Olinda's Dream: Palestine & Lebanon Remembered

By Farid Hourani

Book Overview

One part of the book covers the highlight history of the Middle East mainly from 1860 to the present time. The text, typed in italics, appears intermittently in the course of the book. It is well... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0738850284
• ISBN13: 9780738850283
• Release Date: January 2001
• Publisher: Xlibris
• Length: 392 Pages
• Weight: 1.10 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.0" x 5.4" x 8.8"

Customer Reviews

A glimpse into the reality of life in the Middle East

Dr.Hourani brilliantly describes both the history of the Middle East conflict and it's effect on generations of families. The story of his family is so vividly told that one feels that he wishes to know them. I couldn't put the book down. It is a real page-turner.

A Worthy Read

Dr. Hourani does a masterful job of weaving the story of four generations of his fascinating family into the rich tapestry that is the Middle East. His unique separation of historical text from family saga provides both an enjoyable read, and a concise study of the region. Hourani is particularly effective in articulating the struggles of the Palestinian people.A very timely book!

Olinda's Dream

Dr. Farid Hourani chronicles four generations of his family, in a quasi-bioghrapical form, beginning with the year 1860. Interestingly, he interpolates, in italics, the political events and the societal environment of the Middle East as experienced by each generation. Through the recording of historical data (with documented references), the reader gains an insight into the genesis of the Palestinian-Israeli conflicts and the ongoing diplomatic discord. The personal impact on Dr. Hourani's family and others is detailed in such traumatic events as the seizing of properties and the subsequent flight of the Palestinian people in 1948 after the British evacuation and the proclaiming of the State of Irael. Thus, in addition to OLINDA'S DREAM being a poignant story of family survival, the reader will enhance his/her knowledge of the current Middle-East situation through this rendering of relevant history from the Palestinian perspective.

Dream and Awaken! August 29,2001

Review: Dr. Hourani's book is an exceptionally fine contribution toward our better understanding of the on-going conflict in Palestine, focusing particularly on the old and more recent events which fomented this conflict. One can better appreciate the ping-pong alliances and the explosive volatility of the Middle East. But, Dr. Hourani also delves deeply into the delectables of those wonderful, salubrious years in the Levantine region and culture, especially Lebanese. This is enhanced by his novel interweave with generational biographies beginning in 1860,and presented in a glowing fictional style which is seductively autobiogaphical. This thoroughly enjoyable, five-star book is heartily recommended to one and all.

American of Lebanese Heritage Responds

Dr. Farid Hourani's objective history of the Middle East, from the mid 19th Century to the present, recounts events, particularly in Lebanon, Palestine and the creation of Israel. Dr. Hourani's story is interwoven with his family's roots and will resonate with Americans of Lebanese heritage as well as historical scholars. This is a must read!