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Author Bio:
Wagih Abu-Rish is a Palestinian-American author and activist. He spent much of his career as a businessman, specializing in acquisitions. During a long and varied professional career, he was a foreign journalist in Beirut, Lebanon, and an ad executive on Madison Avenue in New York.
He has been active in promoting progressive causes such as democratic practices and equal rights. Among those causes, he feels strongly about the need for the liberation of women in the Middle East, which he considers to be the most overlooked and abridged human right of all.
It is his hope that this book highlights the themes he believes in. The most salient of such themes is the fact that most adherents are ignorant of the essence of their own religions. This applies equally to the adherents of Islam and to all other religions.
His second and mostly implied theme is the difficulty people have in humanizing others, whether that means another gender, ethnicity, or nationality. Such humanization is the starting point for resolving difficulties and conflicts between competing individuals, parties, and countries.
Mr. Abu-Rish earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in journalism from the University of Houston and the University of Oregon.
Editorial Review:
Wagih Abu-Rish's work, 'Intimate Fractures,' is a standout exploration of emotions. It unabashedly delves into the nuances of human resilience, overcoming trauma, and the healing power of love. This novel pulls no punches - human connections are laid bare, exploring the threads that link past and present, love and deception, and the fragility of the human heart.
We meet Mustafa Makram, a young man whose pursuit of education at the University of London is influenced by his father’s respect for the British education system. As the story unfolds, we become voyeurs to the dynamic relationship between Mustafa and the newfound relationships he develops while at university. Shedding the old skin of his given name, Mustafa crafts an alternate identity, "Steve," that serves to redefine himself and forge a new connection with the world around him. He goes by this more easily digestible moniker until he runs into Zeina, who calls him out on it.
It is the enigmatic Zeina who sets the stage for a dynamic interplay that challenges and delights him. The banter between Mustafa and Zeina, marked by playful exchanges and discussions of names and backgrounds, illuminates their personalities and the spark of chemistry that simmers beneath the surface. The portrayal of Mustafa and Zeina's interactions is both candid and engaging, with their horseback riding excursion and Mustafa's compassionate care for Zeina's injury becoming poignant milestones.
Mustafa's growing affection for Zeina subsequently deepens into love. The story handles the complexities of young love with finesse, tracing the nuances of Mustafa and Zeina's journey without resorting to clichéd metaphors.
However, this does not last. Mustafa's journey is one marked by the lingering shadows of a traumatic event, a scar etched into his soul. His experience of assault, a dark chapter that irrevocably alters the course of his life, is handled with emotional precision, capturing the raw vulnerability of a young man grappling with the aftershocks of violence. The direct and unadorned portrayal of his emotions and experiences during the event ensures that readers are drawn deeply into the heart of Mustafa's struggle.
Yet, amidst the darkness that trauma casts, 'Intimate Fractures' is a tale of healing, growth, and the redeeming power of love. Mustafa's connection with Michelle becomes a beacon of light, guiding him toward a path of renewal. Their relationship blossoms amidst trials and external pressures. This relationship is different from what he had with Zeina - it is patient, understanding, and healing in a way that is required after experiencing invasive trauma.
Michelle's role as Mustafa's pillar of support and emotional anchor enriches the story. Her understanding and commitment to Mustafa's growth are depicted with a tenderness that encapsulates the essence of their relationship. The emotional nuance and growth exhibited by both characters stand as a testament to the author's ability to write multifaceted and relatable characters that come across as authentic. The story’s adept handling of trauma, redemption, and forgiveness forms a compelling backdrop to the central romance.
As Mustafa's trauma reverberates throughout his life, its impact on his relationships and sense of self becomes a poignant focal point. The novel artfully explores how trauma can shroud one's perception of the world, instilling doubt and triggering a complex interplay of emotions. This psychological journey is depicted with sensitivity, inviting readers to connect with Mustafa's inner turmoil and empathize with his pain.
The narrative navigates Mustafa's slow but steadfast progress toward healing beautifully. With each step he takes, the reader witnesses the unflinching strength of his spirit, and the courage required to confront and overcome the shackles of trauma.
Readers become participants in Mustafa's healing process, experiencing the turbulence of his emotions as he comes to terms with his past. The result is a story that speaks not only to the character's resilience but also to the collective human capacity to endure, heal, and find solace in the embrace of love.
The deep exploration of relationships extends beyond romantic entanglements to encompass the ways in which friendships affect our lives. The author portrays friendships as vital pillars that provide unwavering support, companionship, and a safe harbor in the stormy seas of life. Mustafa’s relationship with Willie and Faris comes across as authentic, and his unlikely friendship with Rose is heartwarming. Rose's ability to see past Mustafa's façade and engage with him on a deeper level mirrors her role as a nurturing maternal figure, and she brings delicate guidance to his life. The novel explores the notion of love of all kinds, laying bare the vulnerabilities and complexities that arise.
Even though the character relationships are the heart and soul of the novel, the crescendo of the story is marked by a series of climactic turns. The strategies to confront Nijad, the suspense surrounding Zurzur's fate, and the strategic planning to thwart their schemes propel the narrative forward with a sense of urgency that keeps the book from feeling too introspective.
Mustafa's trajectory from victim to a man confronting his past trauma serves as a testament to the human spirit's capacity to heal and evolve. "Intimate Fractures" captivates with its sincere portrayal of young love, interwoven with themes of growth, cultural influences, and friendship. Abu-Rish's ability to tell such a difficult story in an emotionally resonant way is nothing short of impressive.
*****
“Intimate Fractures” by Wagih Abu-Rish receives five stars and the “Highly Recommended” award of excellence from The Historical Fiction Company
Award:
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