Against the Loveless World by Susan Abulhawa | Quotes
Maisha Kuishi
I read Against the Loveless World by Susan Abulhawa last year. This book was such an eye-opener. It forced me to think deeply about some Middle Eastern countries I wouldn’t have otherwise considered.
The story follows the life of Nahr, a young woman born to refugee parents who fled war in Palestine and sought refuge in Kuwait. Nahr—meaning “River”—was named by her mother while pregnant and crossing a river on their journey.
She had three names: Nahr, given by her mother; Yaqoot, given by her father, inspired by a woman he was involved with during an affair (yes, really); and Almas, symbolising her resilience in shouldering her family’s responsibilities. This girl learned about pain, shame, and honour at a young age.
I’ve been thinking about this book again this week, so I decided to share some of my favourite quotes. It’s full of powerful lines, and here are a few that truly stood out to me:
When you don’t react predictably, you throw people off, hopefully long enough for you to gain the upper hand.
This quote reminded me of how power sometimes lies in surprising others—how strength can be in silence or strategy. Unpredictability can be a form of control, especially for women navigating patriarchal systems. It’s a quiet but potent kind of resistance.
Tomorrow morning, you get out of bed, clear your head, and decide how you will live. It is that simple. You make that one decision. Then you make another, and another. There are no forces holding you in this pathetic state. You are young, beautiful, and healthy. You have a home, family, and friends. Start from there.
Sometimes, you go through the toughest things in life, and all you want to do is throw yourself a pity party, stay in bed, and cry to sleep. But this quote gives the pep talk you need to keep going. Life does not pause for anyone—it keeps moving and can leave you behind if you’re not careful. I come back to this quote on days when I feel stuck.
Normal isn’t what other people do. You make your own normal.
What does ‘normal’ mean to you? What does it look like? This quote struck a chord with me. Society, family, and culture often tell us what’s normal, but this reminds us that our lives don’t have to mirror anyone else’s. We each define what feels right for us.
What is wrong with wanting what is best for my children?
This question broke my heart. As I age, I keep learning that mothers are the only people who will sacrifice everything they have for their children. They will do whatever it takes, even if it leaves them with nothing. I have seen this with my own mother and in the lives of others around me. Nahr’s mother reminded me so much of my own. The quiet strength, the sacrifices, the love that often goes unspoken.
No one judged me harshly more than I judged myself.
This one cut deep. I was raised to be kind and compassionate to others, but I’ve found it far harder to extend that same kindness to myself. I still struggle with it, though I’m learning to give myself grace, the same way I give it to those I love. I keep coming back to this quote as a reminder: It’s okay to make mistakes. It’s okay to forgive yourself.
For the ones we love, nothing is ever a trouble, and everything is never enough.
Love isn’t a burden, it’s a desire to give, to show up, to be present. This quote felt like a whisper of truth about the nature of love. When you love someone, you give not out of obligation but joy. The next quote strengthens this idea.
There are moments in life when you feel unloved or alone. But remembering that someone loved you—deeply and honestly—can ground you. It did for Nahr, and it reminded me to cherish the people who love me unconditionally. This line made me tear up. It’s the kind of love we all hope for: fierce and unwavering, even when the world is harsh.
Only we determine how our relationship should be. We can be whatever we want to each other… All I ask is honesty. I will give you the same, and I will always work to earn and keep your love, respect, and loyalty.
You are the driver of your life. You choose how you show up in relationships, how you love, and what you expect in return. This quote is a reminder that it’s okay to define your own terms, as long as they’re rooted in truth and respect. You’re in the driver’s seat: decide your direction, your pace, and your people.
If you enjoy historical fiction, this book is for you. It offers a new perspective on Palestine and its people. It reminds us that there’s more to a country than the headlines or news reports. Behind every conflict is a human story—full of love, loss, resilience, and hope.
