Author Interview: Mary Costello

Ilan Pappé's book examines widely held beliefs about the foundations and policies of the State of Israel, arguing that many popular narratives obscure practices that harm Palestinians. He presents historical evidence and critiques official explanations to challenge myths about threats, intentions, and actions. The work situates contemporary Israeli policies within a longer history of dispossession and contested national narratives. Pappé aims to reframe debates by exposing misconceptions and encouraging reassessment of accepted accounts. The book has been influential and controversial in discussions of Middle Eastern history and politics.

The novel tells the story of Estha and Rahel, fraternal twins whose lives are shaped by the 'Love Laws' and the societal norms of 1960s Kerala, India. The story is intertwined with the past and present, exploring the complex family dynamics, the lingering effects of casteism, and the impact of British colonialism. The narrative is characterized by its non-sequential style, reflecting the process of memory and the resurfacing of painful memories. The book is a poignant exploration of the loss of innocence, societal injustices, and the universal human tragedy of unfulfilled dreams.