Born a Refugee: A Novel of One Palestinian Family

By Dixiane Hallaj

Amidst overcrowding, poverty, and political violence in the Kalandia Refugee Camp, a widow and her four sons struggle to build a better life. The oldest brother, Mahmoud, thrust into the position of sole provider by the death of their father, transfers his dream of attending university to his younger brother, Ali, who prides himself on his skill at throwing rocks at the military occupation forces. Ali scorns what he sees as his brother's preoccupation with the material side of life and insists that bringing world attention to the plight of the refugees is the best route to independence and a better life, not just for thir family but for all Palestinians.
As they experience their own personal tragedy and trauma, the brothers take very different paths through courtship and marriage. It is the family itself that supports each of them and brings them to the realization that both views are valid and indispensable.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Dixiane Hallaj
• Release date: Jun 23, 2011
• ISBN: 9781458022431

Dixiane Hallaj

Dixiane Hallaj spent eleven years living and working in the Middle East as part of her husband's extended family, gaining a deep understanding of the culture and the problems that face the Palestinian people. She recently interviewed women in refugee camps for her award winning doctoral dissertation. Dixie received her PhD in 2006 from George Mason University. She currently lives in Purcellville, Virginia with her husband of 52 years, Muhammad Hallaj and their cat named "Dog."