Palestine Collection (Paperback)

The value of this book is relative to the exposure one has already had on the subject. If you do not know much about it, and especially if you have lived in an environment which portrays Palestinians as bad and Israelis as good, then this is a good book for you, that will open your eyes to the other side of the story.

However, you should not then regard this book as the truth. It is subjective as well in its own manner. Its subjectivity lies not so much on the presentation of non-truths, or its certain exagerations, but rather on its omission of truths which support the other side. For example, when the name "Golda Meier" comes up, the book mentions statements she made about the Palestinians which are ridiculous and cruel: and she did make such statements. However, when the name Nasser comes up, he appears only as someone who "symbolises Arab nationalism and unity," which is a great injustice to history and to the reader. Moreover, the coverage of the Israeli side of the story is so superficial, that it would be better if it had been omitted altogether.

Therefore, you should follow up in quest for knowledge on the subject with more material, from both sides. (try not to spend time looking for something "objective!" It does not exist.

Finally, if you have already been exposed to the various sides of the debate, this book may prove a good way to remind yourself that, after all the analysis of whose fault was what, and who is historically to blame, and what the legal issues are and the technicalities, there is alot of human suffering involved. I, personally, have experienced the human suffering from the Israeli side, and can venture to assert that it can reach similar levels. Afterall, if you start debating on moral issues by counting body bags, and comparing who suffers more, and who deserves it more, then you have lost the plot.

(The most disturbing aspect of this book is the portrayal of the place of women in society - the west vs. Palestine.)

As such I have to say this is a terrific piece of art and opinion-journalism from a major talent. Joe builds a whole world that is utterly foreign and unknown to the American mentality. It's an eye - opener, even knowing that the story is larger than Joe's deft and expert snapshot of these lives. Another part of the story is about poverty, which is endemic in Arab middle east and not always related to the occupation, but there's still a lot going on here.

Surely the Palestinians are a suffering tribe.. To other countries they're all tainted as potential terrorists or troublemakers.. They can't even leave, even if they wanted to. The world has conspired against them and now they're swallowed up into events they cannot control. Nothing I say makes any difference, but surely young people who are born into this mess are blameless and deserve a better life. I hope things improve.

Sacco's art is very stylized. The people are not beautiful and take a little getting used to. I'm more interested in other details, such as 'camera' angles, attention to fine detail, continuity, emotional expression and so on. On these measures Joe has a rare gift. I enjoyed the book & look forward to picking up his other work sometime.