How Books Become a Portal to the Palestinians' Fate

Rachid Benzine's novel, "The Man Who Read Books," translated into Swedish by Cecilia Franklin, presents a poignant narrative exploring the lives and struggles of Gazans. The book, published by Albert Bonniers Förlag, delves into the stark contrast between the everyday existence and the devastating impact of conflict on the Gaza Strip.

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Röda tomater, färska gröna örter, gula citroner. Överallt dignar stånden av liv.

The narrative follows a young French photographer who captures the essence of Gaza before its complete ruin, a decade prior. His lens focuses on the vibrant street life, the abundance of fresh produce, and the palpable sense of normalcy. However, this is juxtaposed with harrowing descriptions of destruction – "blown-up facades, ripped open like carcasses. Twisted entrails of concrete hang along the walls of houses or lie scattered on the sidewalks." Benzine masterfully uses these contrasts to explore the human condition amidst devastation.

At the heart of the story is Nabil, an elderly bookseller born in 1948. His life story mirrors the broader Palestinian experience, having moved from a West Bank camp to Gaza after displacement. Nabil, portrayed as an almost utopian figure, blends verses from the Quran and the Bible, seeking a universal understanding. The reviewer notes that Franklin's translation, while generally elegant, tones down Benzine's language for the Swedish audience.

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Sprängda fasader, uppsprättade som kadaver. Förvridna inälvor i betong hänger utmed husväggarna eller ligger utspridda på trottoarerna. Husen reducerade till krossade bröstkorgar.

Despite its powerful themes, the review points out a potential pitfall: an element of "uncomfortable exoticism" in the portrayal of Nabil, who is described as a "relic" deeply connected to his environment. This critical observation highlights the delicate balance required when depicting such sensitive subject matter, particularly concerning the Palestinian narrative, and how it might be perceived differently by international versus local audiences.

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I framställningen av denna sällsamma varelse finns besvärande element av exotisering, där mannen beskrivs som en ”kvarleva” som varit ett med platsen sedan ”tid