I’ve taught high school English for nearly twenty-five years, so I know how well reading fiction builds empathy. I’ve used studies to spark discussion and reflection among my students, and I’ve seen the power of certain texts to move them toward a deeper understanding of what those with whom they don’t have much in common endure. For me, however, poetry has been more powerful than fiction, especially when it comes to understanding what Palestinians have been enduring for decades. Forest of Noise, Mosab Abu Toha’s second collection of poetry, depicts what life is like for the people of Gaza clearly and poetically, drawing readers into the devastation they have been experiencing. While reading these poems, it’s hard not to question many of the narratives readers in the West may have encountered. Moving toward peace requires understanding, empathy, and compassion. These poems powerfully, and at times heartbreakingly, encourage readers to see a more vivid picture of what is happening in the daily lives of those living in Gaza and are a vital contribution to understanding the situation that continues to unfold.
Thank you to NetGalley and Knopf for the ARC.