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55 pages 1 hour read

A Map of Home

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2008

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Book Brief

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Randa Jarrar

A Map of Home

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2008
Book Details
Pages

304

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Kuwait, Texas • 1990s

Publication Year

2008

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

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

Reviews & Readership

3.9

1,944 ratings

66%

Loved it

23%

Mixed feelings

11%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

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.

Who should read this

Who Should Read A Map of Home?

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.

3.9

1,944 ratings

66%

Loved it

23%

Mixed feelings

11%

Not a fan

Character List

Nidali

Nidali is the protagonist of the story, a young girl with a multicultural background who navigates life through various moves across the Middle East and America. Her journey involves balancing her studious and rebellious nature.

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, 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 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 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.

Book Details
Pages

304

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Kuwait, Texas • 1990s

Publication Year

2008

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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