Book: The Thorn and the Carnation
Author: Yahya Sinwar
Reviewed by Ayesha Sultana
Yahya Sinwar’s novel The Thorn and the Carnation is a deeply moving and thought-provoking account that sheds light on the ongoing Palestinian struggle against Israeli occupation. Written during Sinwar’s time in Israeli jails, this powerful literary work captures both the historical and personal aspects of the Palestinian resistance, intertwining the harrowing experiences of imprisonment with the enduring hope of its people. The novel not only reflects the turbulent aftermath of the 1967 Arab-Israeli war but also humanizes the profound impact of decades of conflict on Palestinian families.
The novel opens on a tragic note, with the martyrdom of the protagonist’s father and uncle at the hands of Israeli soldiers. This loss becomes the driving force behind the protagonist’s journey, symbolizing the generational trauma endured by Palestinians. Sinwar masterfully portrays the emotional and psychological scars left on families affected by violence, using vivid descriptions to immerse readers in their pain, yet showing the unwavering resilience they maintain.
One of the most compelling sections of the book is Sinwar’s portrayal of Gaza’s prison system, referred to as “the slaughterhouse.” He spares no detail in recounting the brutal conditions faced by Palestinian prisoners, vividly describing the torture, suffocation, and degradation they experience. Despite this, the prisoners’ resolve shines through, symbolizing the unbreakable spirit of the Palestinian people even in the face of overwhelming odds.
The novel also explores the reality of administrative detention, a practice where Palestinians are imprisoned without trial. Sinwar delves into the inhumane conditions of these detentions, where hunger strikes often serve as a last-ditch effort for prisoners to reclaim their dignity. These hunger strikes stand as a powerful metaphor for resistance – an act of defiance against the system that seeks to dehumanise them.
Beyond the personal suffering, The Thorn and the Carnation also critiques the methods of coercion used by Israeli intelligence to fracture Palestinian society. Sinwar describes how Palestinians are manipulated into becoming informants through threats, violence, and economic desperation, leading to a deep sense of betrayal within their communities.
Despite the grim realities of life under occupation, Sinwar also highlights the perseverance of the Palestinian people in their pursuit of education and empowerment. The rise of the Islamic University of Gaza, founded by students determined to resist through knowledge, is depicted as a symbol of hope. Through the character of Ibrahim – modeled after Hamas founder Sheikh Ahmed Yassin – the novel shows how education becomes a key pillar of the Palestinian struggle for self-determination.
The title, The Thorn and the Carnation, perfectly encapsulates the duality of the Palestinian experience. The thorn represents the harsh, enduring hardships faced by Palestinians, while the carnation symbolizes the fleeting moments of beauty, hope, and resilience that persist amidst their suffering. This metaphor serves as a powerful reminder of the indomitable spirit of the Palestinian people in their quest for liberation.
In his author’s note, Sinwar explains that while the characters in the novel are fictional, every event depicted is real. He emphasizes that this story is not just his own but belongs to all Palestinians, as they collectively experience the pain, struggles, and hopes portrayed in the book. He dedicates the novel to those who remain steadfast in their attachment to the land of Palestine, particularly Jerusalem, and to those who long for freedom from occupation.
Sinwar concludes the narrative in December 2004 while imprisoned in the Eshel Prison in Beersheba, Palestine. The final scenes of the novel depict an uprising, as members of Palestinian resistance groups – including the Al-Qassam Brigades, Al-Aqsa Martyrs’ Brigades, and Jerusalem Brigades – march toward Jerusalem, waving their flags and weapons. The closing lines reflect the enduring call for liberation and the undying spirit of resistance among Palestinians.
Tragically, following Yahya Sinwar’s assassination by Israeli forces on October 17, 2024, the novel was removed from Amazon, sparking international outrage. Sinwar, who had risen to the leadership of Hamas after the death of Ismail Haniyeh, was a key figure in the October 7, 2023, Al-Aqsa Storm operation. His assassination marked a significant moment in the ongoing conflict, and shortly thereafter, his novel was erased from major platforms, including Amazon. This act of censorship has raised concerns about the erasure of Palestinian narratives from global discourse, particularly literature that challenges the mainstream portrayal of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Despite its removal from Amazon, The Thorn and the Carnation continues to resonate with readers who were fortunate enough to access it. Sinwar’s work stands as a testament to the Palestinian people’s strength, offering a poignant and deeply humanizing portrayal of their ongoing struggle for dignity, justice, and freedom. The novel remains a powerful reminder of the human cost of occupation and the resilience of a people determined to reclaim their homeland.
Through his storytelling, Yahya Sinwar immortalises the experiences of his people, ensuring that their voices, struggles, and hopes are not forgotten – even as the forces of censorship attempt to silence them. The Thorn and the Carnation lives on as a profound and moving narrative, urging the world to remember the Palestinian cause and the enduring fight for liberation.