Book Brief
352
Novel • Fiction
Brooklyn, New York • 2000s
2023
Adult
18+ years
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.
Melancholic
Contemplative
Mysterious
Emotional
Bittersweet
Reviews & Readership
19,603 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
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 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.
19,603 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
352
Novel • Fiction
Brooklyn, New York • 2000s
2023
Adult
18+ years
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