Jessica JijiBesprekingen

"Set during the tumultuous years surrounding the Second World War, Sweet Dates
in Basra is the redemptive story of two very different cultures, and a powerful
reminder that no walls can confine the human spirit." --back cover

Not really a book I liked. It's okay but nothing more

Recommended.

There was a lot in this novel - the situation of the Jewish community in Iraq in the 1940s, the struggles endured as a maid coming from a poor background in the Marshes to work in bustling Basra, and the problems of friendships between different cultures and between unmarried men and women.

There are two main charcters, Shafiq, a young Jewish-Iraqi, who starts to feel the effects of anti Jewish sentiment in Iraq as he reaches his teens, and Kathmiya, a beautiful young girl from the Marshes who should be entering into marriage at this age but finds herself shipped off to work as a maid in Basra.
Kathmiya can't understand why she is not getting married like her sister Fathima, and why her father seems to hate her so much. But she makes the best of her life in Basra and works hard.
There she is noticed by Shafiq, who is stunned by her beauty. In this society it would mean certain death for Kathmiya if her friendship with Shafiq were ever discovered and the relationship can have no future.

The other main relationship in the book is between Shafiq and his Muslim neighbour, Omar. Not only are the boys best friends, but the families help each other in numerous ways over the years in a society where such friendships are becoming increasingly problematic.

Jessica Jiji has never lived in Iraq but learned of this time in history from her father who left the country in 1947 as an 18 year old. HIs love for his homeland is reflected in her warm feelings towards this place and time. In spite of all the problems, I felt this affection and became involved in the narrative as it unravelled.

I listened to the unabridged audio version of this book, excellently narrated by Adriana Sevahn Nichols, but I have to admit I struggled with the names of all the secondary characters, which can't be back referenced on audio.
Possibly better to read this than listen to it, but certainly recommended.

Set against the backdrop of World War II and its effects on the people of Iraq, Sweet Dates in Basra traces the developing relationship between a Marsh Arab girl, Kathmiya and a Jewish boy, Shafiq. Coming from very different cultures and backgrounds, each with their own difficulties in life, they nevertheless manage to forge a connection and fall in love. A second, but equally important, backdrop against which the story’s events play out is the relationship between Shafiq and his Muslim next door neighbor, Omar, who grow up as brothers in all but name.

The thing which elevates the book to a point way above that of a love story set in an exotic location is the multiple themes which Jessica Jiji develops throughout. Friendship, family, sacrifice, tolerance, identity – both religious and national – unification and idealism are all addressed. This might seem way too ambitious for a single story, but Jiji handles each one with sensitivity, allowing each theme it’s moment in the spotlight. The multiple themes echo the confusion of the times, but the writing itself is in no way confused. Instead it highlights the way the all intertwine with each other, much like the personal relationships in the book.

There are a large number of supporting characters in the book, which may seem confusing to some readers at first, but a little patience allows for each one to take their place in the narrative. Then there are beautiful details of the links and connections between seemingly disparate persons, underlying the theme of unification and the sense that we are all one people at heart.

I particularly loved that I got a history lesson along with the story, yet I never felt like I was being lectured to. Instead, Jiji has seamlessly woven historical information and personal emotion into a beautiful, smooth, well-paced narrative. Of particular interest as well was the information about the Midaan people and culture, written so as to allow the reader to understand Kathmiya’s motivations and actions, while leaving the desire to know more about this fascinating people.

The difficulties surrounding the partitioning of Pakistan are echoed in the troubles faced by Shafiq and Kathmiya, written with an intensity that left the sense that both sets of events were tumbling to their particular conclusions.

Overall, while certainly not as popular as some of the recent stories coming out of this region, Sweet Dates in Basra is a beautiful, moderately easy read, with a powerful story to tell.

Just when her family should be arranging her marriage, Kathmiya Mahmoud, a young Marsh Arab maiden, is sent from her home in Iraq's idyllic countryside to the unfamiliar city of Basra, where she must survive on her paltry earnings as a servant. Worse, her mother appears to be keeping a secret about her own mysterious past, one that could threaten Kathmiya's destiny forever.

