We Could Have Been Friends, My Father and I

A Palestinian Memoir

By: Raja Shehadeh

Narrated by: Peter Ganim

2023 National Book Award Finalist for Nonfiction

A subtle psychological portrait of the author’s relationship with his father during the twentieth-century battle for Palestinian human rights.

Aziz Shehadeh was many things: lawyer, activist, and political detainee. He was also the father of bestselling author and activist Raja. In this searingly personal memoir, Raja Shehadeh unpicks the snags and complexities of their relationship. A vocal and fearless opponent, Aziz resists under the British mandatory period, then under Jordan, and, finally, under Israel. As a young man, Raja fails to recognize his father’s courage, and in turn, his father does not appreciate Raja’s own efforts in campaigning for Palestinian human rights. When Aziz is murdered in 1985, it changes Raja irrevocably.

This is not only the story of the battle against the various oppressors of the Palestinians but also a moving portrait of a particular father and son relationship.

©2022 Raja Shehadeh (P)2023 Blackstone Publishing

Great book, well written

This is a great book! I recommend it for all interested in Palestinian history but anyone would benefit from reading it for understanding the Palestinians.

Historical facts I didn’t know

Liked learning this part of the Palestinian-Israel history . So much I did not know about the role Jordan played in the first years of Palestinians displacement

Saddened by the tragic events and suffering of so many people that decades later still continues

Great historical story

Loved the personal, family story of the Palestinian experience prior to 1948 and since. For anyone who thinks Palestine was “a land without a people “, they should read this story. It is so sad what has happened to Palestine & the Palestinian people!!!