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Intimate Fractures: The Aftermath of a Rape Kindle Edition

4.9 out of 5 stars 21 ratings


In 1963, Mustafa, a male Palestinian Duke University foreign student, attended a political rally in Durham, North Carolina. While walking to the event,three men viciously attacked him and then raped him. In the days after the attack, the trauma causes him to withdraw from his girlfriend and seek a fresh start. He began the long cross-country walk to Stanford University, where previously he had been accepted.
During his travel, Mustafa faced many joys and challenges as he met with injury, hospitality and kindness, friendship, felonies, racism, and, of course, love. He met farmers, international criminals, and, incredibly, a Palestinian-American Polygamist family. Through his adventures and misadventures, he experienced the full range of human emotion, but learned that the biggest challenge was within himself. Could he reconcile his bodily desires with his wounded self-image and become a true partner to the woman he loved?

From the Publisher

literary fiction, historical fiction, social issues, Paliestinian love story

5-Star Review!

"Wagih Abu-Rish's work, 'Intimate Fractures,' is a standout exploration of emotions. It unabashedly delves into the nuances of human resilience, overcoming trauma, and the healing power of love.

"This novel pulled no punches - human connections are laid bare, exploring the threads that link past and present, love and deception, and the fragility of the human heart." -The Historical Fiction Company

Editorial Reviews

Review

Intimate Fractures: The Aftermath of a Rape is a soul-searching novel that will keep the reader rooting for the main character, Mustafa. Abu-Rish has a knack for crafting relatable, realistic characters who undergo transformation over the pages. Readers looking for a story that will challenge them to reach deep inside and ponder how we overcome trauma will find Intimate Fractures a gem. - Book Review Directory

"Wagih Abu-Rish's work, 'Intimate Fractures,' is a standout exploration of emotions. It unabashedly delves into the nuances of human resilience, overcoming trauma, and the healing power of love. This novel pulled no punches - human connections are laid bare, exploring the threads that link past and present, love and deception, and the fragility of the human heart."
-The Historical Fiction Company

This is a story of finding yourself again; of resilience; of not giving up the fight to work your way toward better days when something terrible happens to you. There's such honesty and vulnerability on the page. It's hard not to just hug the book when you're done with it. INTIMATE FRACTURES is not a light read, and it's not intended to be. But, it's a worthwhile and authentic read that you won't be sorry you picked up. Well-written, well-told, and well-executed, I enjoyed my time with these characters very much.
- L.E.A. an Amazon Reader

This is a story of finding yourself again; of resilience; of not giving up the fight to work your way toward better days when something terrible happens to you. There's such honesty and vulnerability on the page. It's hard not to just hug the book when you're done with it. INTIMATE FRACTURES is not a light read, and it's not intended to be. But, it's a worthwhile and authentic read that you won't be sorry you picked up. Well-written, well-told, and well-executed, I enjoyed my time with these characters very much. -
P.B. an Amazon Reader

About the Author

Wagih Abu-Rish is a Palestinian-American author and activist. He spent much of his career as a businessman, specializing in acquisitions. During a long and varied professional career, he was a foreign journalist in Beirut, Lebanon, and an ad executive on Madison Avenue in New York.He has been active in promoting progressive causes such as democratic practices and equal rights. Among those causes, he feels strongly about the need for the liberation of women in the Middle East, which he considers to be the most overlooked and abridged human right of all.It is his hope that this book highlights the themes he believes in. The most salient of such themes is the fact that most adherents are ignorant of the essence of their own religions. This applies equally to the adherents of Islam and to all other religions.His second and mostly implied theme is the difficulty people have in humanizing others, whether that means another gender, ethnicity, or nationality. Such humanization is the starting point for resolving difficulties and conflicts between competing individuals, parties, and countries.Mr. Abu-Rish earned bachelor's and master's degrees in journalism from the University of Houston and the University of Oregon. This is his first novel.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0CH8RYNPR
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Kirkland Publishing House
  • Accessibility ‏ : ‎ Learn more
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ October 3, 2023
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 1.2 MB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 275 pages
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 979-8985915259
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.9 out of 5 stars 21 ratings

About the author

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Wagih Abu-Rish
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Wagih Abu-Rish is a Palestinian-American author and activist. He spent much of his career as a businessman, specializing in acquisitions. During a long and varied professional career, he was a foreign journalist in Beirut, Lebanon, and an ad executive on Madison Avenue in New York.

He has been active in promoting progressive causes such as democratic practices and equal rights. Among those causes, he feels strongly about the need for the liberation of women in the Middle East, which he considers to be the most overlooked and abridged human right of all.

It is his hope that this book highlights the themes he believes in. The most salient of such themes is the fact that most adherents are ignorant of the essence of their own religions. This applies equally to the adherents of Islam and to all other religions.