When I began this book, I was afraid that my complete ignorance of the history of Iraq during WWII would hinder my enjoyment of the story - I worried that I would need background knowledge I didn't have. I needn't have been concerned. Jiji seamlessly wound a history lesson into her story of forbidden love, educating the reader while at the same time spinning a creative tale of fmaily and friendship.

Kathmiya, a young teen sent to town from the marshes to work as a maid and earn money for the family, cannot understand why her father doesn't love her as much as her sister, or why he will not permit her to marry and live a normal life. In her loneliness, she turns to a friendship with Sharif, a young Jewish boy, though it would mean a death sentence were anyone to discover their relationship.

The novel starts with a barrage of characters that take a bit of time to sort out; once the family trees are clear, however, Jiji's story is a depiction of culture both beautiful and terrible. The ending is unexpected, as is Jiji's lack of sentimentality - her voice is strong and delivers a vibrant read.½

I always make an extra effort to finish Early Reviewer books but I just couldn't muster the fortitude to make it past 50 pages of this one. I chose this book because I thought the story would give me a glimpse into a time, a place, and a way of life. And maybe if I stuck with it, I would have got that. Unfortunately, I couldn't overcome my initial impression which was characters based on stereotypes, simplistic prose, and an unduly slow pace.

There has been quite a profusion of books set in the Middle East in the past 5-10 years. It seems we are trying to fill in our regrettable knowledge gaps about this part of the world through our reading and specifically through fiction. And many of the books I have read which are set in Iraq, Iran, and Afghanistan do indeed shed some light on the mysteries of cultures so different from my own but also continue to remind of the similarities of people the world over. We are all bound by our cultural and religious systems and so face different challenges but underneath, our basic wants and needs are not so very different at all.

Jiji tackles the different cultural and religious groups in Iraq in the 1940's in this historical novel. The main character, Kathmiya, is a Marsh Arab who has been sent away by her unfeeling, alcoholic father and who must work as a maid to a wealthy family in the city of Basra. Kathmiya longs to be married and to live in the marshes with a husband like her sister and she doesn't understand why her father will not arrange this for her. Several abortive trips to matchmakers leave her knowing that this option, for some hidden reason, is not likely to come true any time soon. So in her loneliness, Kathmiya strikes up a friendship with Shafiq, the young brother of her mistress. Their friendship would be forbidden if it became known as Shafiq is an Iraqi-Jew and Kathmiya a Marsh Arab. But their budding relationship is not the only cross-cultural relationship in the book. Shafiq's family is also very close to their Muslim next door neighbors and in fact Shafiq's best friend is Omar, the son of that family.

As World War II and its ideology starts to invade the Middle East, the balance of political power shifts, leaving Shafiq's Jewish family, with one son an ardent Zionist and another a Communist, vulnerable. Jiji has drawn a convincing picture of individual people who look beyond religion and tradition to the human-ness of friendship and love without drawing unrealistic outcomes. The tension of the growing feelings between Shafiq and Kathmiya are reflected in the growing tensions of the political situation. But the story is not about the overall politics, it is about the individuals, Shafiq and Kathmiya, Shafiq and Omar, Jewish family and Muslim family, and there is no way to stop the unraveling dictated by culture and difference. The ending is earned and the exposed secrets, while personally explosive, haven't changed the time-honored way of life. It is clear, in reading this book and being given a peek into the diverse cultures in Iraq, just what some of the still smoldering tensions are and how their roots extend deeply into the past.

This novel doesn't, perhaps, have the power of several others set in the Middle East but set at such a different time frame, which might account for the muting of the impact, it adds to the understanding of what comes afterwards. There are quite a few characters to keep track of in this. And in the beginning it is rather difficult to keep them all straight and to understand their relationship to each other but the difficulty eventually eases as the story focuses in closer on the major plotlines. Kathmiya is definitely the best developed of the characters and her motivations are all clear as a bell whereas the other characters remain murkier. Overall, a good story, this is one that will appeal to book clubs wanting to read about the Middle East beyond The Kite Runner.

This was a really good book, though a lot of characters and somewhat difficult to follow. I was reading it during a very busy/stressful time, so not sure if that had anything to do with my slow progress through the book. The story was good and the main characters were likeable. I think under normal circumstances, it would have been a quick read.

