55 pages • 1 hour read
A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
304
Novel • Fiction
Kuwait, Texas • 1990s
2008
YA
18+ years
A Map of Home by Randa Jarrar follows the journey of Nidali, a girl of Palestinian, Greek, and Egyptian descent, as she navigates her childhood and adolescence across Kuwait, Egypt, and the United States. The novel explores her experiences with family conflict, violence, war, and her evolving identities. Sensitive topics in the book include domestic abuse, sexual assault, and racist slurs.
Humorous
Nostalgic
Bittersweet
Emotional
1,944 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Randa Jarrar’s A Map of Home offers a compelling portrait of cultural identity through a humorous, poignant narrative. Readers praise Jarrar's authentic voice and vivid characters, though some feel the plot meanders at times. The novel successfully blends humor with insightful commentary on diaspora and displacement.
A reader who enjoys A Map of Home by Randa Jarrar appreciates coming-of-age stories rich with cultural diversity and humor. Fans of Khaled Hosseini’s The Kite Runner or Jhumpa Lahiri’s The Namesake will find resonance in its exploration of immigrant experiences and identity formation across different landscapes.
1,944 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Mama
Mama, whose name is Ruz, is Nidali's mother, a former pianist-turned-housewife who navigates her complex relationship with Nidali's father while seeking her own independence. She is characterized by her Egyptian heritage and defiant spirit.
Baba
Baba, or Waheed, is Nidali’s father, a Palestinian poet-turned-architect who emphasizes heritage and education. His anger and control often create conflicts within the family.
Gamal
Gamal is Nidali's younger brother who receives less attention but gradually becomes more defiant in the family's dynamics. His character emphasizes gender differences in the family's treatment.
Fakhr
Fakhr is Nidali's male love interest whom she meets in school. Their relationship, characterized by verbal sparring and secrecy, is significant in Nidali's exploration of her identity and sexuality.
304
Novel • Fiction
Kuwait, Texas • 1990s
2008
YA
18+ years
Continue your reading experience
Subscribe now to unlock the rest of this Study Guide plus our full library, which features expert-written summaries and analyses of 8,000+ additional titles.