His second and mostly implied theme is the difficulty people have in humanizing others, whether that means another gender, ethnicity, or nationality. Such humanization is the starting point for resolving difficulties and conflicts between competing individuals, parties, and countries.

Mr. Abu-Rish earned bachelor's and master's degrees in journalism from the University of Houston and the University of Oregon. This is his first novel.

Customer reviews

4.9 out of 5 stars
21 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find this book emotionally charged, with one review noting how it explores the complexities of trauma and healing. The writing receives praise for its unflinching honesty, and customers appreciate the well-developed characters. They value the book's relevance, with one customer describing it as a profound literary experience.

14 customers mention "Heartbreaking story"11 positive3 negative

Customers describe this book as a touching and emotionally charged story that instantly pulls readers in, with one customer noting how it explores the complexities of trauma and healing.

"Intimate Fractures: The Aftermath of a Rape is a touching book that tells the story of Mustafa, a young man who was attacked and raped by three men,..." Read more

"...Aftermath of a Rape" by Wagih Abu-Rish is a significant and emotionally charged book that addresses a challenging and often overlooked subject, male..." Read more

"...This is a story of finding yourself again; of resilience; of not giving up the fight to work your way toward better days when something terrible..." Read more

"...Author Wagih Abu-Rish masterfully crafts a narrative that delves into the complexities of trauma and healing, offering a poignant glimpse into the..." Read more

8 customers mention "Honesty"8 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the book's honest approach, describing it as well-written and an important piece of writing. One customer notes it is told in third person.

"...The author paints a picture of Mustafa’s life that’s honest and full of emotion, making it easy to care about the characters and their struggles...." Read more

"...Intimate Fractures" is a powerful and important piece of writing that can contribute to a broader conversation about sexual violence and survivorship." Read more

"...Told in third person, which I think helps, there's just enough distance to the horror that I was able to follow Mustafa's journey to the end...." Read more

"...when the victim is a man, this book emerges as a beacon of unflinching honesty and profound empathy...." Read more

5 customers mention "Value for money"5 positive0 negative

Customers find the book valuable, with one mentioning it's about rediscovering oneself, while another notes it's life-changing for Mustafa.

"...At its heart, the book is about rediscovering oneself, finding resilience, and not giving up when life takes a dark turn...." Read more

""Intimate Fractures: The Aftermath of a Rape" by Wagih Abu-Rish is a significant and emotionally charged book that addresses a challenging and often..." Read more

"...This is life-changing for Mustafa and how his life unfolds is inspiring...." Read more

"...The story is eye-opening, relevant, and shares an important experience that is not often talked about." Read more

4 customers mention "Character development"4 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the character development in the book.

"...’s life that’s honest and full of emotion, making it easy to care about the characters and their struggles...." Read more

"...has along the way, encompassing both kindness and cruelty, add depth to his character and challenge societal stigmas, shame, and self-doubt...." Read more

"The story instantly pulls you in; the characters are well-developed, and I immediately felt connected to them, wanting to know how everything would..." Read more

"...Abu-Rish’s writing is very matter-of-fact. The characters are well-developed, and the story is tragic, painful, and heartwarming...." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on October 13, 2023
    Intimate Fractures: The Aftermath of a Rape is a touching book that tells the story of Mustafa, a young man who was attacked and raped by three men, and how he deals with this life-changing, traumatic experience. The story starts with Mustafa’s traumatic incident, and his journey unfolds as he deals with the aftermath. Mustafa’s experiences are relatable to anyone who has faced harassment. The author, Wagih Abu-Rish, tells the story in a way that lets us connect with Mustafa’s challenges without overwhelming us with the trauma. Even though the book deals with a difficult topic, it's a captivating and touching story.

    At its heart, the book is about rediscovering oneself, finding resilience, and not giving up when life takes a dark turn. The author paints a picture of Mustafa’s life that’s honest and full of emotion, making it easy to care about the characters and their struggles. The story takes unexpected twists that keep you engaged, challenging your assumptions. Despite the challenging theme, it’s a story that encourages understanding and empathy for the emotional turmoil that comes with such experiences. Mustafa’s journey and the feelings he experiences are depicted clearly, making you cheer for him and wish for a happy ending. As you read, you’ll find yourself invested in Mustafa’s progress and the love and support he needs.

    This book is skillfully written and thought-provoking. Its honesty and strong storytelling make it a meaningful journey. Mustafa’s story teaches us that the effects of harassment can touch anyone, and it encourages us to confront our difficulties and seek healing.

    Wagih Abu-Rish has captured Mustafa's journey beautifully, making " Intimate Fractures: The Aftermath of a Rape" a must-read for those looking for a touching and profound literary experience.
  • Reviewed in the United States on October 23, 2023
    "Intimate Fractures: The Aftermath of a Rape" by Wagih Abu-Rish is a significant and emotionally charged book that addresses a challenging and often overlooked subject, male sexual violence. the book focuses on the narrative and the experiences of Mustafa, a Palestinian student, as he grapples with the traumatic aftermath of a brutal assault.

