In My Mother's Footsteps

A Palestinian Refugee Returns Home

De: Mona Hajjar Halaby

Narrado por: Lameece Issaq

1948, Jerusalem. Zakia is forced to flee the only home she’s ever known as war rips through the leafy streets and the bustling spice-filled souqs. Taking just one suitcase, Zakia thinks she’ll be able to return soon. But within weeks, she realizes she won’t be allowed back to her beloved homeland.

2007, California. Mona grew up with her mother Zakia’s memories of Palestine, imagining the muezzin’s call for prayer and the medley of church bells her mother so vividly described to her. So, when Mona gets the opportunity to teach conflict resolution in Ramallah, she also embarks on a personal pilgrimage to find her mother’s home in militarized and occupied Jerusalem.

With cherished letters from her mother who writes to Mona regularly, sharing her story of Jerusalem, Mona dreams of one day being guided by her through the winding cobblestone alleys of the Old City. Yet it is Mona who instead holds her mother’s hand as they finally visit Jerusalem together. After 59 years of exile, her mother is returning to the place she once called home – but can a lifetime of loss ever be healed?

A moving and heartbreaking journey of a daughter discovering her Palestinian roots and recovering her mother’s beloved past. It’s also an intimate and tender account of daily life for Palestinians as never seen before. Perfect for fans of The Bookseller of Kabul and The Beekeeper of Aleppo.

©2021 Mona Hajjar Halaby (P)2021 Thread, an imprint of Storyfire Ltd.

Reseñas de la Crítica

"Utterly heart-breaking, absorbing, and tender...will stay with you long after you finish the last page." (Christy Lefteri, best-selling author of The Beekeeper of Aleppo)

"An intimately detailed and moving account of what’s lost and found when human beings are displaced." (Sahar Mustafah, author of The Beauty of Your Face, a 2020 New York Times Notable Book)

Worth the credit

After reading this true story, I have a new empathy for the Palestinian people. I highly recommend it.

great story, full of heart and humanness

Mona transported me to Palestine with her and her mother, and I am forever grateful for the privilege. Hers and her family's story will be forever with me, on my path of trying to picture Palestine and its people in my mind and in my heart.

Eye opening

The story of this family and their journey is eye opening, touching and educational. Free Palestine!

Honest Heartfelt Beautiful

This story tells the long struggle that the Palestinian people have endured and paints a beautiful picture of the beauty that cannot be squashed by their oppresser.
Today I finish this book It’s January 2024 and the plight of the Palestinian people has changed so much and yet not at all. Gaza is being bombed continuously, randomly and without any fear of repercussions. Protest, Marches, Boycotts are happening around the world for just the right of the Palestinian people not to be Genocide. Read and learn their stories so that they live on. And always Free Palestine, from the river to the sea.

Words for the heart

Beautiful book with beautiful insights. This story is kind to the reader taking them by the hand into the soul of Palestine.

Thank you Mona Hajjar Halaby!

This is a beautiful story of one family’s journey before and after the Palestine Nakba. Not only is it a well written and narrated book but it also is an accurate historical account of the important events in the history of the Middle East region.
I enjoyed and learned a lot from the class meeting sessions that teach conflict resolution strategies and stimulating self awareness amongst our youths.
I wish more Palestinians can put their stories into similar works of art!

Controlling how you respond

My favorite part of this beautiful well written book was the realization that the occupation had on the children in Palestine. All they have seen and known was violence and not reacting when someone hurts you. (Tugs at the heart) being a teacher and shaping children’s lives is so important and Mona did that so well. I know many of those children will forever remember her for her love/patience & discipline she showed. Absolutely loved this book!

A Beautiful Memoir

I loved everything about this memoir. From the relationships between Mother & Daughter, Husband & Wife, Teacher & Student and everything in between ... to hearing the rich history of Palestine ... to grieving over the loss of home & country for so many. This memoir was honest and sincere and connected me to a time and place I otherwise knew little about. Thank you for capturing the stories that need to be remembered!

The Spirit of Palestine: A Story of Resilience and Love for the Land

This story beautifully captures the spirit of Palestine, bringing to life its hardships, resilience, and deep-rooted love for the land. A highly recommended read for anyone seeking a glimpse into the history and soul of the Palestinian people.

Love live the Palestinian people

Thank you very much for this beautiful book my dad always talks about his home in Talbia sadly I don’t know it never seeing it
My name Lydia Hanna Qassis from Beirziet living in Grand Terrace California