Raised between Kuwait, Egypt, and the US, Randa Jarrar reflects on living in diaspora in A Map of Home

? UNDER THE LAMPLIGHT-

A Map of Home: An ode to displaced Palestinians and the diasporic identity. A novel by Palestinian-Egyptian Randa Jarrar recalls the story of her life under the name of Nidali, who is also a girl of Palestinian, Greek, and Egyptian heritage, as she grows up between Kuwait, Egypt, and the US.

The book is divided into three parts, each representing Nidali's experiences in these different countries. Nidali faces challenging circumstances, including violence and family conflicts, while also exploring her own identity, including her cultural background and sexuality.

The author draws on her personal experiences to shape the character of Nidali.Throughout the novel, Nidali struggles with her multicultural identity and the concept of home, as she tries to find her place in a world of displacement and constant change.

The narrative also explores the theme of relationships as warfare, relating the backdrop of war to the conflicts within Nidali's family. Additionally, the novel depicts school as both a refuge and a battleground, highlighting its role as an escape from Nidali's home life and a place of struggle.