The author attempted to depict what could be considered a harmonious dichotomy of the rich and the poor, the religious and the nationalist, the free and the indentured; however, the complexity of the venture left the reader with an inability to commit to any one character and/or ideal. Set amidst vague historical references and experiences, the importance of friendship, family, and culture is clear.

While it remains a decent story, it lacks the intensity.

Kathmiya Mahmoud grows up in the marshes north of Basra. As a teen, instead of being married off as expected, she is sent by her alcoholic father to Basra as a maid to bring money into the family. In additional to the culture shock of life in the city, Kathmiya is tortured by family secrets: why does her father not love her like her older sister, Fatimah; why does no one want to see her married; what are the items left to her mother and her by the American missionaries for whom her mother used to work?

In her loneliness, Kathimiya turns to friendship with a young Jewish boy, despite the death sentence it would mean if anyone discovered their relationship. Shafiq has grown up with a seamless Iraqi-Jewish identity, but that identity is challenged throughout his adolesence by WWII, one brother's Zionism, another brother's Communism, and the collapse of Iraqi society as Britian becomes an enemy.

The story is a page-turner, but what I found even more appealing was the deft way in which the author created complex characters. Although Kathimiya and Shafiq are caught in a familiar forbidden-love situation, the characters themselves are far from stereotypical, with compex personalities and unexpected facets. Even minor characters are well-drawn and interesting.

In Sweet Dates in Basra, Jessica Jiji introduces the reader to several different communities and cultures in Iraq during the beginning of WWII. The main character is Kathmiya, a poor marsh girl who is sent away from her family to be a maid in Basra. The book takes us through her struggle to find a husband and her befriending of Shafiq, a Jewish boy whose family she works for. The story intertwines the stories of these two teens, Shafiq's neighbor and friend, Omar who is Muslim, as well as Kathmiya's history and that of her mother and father. Each of the character's lives interact in some way, sometimes in a surprising way. The end leaves it up to the reader to decide if lovers are reunited or relationships withstand. I tend to like endings nice and tied up so this was a little frustrating but at the same time it allows you to imagine a happily ever after ending...or not.
The book read nicely and was captivating enough to make me want to pick it up each night, yet I don't find myself loving it. It was a good read but nothing spectacular. The time and place was educational for me and I would be willing to recommend it to readers who enjoy fiction set in the Middle East, especially during particularly historical times.

After a slow start, I found this novel engaging. I did feel as though the development of the plot over time was a bit choppy in parts. The novel gave me insight into Iraq's history, and I enjoyed the character development.

This book starts off with a view of Iraq as a country of peace and racial harmony. Shi'ites, Shia, Jews, Christians living next to each other as friends and neighbors. 2 boys, a Muslim and a Jew grow up as best friends and brothers at heart if not in blood. Their childhood is idyllic and they live as much in each other's family as their own.

The reader grows with these 2 boys, their sorrow when the father of one of the boys dies, their thrill when a sister marries, their anger when a suitor to a sister proves to be a liar and a cheat, and their fear when they start to see their community start to fray at the edges with growing political and racial unrest.

As the majority of Arab Iraqis start persecuting the Jews who were their friends,looting their homes and businesses, there are some who understand that what's happening to the country is madness and wrong, stand up for their friends, provide shelter, food and protection, even at the threat of their own safety. What was heartening were the moments when individuals helped others regardless of faith and race, not expecting or wanting repayment, but offering their hand just because they cared and because it was the right thing to do. What was inspiring were the determination and resilience by people who refused to give up or give in to persecution.

In the background and adding some sweetness to the main story of these 2 boys who become men, is an ill-fated romance between a Midaan servant and the Jewish boy. Why was she sent out to work while her drunken father found a husband for her sister? Why does her mother not stand up for her, and what is the mystery behind the book that was left to her, a book written in a language she does not understand, and the strange looking dinar?
Will she find a way to find a husband and have children?

I loved this book. I couldn't put it down after I started it. It made me cry, it made me laugh, it made me sad, the injustices angered me and the sweetness touched me.

Kathmiya is poor March Arab who must go to the city of Basra to work instead of have a marriage arranged for her as she wishes. Shafiq is a Jewish boy who's family is neighbors to his best friend, Omar, a Muslim boy. The boys' story and Kathmiya's come together shen Shafiz meets Kathmiya and falls in love. But circumstance and culture stand in the way of their young love.