    The book's portrayal of Mustafa's journey, set in the context of a world that often fails to acknowledge the pain of male rape victims, is commendable for its unflinching honesty and profound empathy. It explores the complexities of trauma and healing, shedding light on the struggles and resilience of survivors.

    The metaphorical journey Mustafa embarks on serves as a powerful symbol of his internal path toward healing and self-acceptance. The encounters he has along the way, encompassing both kindness and cruelty, add depth to his character and challenge societal stigmas, shame, and self-doubt.

    This book appears to break down barriers and give voice to those who are often silenced by stigma and shame. It's heartening to hear that reading it elicited a range of emotions and provided a better understanding of this frequently shunned and sensitive topic.

    "Intimate Fractures" is a powerful and important piece of writing that can contribute to a broader conversation about sexual violence and survivorship.
  • Reviewed in the United States on October 10, 2023
    This is a tough and mesmerizingly beautiful book all in one. When Mustafa is raped, his life takes a much different path than the one he was on before he was attacked. Readers travel with him in the aftermath of his trauma toward trying to find hope after the horrific event that he was lucky to live through. I am close to the subject to rape, and it's one that's tough to live and read about. But the author does an expert job at paying special mind to the reader as we follow his main character. Told in third person, which I think helps, there's just enough distance to the horror that I was able to follow Mustafa's journey to the end. And I certainly am glad I did.

    This is a story of finding yourself again; of resilience; of not giving up the fight to work your way toward better days when something terrible happens to you. There's such honesty and vulnerability on the page. It's hard not to just hug the book when you're done with it. INTIMATE FRACTURES is not a light read, and it’s not intended to be. But, it’s a worthwhile and authentic read that you won’t be sorry you picked up. Well-written, well-told, and well-executed, I enjoyed my time with these characters very much.
  • Reviewed in the United States on October 17, 2023
    In a world often hesitant to confront the harsh realities of sexual violence, especially when the victim is a man, this book emerges as a beacon of unflinching honesty and profound empathy. Author Wagih Abu-Rish masterfully crafts a narrative that delves into the complexities of trauma and healing, offering a poignant glimpse into the life of Mustafa, a Palestinian student grappling with the aftermath of a brutal assault. Set in 1963, the story follows Mustafa's journey of self-discovery and resilience as he navigates a world that often fails to acknowledge the pain of male rape victims. Mustafa's cross-country trek becomes a metaphor for his internal journey towards healing and self-acceptance. Along the way, he encounters a kaleidoscope of humanity, experiencing both kindness and cruelty, acceptance and rejection. These encounters shape his understanding of the world and his place within it, challenging his internalized shame and self-doubt. The book really showcases Mustafa's determination to confront his trauma and reclaim his identity. The portrayal of male survivorship breaks down societal barriers and offers a voice to those often silenced by stigma and shame. The feelings I had while reading this were all over the place and I came away from it with so much emotion and a better understanding of such an often shunned topic. A very powerful piece of writing.

Top reviews from other countries

  • Abhinav
    5.0 out of 5 stars Soul's Odyssey
    Reviewed in India on October 25, 2023
    In 'Intimate Fractures: The Aftermath of a Rape' by Wagih Abu-Rish, readers are taken on a harrowing and ultimately uplifting journey through the aftermath of a traumatic event. Mustafa, a Palestinian student, finds his life forever altered after a vicious attack and rape during a 1963 political rally in Durham, North Carolina. What unfolds is a gripping narrative that explores the profound impact of such an unimaginable crime.
    Abu-Rish's storytelling is both heart-rending and heartwarming. Mustafa's resilience and courage shine through as he embarks on a life-altering cross-country journey from North Carolina to Stanford University. We are exposed to a full spectrum of experiences, from the warmth of newfound friendships and acts of kindness to the challenges of racism, encounters with the law, and the enduring power of love.
    One of the most touching aspects of the story is Mustafa's relationship with Michelle, his daughter-buddy. Their deep bond and shared decisions regarding their future resonate with readers, evoking strong emotions. Their journey together prompts us to reflect on the profound themes of forgiveness, self-identity, and the human capacity for resilience.
    'Intimate Fractures' is a testament to Abu-Rish's storytelling prowess. His narrative draws readers into Mustafa's world, allowing us to explore universal themes of love, trauma, and self-discovery. As we follow Mustafa's trials and tribulations, we are reminded of the intricate nature of the human experience. Abu-Rish's elegant prose paints a vivid picture of the triumph of the human spirit in the face of adversity.
    This book is a moving and thought-provoking exploration of the enduring power of the human spirit. 'Intimate Fractures' is a story that lingers in the mind and heart, leaving a lasting impact on readers long after the final page.

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