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This year was a remarkable year for book publishing, especially with works focusing on Palestine that shed light on Israel's genocide, as well as books addressing pressing societal issues in the UK, such as Islamophobia.

From��Abdelaziz Baraka Sakin to Mosab Abu Toha, ������ presents a breakdown of the top 10 best books of 2024 featured in the Book Club series:

Sand-Catcher

by Omar Khalifah

Sand-Catcher is a sharp, fast-paced novel that follows four Palestinian journalists on a quest to uncover the elusive Nakba story of an elderly man. As they delve into the mystery of what happened to him in 1948, during the mass displacement of Palestinians, they face the challenge of drawing out a painful, hidden history.

The journalists, identified only by descriptive monikers such as al-Qaid, Kha’in, Kha’ina, and Mutarjima, struggle to gain the old man’s trust and persuade him to share his story.

Along the way, the novel raises important questions about whose Nakba story it is and examines the impact of trauma when it is repeated, repackaged, and sold.

If I Must Die: Poetry and Prose

by Refaat Alareer

If I Must Die is a posthumous collection of Palestinian poet Refaat Alareer’s poetry, blogs, and essays, celebrating his legacy and the Palestinian resistance.

The book reflects his belief in storytelling as an act of defiance against occupation, documenting the hardships of life in Gaza, including personal reflections on the loss of his brother and the impact of Israeli policies on Gazans.

Written before his death in December 2023, Refaat emphasises the importance of writing to challenge oppressive narratives and preserve Palestinian identity.

Muslims Don’t Matter

by Sayeeda Warsi

In Muslims Don’t Matter, Sayeeda Warsi highlights the mistreatment of Muslims in Britain, drawing on her personal experiences to expose discrimination within the Conservative Party, including instances of Islamophobia and microaggressions she faced.

The book not only critiques the hypocrisy of the party but also focuses on the concept of "good Muslims" versus "bad Muslims," suggesting that Muslims are only valued if they achieve something exceptional, such as winning medals or appearing on TV.��

Forest of Noise

by Mosab Abu Toha

Forest of Noise by Palestinian poet Mosab Abu Toha is a collection of poetry that captures the pain, loss, and struggle of living in Gaza under Israeli assault.

The poet reflects on his deep connection to Gaza, where he lived most of his life, and explores themes of war, genocide, and survival.

Through his poems, he grapples with the difficulty of expressing the horrors of life in Gaza while conveying the emotional cost of writing about his experiences.

No One Knows Their Blood Type

by Maya Abu al-Hayyat

In No One Knows Their Blood Type by Maya Abu al-Hayyat, translated by Hazem Jamjoum, Jumana discovers that her Palestinian father might not be her biological father, a revelation that forces her to question both her identity and what it means to be Palestinian.

Set in locations such as Amman, Tunis, and Palestine, the novel explores themes of family, belonging, and identity, while also highlighting the struggles of Palestinians in exile.

Samahani

by��Abdelaziz Baraka Sakin

Samahani by Abdelaziz Baraka Sakin explores race, class, freedom, history, and sexuality in 19th-century Zanzibar under Omani Arab rule, using satire to depict the brutality of slavery.

The novel follows characters like Mutei, a castrated servant, and Princess Sayyida Salme, highlighting the exploitation of Africans by Omani Arabs, who misused Islam and sought wealth and power.

Through the character of Uhuru, a symbol of freedom, the book critiques colonialism and advocates for a return to pre-colonial African ways, calling for a re-imagining of a world free from oppression.

The Land in Our Bones

by Layla K. Feghali

The Land in Our Bones by Layla K. Feghali explores traditional herbalism and healing practices of the Levant, blending personal stories, regional folklore, and knowledge shared by village elders and indigenous healers.

The book reflects on the wounds of colonisation, diaspora, and finding belonging in “in-between” spaces while exploring ancestral plant knowledge, matriarchal medicines, and mystical traditions as tools to reconnect with the land, community, and ancestral practices for resistance and healing.

Daughters of the Nile

by Zahra Barri

Daughters of the Nile by Zahra Barri follows three generations of Egyptian women from the Bin-Khalid family, exploring themes of love, activism, identity, and queerness.

Set in Cairo, Bristol, and London, the novel chronicles the lives of Islamic feminist Fatiha, her radical daughter Yasminah, and her niece Nadia, who uncovers family secrets about her aunt's queer identity.

At its core, the book delves into the intersection of Islam, feminism, and queerness, challenging stereotypes and portraying the struggles and triumphs of these women in their personal and political lives.

Bethlehem: A Celebration of Palestinian Food

by Fadi Kattan

Bethlehem by chef Fadi Kattan blends 60 seasonal recipes with stories of Palestinian culture, heritage, and resilience.

Through food, Fadi reflects on his homeland's evolution under occupation, sharing memories of family, tradition, and the land's abundant produce.

Overall, the book celebrates Palestinian cuisine while honouring the people and places that shape it, offering a personal journey through Bethlehem and beyond.

The Lion Women of Tehran

by Marjan Kamali

The Lion Women of Tehran by Marjan Kamali follows the friendship between Homa, an activist for women's rights, and Ellie, from a royal family, set against Iran's political upheaval.

The book explores their contrasting ideologies, the personal sacrifices they make, and themes of feminism, social class, and political activism while celebrating Iran’s culture and the strength of women fighting for change.

Zainab Mehdi is ������'s Associate Editor and researcher specialising in governance, development, and conflict in the Middle East and North Africa region

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