The first third of this book was not very captivating, but after that I found the characters interesting and the story held my attention. I liked the somewhat unexpected ending that felt realistic. It was good to read about a place in time that I knew little about, even as a novel.

Living in Iraq in the '40s, Kathmiya Mahommed, a thirteen year old marsh girl, is sent out of her family's home to begin life as a housemaid in Basra. Kathmiya is very unhappy about this development, as she has been secretly longing to be married and become mistress of her own home, but her meetings with several marriage brokers have proven to be fruitless. During her first week at the job, Kathmiya meets Shafiq, the teenage brother of her mistress. Though they are from very different sectors of life, they begin a dangerous attraction and flirtation that will change the course of both of their lives. Meanwhile, the people of Shafiq's community are struggling with the advent of WWII and the increased prejudice against the Jews who live side by side among their Muslim neighbors. As Shafiq and Kathmiya learn to navigate the ways of their hearts, they also learn that although there are differences between those in their community, there are also several startling similarities.

I have to admit that I wasn't crazy about this book. For the first half of the story, the writing seemed very muddy and undeveloped. There was an unfocused quality to the story and it took a few tries to actually get into the grist of the story. I actually put the book down for awhile and read something else before picking it back up again. When I did get back to it I had to spend an awful lot of time trying to psych myself up before beginning to settle into the story. Coupled with these problems was the fact that Kathmiya was an unmitigated whiner. I got really tired of her haranguing her mother, sister and anyone else who would listen about the unhappiness of her life. She seemed so sour all of the time and it was really hard for me to like her. Aarti mentions much the same reaction to Kathmiya in her review and I would have to agree with her. Kathmiya was just tiring.

On the other hand, the story had a lot of great intrigues going on within it. I really liked the mystique surrounding the secret of Kathmiya's past and felt that the author really did a wonderful job of keeping me in suspense over those sections. I wanted to know more, and ultimately, that's what kept me turning the pages furiously. After the blundering of the first section of the book, I felt like the author had recovered nicely and turned this into a very entertaining novel that kept me guessing. I almost wish that the Kathmiya's secret had been alluded to earlier on, that way I wouldn't have felt so hopeless about having to make my way through the book. I also liked the way the supporting characters had their place within the mystery. It was a great coming together of all the aspects and players, and had this been the main thrust of the narrative, I would have enjoyed the book much, much more.

Although I had my problems with Kathmiya, I really found myself enamored over Shafiq. Whenever he was on the page, I knew that I was sure to have my interest captured. Shafiq's portions of the story felt more weighty and important, because not only was he dealing with his attraction to Kathmiya but also the severe tensions that the war in Europe and the British settlers were bringing into his homeland. He was an unapologetic supporter of the Iraqi way of life and liberties, and several other characters and their problems with the political situation were woven within his story. There were some very moving and revealing sections about the problems that the Jews of the community faced during these times and I thought that it was extremely heartening that most of the community refused to see separation between the Jews and Muslims and treated each other as neighbors and brothers. It was nice to see that even in extreme situations, the people of Iraq formed such a great sense of community.

There were also some really moving and emotional scenes in the book that I felt gave the story a really great depth and range. From the death of one of Shafiq's most beloved friends to the wrongful imprisonment of a suspected Zionist, I felt that there were some absorbingly dramatic turns within the narrative that really gave the author full use of tension and emotional atmosphere. Even the conclusion of the book hinged on a bit of drama and I found that I appreciated the slightly messy and unresolved ending more than I would have had everything been neatly tied up with a bow. There was a really good mix of pathos embedded within the story that I thought was very interesting.

Though there were definitely some really great things about this book, I would have to say that it wasn't really a spectacular read for me. I felt that the story's slow and laborious start coupled with the unlikeablilty of the protagonist really ruined most of this book's appeal for me. It certainly wasn't the book I had been expecting when I picked it up. I feel that it's a shame that I was so prejudiced against this book from so early in the story, but I really felt that I couldn't help my reaction to it. I am unsure of who I would recommend this book to, as I am sure that most readers wouldn't have the patience for such a slow start combined with a whiny character, so I will just close this review with the conclusion that this book had it's moments, but overall, it was an uneven read.

