' MINOR DETAIL ' MINTS : BOOK REVIEW

At this violent and tumultuous time for the country's people, this selection has shown a necessary light upon the rich landscape of Palestinian literature.

ADANIA SHIBLI'S ' Minor Detail ' [ 2017 ] is a poignant exploration of violence, and the lingering shadow of history.

The novel is bifurcated into two narratives set decades apart. This time rooted in 1949, details a harrowing incident involving Israeli soldiers in the Negev desert, culminating in the assault and murder of a Bedouin girl.

The second narrative, set in present-day Ramallah, follows a young woman who becomes obsessed with uncovering the truth behind this ' minor detail ' of history.

Shibli's sparse and evocative prose delves into the complexities of personal and collective memory, illustrating how past atrocities continue to resonate in the present.

The novel was longlisted for the international Booker Prize in 2021, with judges praising its '' austerely beautiful '' narrative that casts light on ethnic conflicts and cleansing worldwide.

The World Students Society thanks Zehra Khan.