54 pages 1 hour read

Etaf Rum

Evil Eye: A Novel

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2023

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

In Evil Eye by Etaf Rum, Palestinian American Yara navigates the complexities of her work, marriage, and family life in North Carolina, facing cultural displacements, professional challenges, and familial pressures. Raised in Brooklyn by Palestinian immigrants, Yara confronts ancestral trauma and seeks to break free from societal expectations, ultimately finding empowerment and hope. The book contains depictions of domestic violence, emotional abuse, generational trauma, racism, mental health challenges, suicidal ideation, and anti-gay bias.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Etaf Rum's Evil Eye explores complex intergenerational trauma and the immigrant experience with depth and sensitivity. Reviewers commend Rum’s narrative for its emotional resonance and strong character development. However, some critique the pacing and occasional predictability. Overall, the novel is praised for its insightful portrayal of cultural conflicts and personal resilience.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Evil Eye?

Readers who enjoy Evil Eye by Etaf Rum are likely fans of intricately woven family sagas that delve into cultural identity and female empowerment, akin to those found in Celeste Ng’s Little Fires Everywhere and Khaled Hosseini’s A Thousand Splendid Suns. Ideal for those who appreciate emotionally charged narratives and complex characters.

RecommendedReading Age

18+years

Book Details

Genre

Realistic Fiction

Modern Classic Fiction

Themes

Relationships: Family

Relationships: Mothers

Identity: Mental Health

Topics

Gender / Feminism

Mental Illness