Books!

Over the last three months, I’ve rekindled my love for books—and I couldn’t be happier. Reading has always been a joy for me, and now it’s becoming a bigger part of my life again.

A Conscious Choice

Late last year, I decided to read more books. The main reason? I wanted to escape the omnipresence of screens. My job already has me glued to a computer for hours each day, so I craved an activity that didn’t involve yet another glowing rectangle. Reading felt like the perfect antidote.

One of the best things about books is their incredible variety. There’s a vast world of genres, styles, and ideas to explore, and diving into that world has been deeply rewarding.

These two books couldn’t be more different, both in content and tone. Yet, they share the same essence of reading: offering fresh perspectives and more in-depth understanding. Despite their heavy subjects—one a tale of a tumultuous relationship, the other a sobering history—they were immensely engaging.

Here are my thoughts on each:

Kairos by Jenny Erpenbeck

Kairos is a fascinating and thought-provoking novel set in East Germany during a politically charged era. The story follows Katharina, a woman reflecting on her youth after learning of the death of her former partner, Hans. Their relationship, marked by significant age differences, unfolds against the backdrop of a divided Germany. It explores themes of power dynamics, responsibility, and whether such a partnership can ever truly be equal.

As the narrative progresses, Hans becomes increasingly abusive, a reality laid bare through the lens of an older, reflective Katharina. The book avoids romanticising their relationship, instead presenting it with unflinching honesty—rough, dark, and, at times, harrowing.

East Berlin holds a certain mystique for me. I’ve visited the city, seen the remnants of the Wall, and walked among the monuments of a bygone era. It’s challenging to fathom that my northern neighbour was once so divided. Through Kairos, I glimpsed that world in a way that felt deeply personal and illuminating.

Interestingly, I read the English translation of this originally German novel after it won the International Booker Prize. Reading a German story in English was a curious experience. While the excellent translation ensured I didn’t lose the essence of the book, I occasionally found myself mentally toggling between languages, especially with German names and places. Still, it added an extra layer of intrigue to an already captivating read.

The Hundred Years’ War on Palestine by Rashid Khalidi

I was drawn to this book following the horrific October 7 Hamas-led attack and the ensuing Israel-Hamas war. Seeking context and understanding, I turned to Khalidi’s work, which offers a deeply personal yet historically grounded perspective on the conflict.

As a Palestinian with firsthand experience of the struggle, Khalidi doesn’t aim for detached objectivity. Instead, he weaves his family’s history with a broader analysis of the geopolitical forces that have shaped the region.

“However important the other motivations may have been, this was the central one: the British Empire was never motivated by altruism. Britain’s strategic interests were perfectly served by its sponsorship of the Zionist project, just as they were served by a range of regional wartime undertakings.”
— Page 25

The book sheds light on the colonial roots of the conflict and the devastating toll it has exacted. The updated 2024 edition includes a sobering afterword detailing the immense human cost of recent events:

“In terms of civilian casualties and displaced people on both sides, this has been the most lethal episode of this long war since at least 1948… civilian deaths alone totaled more than 33,000 Palestinians and well over 800 Israelis.”
— Page 258

Reading this book was not easy, nor was it meant to be. Khalidi confronts readers with the harsh realities of imperialism, self-interest, and the immense suffering caused by decades of conflict. It’s a sobering reminder of the profound impact of geopolitical decisions on real lives.

Books in 2025

Looking ahead, I’m excited to continue this journey of discovery through books. I am eager to explore stories that challenge me, provoke thought, and reflect the complexities of our world. Some will be light and entertaining; others will be heavy and introspective. Regardless, I hope they’ll deepen my understanding of life and humanity. Here’s to another year of great reading.