Men in the Sun by Ghassan Kanafani

Ghassan Kanafani is one of the famous Arab writers who represent resistance literature. His writings were mainly devoted to depict the struggle of his people and ignite new resistance acts against Israeli forces of occupation. The writer affirmed the strong determination of the Palestinian people to liberate their occupied lands whatever the cost would be. Kanafani was a writer and journalist from Acre, the editor of al-Hadaf. A member of the Political Bureau of PFLP and its spokesperson, he published their newspapers (Al-Ray, The Opinion). Kanafani was killed by a car bomb on July 8, 1972 in Beirut.

Men in the Sun is Ghassan Kanafani's first novel. This novel explains the consequences of the Nakbah on Palestine and the Palestinians through three generations who have different backgrounds but they all share the same goal and dream which is to find their way to Kuwait. They believe Kuwait is their hope for survival in this world and by reaching there they will accomplish their dreams.

English: map of Kuwait (CIA)

Ghassan Kanafani

Palestinian graffiti tribute

Their dreams are the basic human rights which are having a house with a concrete roof and enough food and money.

Abu Qais

Abu Qais is the first character in the novel. He is an old man who lost his house and his olive trees and now he is living with his wife and his son Qais in the refugee camp. Everyday he dreams of returning to his olive trees but he doesn't know how will he go back there after the Jews have invaded it. He is forced to move to Kuwait because of his family's economic condition. His dreams are to come back with enough money to build a house and buy olive trees.

Asaad

Asaad represents the middle generation, he is being chased by the authorities for his political activities. He is...