Out Of It

Gaza is being bombed. Rashid wakes to discover he's got a scholarship to London, the escape route he's been waiting for. Meanwhile, his twin sister, Iman, frustrated by the atrocities and inaction around her, grabs recklessly at an opportunity to make a difference. Sabri, the oldest brother works on a history of Palestine from his wheelchair as their mother pickles vegetables and feuds with their neighbours. 

Out of It follows Rashid and Iman as they try to forge places for themselves in the midst of occupation, religious fundamentalism and the divisions between Palestinian factions. It tells of family secrets, unlikely love stories and unburied tragedies as it captures the frustrations and energies of the modern Arab World.

“A punchy first novel by a British Palestinian lawyer ... Beautifully observed ... the plot races and the voices are strong. The reader follows each person down the chosen path and, crucially, cares what becomes of them” –  The Times

“[Dabbagh's] talent for nailing detail is evident ... The author's assured command of her material means she can switch registers with ease, interleaving escalating tension and welcome humour ... Dabbagh herself scores highly with her debut novel” –  Independent

“This is a very successful debut novel ... The writing is both literary and accessible, fast-paced, passionate, exuberant and heart-lurching. We'll be hearing much more from Selma Dabbagh” –  Guardian

“Incendiary” –  Mariella Frostrup, Open Book, BBC Radio 4

“A breezy, thriller-esque debut ... that gets under the skin of the situation in Gaza” –  Metro

“Wonderfully perceptive and gripping” –  Daily Mirror

“An engrossing, suspenseful debut novel” –  Ashley Bates, Tikkun

“Takes us, observantly and deftly, into the lives and feelings of those who live in Gaza and want ordinary lives” –  Marina Warner, Observer, Books of the Year