Habibi

Module 6

Nye, Naomi Shihab. 1997. Habibi. New York: Simon and Schuster Books for Young Readers.
ISBN 0-689-80149-1

Summary: Liyana’s family is moving from Missouri to Jerusalem. Her father is Palestinian and his family lives there but Liyana has never met this part of the family. Also, she isn’t sure she wants to leave the only home she’s ever known. Still, she is thrown into a completely new culture where she must learn to adapt. She also learns first hand about the struggle between two cultures, and how to find ways to build bridges instead of walls.

Critical Analysis: This novel is, in a sense, autobiographical. Nye had a Palestinian father and an American mother. She writes about these cross-cultural issues from an insider perspective. She has lived in both the United States and the Middle East, so is well equipped to write authentically about these cultures. She also understands well the Arab Israeli conflict that plays a major role in this story.

The Abboud family is not stereotyped. The father who is a doctor, has more enlightened views than most of us would expect from a Middle Eastern man. Even so, he counsels his daughter against public kissing in their new home. Liyana has been used to the more permissive American culture, and it is hard for her to adjust. The contrast between America and Israel is great. Not only are the language, the dress and the food different, but even relationships with the opposite sex.

Religion is an important theme in this story. We see the struggle between the Muslim and Jewish faith. Never is this more apparent than in Jerusalem, a city that is considered sacred to both. Interestingly, amidst all this religion, the Abboud family didn’t consider themselves a “traditionally religious” family. Their beliefs were a mixture of positive thinking, Hinduism, Buddhism, with a little Christianity thrown in for good measure. This flies in the face of traditional Islam and Jewish religions, but sets this family apart as individuals, rather than stereotypes. The family has some interesting discussions about religion.

The names and terms of address are cultural markers in this book. Liyana and Rafik’s names reflect their heritage. The clothing worn in Israel is different from the clothing the children wore in the States and shows the adjustment they have to make to the new culture. Shorts and blue jeans are frowned upon. Food is another marker. The author describes some of the local dishes: honey-dipped dates, baked lamb with rice and pine nuts, liquid yogurt, hummus, katayet.

Also, some unusual customs are mentioned. When the children’s grandmother meets them at the airport, she makes a loud trilling noise to show her excitement. Also, Liyana notices that her grandmother has tattoos, which is another custom in that part of the world.

A main theme of the story seems to be building bridges between cultures. When Liyana meets a boy named Omer who is Jewish, she is worried about her family’s reaction. Surprisingly, it is her grandmother who accepts Omer and makes him feel welcome. The theme of reconciliation between cultures is strong.

This is a well-written novel that helps to break down a lot of barriers. It may be unrealistic to think that the Jewish and Palestinian people would find peace, but this book offers hope. It is recommended for young adults.

Review Excerpts:
“Nye expertly combines the Abbouds' gradual acceptance of Omer with a number of heart-wrenching episodes of persecution (by the different warring factions) against her friends and family to convey the extent to which the Arab-Israeli conflict infiltrates every aspect of their lives. Nye's climactic ending will leave readers pondering, long after the last page is turned, why Arabs, Jews, Greeks and Armenians can no longer live in harmony the way they once did.” (Publisher’s Weekly)

“Poetically imaged and leavened with humor, the story renders layered and complex history understandable through character and incident. Habibi succeeds in making the hope for peace compellingly personal and concrete...as long as individual citizens like Liyana's grandmother Sitti can say, "I never lost my peace inside." (School Library Journal)

Connections: Read other books about families living in the Middle East.
Some examples are Breadwinner and Parvana’s Journey, both written by Deborah Ellis. These books show a different perspective of people living in that part of the world.