world of Palestinian resilience and hope!