The Almond Tree
A universal story of human courage and perseverance.
Gifted with a mind that continues to impress the elders in his village, Ahmed Hamid struggles with knowing that he can do nothing to save his friends and family. Living on occupied land, his entire village operates in fear of losing their homes, jobs, and belongings. But more importantly, the people fear losing each other. On Ahmed's 12th birthday, that fear becomes reality.
With his father imprisoned, his family's home and possessions confiscated and his siblings quickly succumbing to hatred in the face of conflict, Ahmed begins an inspiring journey using his intellect to save his poor and dying family. In doing so he reclaims a love for others that was lost through a childhood rife with violence and loss and discovers a new hope for the future.
A sweeping story of family, love, and friendship told against the devastating backdrop of half a century of conflict, The Almond Tree is a powerful novel that allows us to walk in one extraordinary Palestinian’s shoes and see the world through his eyes.
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Translation Rights
DUTCH | Xander
FRENCH | Charleston/Leduc
GERMAN | Fischer Verlag
ITALIAN | Feltrinelli
NORWEGIAN | Gyldendal Norsk
POLISH | SQN
PORTUGUESE (Brazil) | Record
SPANISH | Ediciones B
Film Rights
Audiovisual rights sold. Producer to be announced.
Reviews
"Corasanti's accomplished debut novel offers a humanistic look into the Israeli-Palestinian conflict...Sensitive, moving...a complex novel as necessary as ever." Kirkus Reviews
"Michelle Corasanti's profound and finely crafted debut novel tells the story of one man, Ahmed Hamid, from his humble beginnings as a scared and helpless child in an occupied village through to his inspirational rise to power and influence. This intimate tale of love and loss and awareness shines a greater understanding of the personal toll of the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict." Marcy Dermansky, author of Hurricane Girl
"Beautifully written and exhibits an inherent knowledge of life in the Occupied Palestinian Territories and Gaza. Corasanti's elaboration of history and fiction has created a touching narration which ensnares the reader from the first chapter." Middle East Monitor
"Corasanti effectively puts her talent to work by giving readers a blatant insight into the Israel-Palestine conflict. And as an attribute to this honesty, she keeps the readers immersed, up until the very last page. Her transparent assessment of history elaborates how it all just boils down to: one story, two sides." Dawn
"The Almond Tree is an epic novel, a drama of the proportions of The Kite Runner, but set in Palestine. A story that grabs you from the first page and makes your heart go out to the Palestinians without pointing fingers at anyone. This novel is not a political lecture, but a gripping and compassionate work of fiction." Huffington Post