Gifted with a mind that continues to impress the elders in his village, Ichmad Hamid struggles with the knowledge that he can do nothing to save his friends and family. Living on occupied land, his entire village operates in constant fear of losing their homes, jobs, and belongings. But more importantly, they fear losing each other.

On Ichmad’s twelfth birthday, that fear becomes reality.

With his father imprisoned, his family’s home and possessions confiscated, and his siblings quickly succumbing to hatred in the face of conflict, Ichmad begins an inspiring journey using his intellect to save his poor and dying family. In doing so he reclaims a love for others that was lost through a childhood rife with violence, and discovers a new hope for the future.

“…brilliant and powerful…a fiction that rings with authenticity and integrity to reveal the wonder of what it really is to be human. If ever peace is to become a reality between Israel and Palestine, it will be because of the influence of books such as this…This…book…will endure and resonate forever in the souls of all who read it…Some books have the power to change us profoundly; this is one of those books.” – Les Edgerton

“…Michelle Corasanti’s profound and finely crafted debut novel tells the story of one man, Ichmad Hamid, from his humble beginnings as a scared and helpless child in an occupied village through to his inspirational rise to power and influence. This intimate tale of love and loss and awareness shines a greater understanding of the personal toll of the ongoing Israeli–Palestinian conflict.” – Marcy Dermansky author, Bad Marie

“…beautifully written and exhibits an inherent knowledge of life in the Occupied Palestinian Territories and Gaza. Corasanti’s elaboration of history and fiction has created a touching narration which ensnares the reader from the first chapter.” – Middle East Monitor

MICHELLE COHEN CORASANTI has a BA from Hebrew University in Jerusalem and a MA from Harvard University, both in Middle Eastern Studies. She is, also, a lawyer trained in international and human rights law. A Jewish American, she has lived in France, Spain, Egypt, and England, and spent seven years living in Israel. She currently lives in New York with her family. The Almond Tree is her first novel.

Visit Michelle Cohen Corasanti’s website at http://thealmondtreebook.com/.