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Title: The Secret Life of Saeed, the Ill-Fated Pessoptimist: A Palestinian Who Became a Citizen of Israel by Emile Habiby, Salma Khadra Jayyusi, Trevor Le Gassick, Trevor Le Gassick ISBN: 0-930523-08-3 Publisher: Readers Intl Pub. Date: August, 1989 Format: Hardcover Volumes: 1 List Price(USD): $12.95

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Average Customer Rating: 4.5 (2 reviews)

Rating: 5
Summary: More than a Classic
Comment: Habiby was one of the "Palestinians of the Interior". He managed to stay after 1948 when more than 700,000 Palestinians were expelled or fled out of fear of possible massacres in the wake of Deir Yassin. Habiby remained and became an Israeli citizen.

Thus, this book contains some autobiographical elements, mostly around the dilemma of the Palestinians who became citizens of Israel only to find themselves second-class citizens. In the particular case of Said, the character reacts with an ever-increasing zeal, trying to serve the Israeli state as much as possible.

The Palestinian tragedy is told here with an explosive sense of humour, an ever-present wit and through stories and anecdotes which, although revealing many of the deep contradictions inherent to occupation, never compromise on literary and narrative standards. The language in the Arabic version is beautiful and concise. The English and French translations maintained this spirit very well and are, in my opinion, excellent. Habiby's deep knowledge of history and his erudition in literature are impressive.

This book became a classic of Arabic fiction. No wonder. It is both entertaining and very touching.

Rating: 4
Summary: sadly humorous tale
Comment: "The Secret Life of Saeed" relates the experiences of a not-so-bright Palestinian informer. Saeed leads a tragic life, and thinks his only chance in improvement is by working with the Israelis to discredit and destroy Palestinian political workers' groups. Through symbols and metaphors, the author illustrates the absurdly difficult life that working class Palestinians are forced to lead because of Israeli occupation.