Sweet Dates in Basra is best enjoyed for its warm portrayal of Iraqi hospitality and tolerance following WWII. The deep friendship between young Jewish Shafiq and his neighbor and his Muslim neighbor Omar is the backdrop for all of the events in the novel; this relationship of love and loyalty epitomizes the best of humankind in seeing beyond the differences that can divide. The boys' genuine affection for each others' families is deeply moving. As a reader who enjoys the poetry of Kahlil Gibran, the poet's famous versus add yet another layer of meaning to the relationship.
The rest of the story is compelling but written almost as a fairy tale. The beautiful Arab maid Kathmiya struggles to find her identity and her place in society. Kathmiya has an older, mean sister, a father who nearly disowns her, and a mother who is unable to share the truth. She suspects that there is something about her that makes her undesirable to her family and others in her tribe, and leaves to find work in Basra. Even there she struggles to fit in, longing to be married and have a child, but is unable to find a husband.
I was very intrigued by the history and culture of Iraq during this time and found the book to be enjoyable from that point of view. However, the relationship between Shafiq and Kathmiya is predictable. The voices of the characters did not feel authentic to the time period, but rather as though I were reading a current story. I had to keep reminding myself that this story takes place in the 1940's. Despite these challenges, the book is still highly readable.½

This is a love story about a Marsh Arab servant girl who falls in love with the son of a warehouse owner. Her class is beneath his and so they can never even consider marriage. Another thread runs through the story and that is persecution of the Jews in Iraq. For me I would put it in the category of light reading even though it deals with some pretty weighty issues.

This was a captivating story that I couldn't put down. Set in Iraq in the 1940s, it conjures an era not often written about; the intrusion of Hitler's ideology into Iraq. Set against this larger backdrop is the deep, abiding friendship of two neighboring families, one Jewish, one Muslim. Their sons, Shafiq and Omar, grow up calling one another "brother."

This is a touching look at how friendship and love can overcome prejudice and strict societal rules, to varying degrees. In addition to the friendship between Shafiq and Omar, it also explores Shafiq's forbidden feelings for a Marsh Arab maid. Themes of religious division (and unity of those of different religions) as well as the role of honor in Middle East culture, are explored honestly and with good historical detail. The plot was fascinating, although there were some twists that could be seen coming, and the writing lush and descriptive. A very good read.

I was excited about this book when I first started it. It had the same feel as say, The Kite Runner. The childhood antics were cute and sweet, and at the same time you see another side of their world during this time. I was hoping it would progress through the ages, but it was stuck in the teen years. I liked the story all together, but it did seem a little slow. I was hoping for more at the end that would tell of what happened after. It just seemed that there was no closure. I can say the characters were engaging.

It's not often I put a review title down, but I did abandon this one. Perhaps I will try it again, but for now, it will go back on the shelf.
If you choose to read this, you might find it interesting to get this slice of life of Iraq from the 1940's and some insight into the culture of a country I only know from headlines and magazine articles. That part of the book I enjoyed and drank in, but somehow the story itself was hard to follow and never hooked my attention.

Shafiq recalls the statement of a former Iraqi king, "There is no meaning in the words Jews, Muslims, and Christians in the terminology of patriotism. There is simply a country called Iraq, and all are Iraqis." Sweet Dates in Basra takes a look at how this plays out in reality in Iraq through the eyes of Shafiq, an Iraqi Jew, and Kathmiya, a Marsh Arab, and their burgeoning, forbidden love.

Shafiq has long been open to developing relationships with his fellow countrymen through his deep friendship with his Muslim neighbor Omar. Shafiq and Omar share a courtyard and a friendship, and they attempt to share each other's cultures as well.

When Kathmiya is sent to work as a maid in the city of Basra, Shafiq sees a girl he could love were such a love not forbidden. Their story is set in 1940s WWII Iraq--a time of British air strikes and increasingly charged violent conflict between Jews and Muslims in Basra.

