Review of The Country of Olives

Postby Julie Marie Basil »

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "The Country of Olives" by Ali Mohamedraza Dewji.]
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5 out of 5 stars
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Do you wonder what war is really like for children and families? Do you question how people are able to hold onto hope and survive amid the atrocities of war? Do you enjoy reading stories that reflect the lived experiences of people who are struggling to hold onto their faith in difficult times? If you answered yes to these questions, then you should read The Country of Olives: A Test Written For One by Ali Mohamedraza Dewji.

This story follows the life of a teenage boy named Yunus who has lost most of his family and been displaced by the war that is tearing apart his homeland. As he struggles to survive each day, he grapples with his faith. He begins posting reflections about his experiences online using a phone that he charges using cords and circuits that he scavenges from broken drones and other electronics he can find amidst the rubble of buildings that have been destroyed by bombs. He doesn’t expect that his words will resonate with people around the world or that he will be able to use his phone to help others stay safe during the war.

This author has created a powerful story that really captures what it is like to grapple with faith and struggle to hold onto hope amidst daunting circumstances. The language throughout the story is often very poetic, and the author is able to capture a lot of emotion without using many words. As Yunus slowly begins to trust in God again, he shares verses from the Quran that resonate with him and give him hope despite his circumstances.

Overall I rate this story 5 out of 5 stars. It was very well written and also well edited as I found no errors. The story is beautifully written and presents the impact that war can have on the vulnerable in a way that is very accessible for teens and adults alike. The author and the main character are writing from the perspective of the Muslim faith, but it did not feel pushy in any way and was still relatable for me, although I am a practicing Christian. I would recommend this book for teens and adults who desire to know more about how war impacts the people living in the countries where the war is taking place.

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The Country of Olives
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