Evil Eye

Evil Eye by Etaf Rum is a novel that explores themes of cultural identity, family relationships, and the weight of the past.

Plot Summary

Yara, a Palestinian-American woman, is seemingly living the American dream. She has a successful career, a nice house in the suburbs, and a seemingly happy marriage. However, beneath the surface, Yara feels a deep sense of unease and unfulfillment.

When a series of setbacks throws her life into disarray, Yara's mother blames it on a family curse, the evil eye. Skeptical at first, Yara is eventually forced to confront the possibility that her mother might be right.

As Yara delves into her family history and Palestinian heritage, she uncovers a legacy of trauma and displacement. She also begins to question the choices she has made in her own life.

Themes

• Cultural Identity: Evil Eye explores the challenges of navigating a hyphenated identity in America. Yara grapples with the expectations of her Palestinian family and her desire to assimilate into American culture.
• Family Relationships: The novel delves into the complex dynamics between mothers and daughters. Yara's relationship with her mother is strained by cultural differences and unresolved conflicts from the past.
• The Weight of the Past: Evil Eye explores the ways in which the past can continue to shape the present. Yara's experiences as a child of immigrants and the legacy of trauma in her family have a profound impact on her adult life.

Why You Should Read Evil Eye

• A moving exploration of cultural identity: Evil Eye offers a nuanced and insightful portrayal of the experience of being Arab-American.
• Compelling characters: Yara is a relatable and complex protagonist who is easy to root for.
• Thought-provoking themes: The novel raises important questions about family, tradition, and the meaning of home.
• Beautifully written: Etaf Rum's prose is evocative and engaging.

If you are interested in reading a novel that is both entertaining and thought-provoking, Evil Eye is a great choice.