This book weaves a political history of the conflict in Palestine with the story of two people, an Arab and a Jew (and their families), through the decades.

This historical portion (this is a non-fiction book) is rich in its narrative that starts with the Ottoman Empire (for the Arab family) and World War II in Bulgaria (for the Jewish family). It then continues into a discussion of the various wars (1948, six-day, Yom Kippur), the political alternations in both Israel and Palestine, up to the current moment.

The personal story is a touching one of two characters who like each other even as they see themselves on opposite sides of a situation that has no easy solutions.

You might find yourself sobbing with emotion at some parts, and reading with rapt interest in other parts. It is very well written and the weaving of two narratives is done quite well.

Some small weaknesses involve small details in how some institutions are not introduced before their actions are discussed - they get introduced later. Not a big deal if you grew up with the material.