In Behind You Is the Sea, Susan Muaddi Darraj offers a rich, compassionate portrait of a Palestinian American community in Baltimore, where generations collide and culture is both a gift and a battleground.
Through the lives of three families—the wealthy Ammars, the working-class Baladis, and the tradition-bound Salamehs—this poignant novel explores identity, belonging, and the complicated pursuit of the American dream. From young activists clashing with conservative parents to the quiet tensions of class and family loyalty, these characters must navigate love, shame, loss, and legacy.
Finalist for the 2025 PEN/Faulkner and Anisfield-Wolf Awards, this lyrical and fearless debut confronts stereotypes and reveals the nuanced humanity behind headlines and heritage. A story of roots, reckoning, and the resilience of community.
