Author(s): Susan Muaddi Darraj

Fiction

Behind You Is the Sea is a compelling debut that fearlessly challenges stereotypes surrounding Palestinian culture.

With humour and poignancy, Behind You Is the Sea delves into the intimate lives of three primary Palestinian immigrant families in America -the Baladis, the Salamehs, and the Ammars- whose destinies and struggles electrify the community dynamics, occasionally sparking tension and turmoil.

Through shifting perspectives, it intricately weaves a rich social tapestry filled with weddings, funerals, shattered hearts, and closely-guarded secrets. This captivating narrative amplifies the voices of a diverse Palestinian community, capturing the struggles of young activists pushing against tradition and the marginalised labouring for survival. Lives intersect across class, generation, and religion, painting a vivid portrait of resilience and complexity.