Khalil

To be a suicide bomber for a moment. To put yourself in his shoes and time. To dare to formulate words from the heart of his thoughts and feelings. To not do him justice, to make excuses for him, or to sympathize with him. And then, to write a moving novel, drawing its events from the heart of reality, and instead of being affected by them, to remain neutral. When the novelist delves into the depths of Khalil's complex character, mistakes are forbidden, and caution is required.
Khalil's story seems familiar. It vividly depicts the lives of entire families who have abandoned their roots in search of a home that would embrace them, only to find disappointment. A familiar story, perhaps, until its hero takes the path of extremism in pursuit of scraps of respect and a perceived sense of importance in society.
A novel that raises legitimate questions about marginalization and true integration into different societies; about the frustration of young people with immigration and their feelings of emptiness and alienation; about family disintegration and the cursed legacy of despair and delusions that parents leave their children; about faith when it is merely an escape from thinking the worst; and about the inevitability of violence, war, and death as a means of crossing over to a brighter tomorrow.
As the reader accompanies Khalil through the corridors of this arduous journey, between one line and another he makes the most beautiful and heartwarming discoveries, about the soul that transcends the body, and about hope that heals, even if absent. To step into the shoes of a terrorist or a suicide bomber, even for a moment. To understand their thoughts and emotions and put them into words without justifying or sympathizing with them. Then, to craft a compelling novel, drawing from reallife experiences while remaining impartial. When delving into Khalil's complex character, there's no room for mistakes, only the utmost care.
Khalil's story may sound familiar a tale of families seeking acceptance in a new homeland but often finding disappointment. It becomes unique when he ventures down the path of extremism in search of respect and status.
The novel raises important questions about marginalization and genuine integration, the frustrations of young migrants, feelings of emptiness and alienation, the disintegration of families, and the legacy of parents’ despair pass to their children. It explores how ideology can be an escape from confronting the worst as well as the inevitability of violence, war, and death on the path to a brighter future.
As readers follow Khalil on his challenging journey, they'll discover the resilience of the human spirit and the healing power of hope, even in its absence.