Sweet Dates in Basra can be a bit difficult to follow as one has to navigate the historical setting, the numerous characters and subplots, and the rich detail. But readers able to get the characters (ethnicities, religion, families) and setting sorted out will encounter a sweet tale and a vivid depiction of another time and place. Sweet Dates in Basra speaks to seemingly irreconcilable cultural and religious differences and tells a story of love and friendship that bridges these differences.

A story of different cultures,both shaped by pain and sorrows, yet ultimately strengthened by bonds of love. Kathmiya, a young Arab girl, meets Shafiq, a Jewish boy. In a land wrought with danger, and set against a background of war, their search for love shows its transcendent power over culture, tradition and religious differences. Not one of the most engaging reads, but certainly worth the time to explore.

Set during World War II in Basra, Iraq, "Sweet Dates" is a story of the different religions and social classes of the period. Part star-crossed lovers, part history lesson, I didn't love it, but it did keep me intrigued enough to finish.

Sweet Dates in Basra, by Jessica Jiji, takes place in Iraq during and soon after WWII. It begins with two best friends- Omar (Muslim) and Shafiq (Jewish- this confused me as Shafiq to me sounds much more like a Muslim name)- whose families live next door to each other and are very close. One day, running away from trouble, Omar and Shafiq escape into the house of a friend and Shafiq meets the beautiful housemaid, Kathmiya, and their lives are never the same.

The story winds through the remainder of the war, the riots against Jews as the Germans come in, hints at the threats of Communism and the large, unexpected changes that occur in Iraq following the war. Through it all, Shafiq & Omar's families support each other, and Shafiq & Kathmiya grow closer and closer. But there is a secret in Kathmiya's past, and Shafiq's future in Iraq is uncertain.

This is one of those books for which I had very mixed feelings. I really enjoyed getting to know post-WWII Iraq. I know very little about the country at that time, and it was great to read a story about it. I also loved that Jiji presented the Muslim and Jewish families as standing so stoically by each other through so much turmoil. There was never any comment on religion between the two families; there was just complete and utter acceptance and friendship and kindness, which was lovely. In that way, this book was a large contrast to Mornings in Jenin as there wasn't really any sense of victimization. Yes, the Jews faced some discrimination, but Jiji also made sure that readers knew that many (if not most) Muslims treated them fairly, and that everyone viewed themselves as Iraqi.

I also liked the way the author showed how completely vulnerable women were in this era and this place. For example, Shafiq's sister, Marcelle, is introduced via matchmaker to a man that no one likes or trusts. Marcelle's parents dislike the match and walk away from the marriage. But then somehow, the would-be-in-laws contrive to get Shafiq's family to attend a party, at which they introduce Marcelle as their future daughter-in-law, and Shafiq's parents stand by and do nothing because it would be too horrible to have a daughter who was "engaged" and then broke it off- no one would want to marry her after such a situation. So instead, they let her marry a completely corrupt and ridiculous man.

This is pretty horrifying, but it is also in contrast to the very happy marriage between Marcelle's older sister, Leah, and her husband. And it stands out so much because Marcelle's parents do love and care for her. They are kind and good people who don't want their daughter to suffer; to them, her ending an engagement would be worse than her marrying such an ingrate. It was revelatory to see such a situation occur, and to see how helpless Marcelle was in the proceedings.

I think readers were also supposed to feel sympathetic towards Kathmiya, but honestly, I didn't at all. The entire book, Kathmiya was whining about how her parents won't help her find a husband (even though her mother tries very hard). Her parents made her leave her marsh home and work as a maid in Basra- she complains about that, ignoring the fact that she is given more freedom and has Shafiq there to be her friend and help her learn how to read and write. Every time she sees her mother, she complains to her about her single status, and whines and whines and whines. And her family seems to know a dark secret about her, but Kathmiya doesn't know what it is (though I feel it is fairly obvious). Honestly, Kathmiya made this book drag for me from the middle to the end. I started skimming all her sections because she annoyed me so much.

I wish there had been more Omar in the story as the children all grew older. He was just the sort of solid, kind and understanding person everyone wants around. Exactly the sort of friend I'd want- especially as he seemed always to have an excellent Khalil Gibran quote to share when things got tough.

Overall, I enjoyed learning more about Iraq and the Middle East through this book, but I definitely started skimming quite a bit in the second half, and I never warmed to Kathmiya.