Breezes

Breezes Review - Mike Warn

The novel Breezes by Wafica Mansour AlDoueiri is definitely a hidden gem and a work that truly does not get the appreciation it deserves. The book was originally written in Arabic and translated to English by translator Mouna Mana. We see two characters who are not actually mentioned by name, rather referred to as “him” and “her”. I believe this serves to generalize their personas and let the reader focus less on the character’s identities and more on the development of love between two individuals. The frustration and longing I felt, which other readers I’m sure also did, stems from this story of two lovers who have feelings for each other yet spend the majority of their time loving each other quietly at a distance. As a reader, I was rejoiced in the ending when they finally meet each other and engage in a deep and powerful love for one another. No relationship is truly perfect however, and we see these two kept apart by fear and a rumour. These obstacles are eventually overcome by love and communication, and the overarching theme that everything happens for a reason and if individuals are destined to be together, their hearts will find one another.

There are multiple themes in this novel. A theme that summarizes the story well, yet may be the most frustrating, is the effects of fear. She feared to ask him if the rumor was true and stayed away from him, searching elsewhere for loyalty. They feared to speak or even gesture to one another because of their fear of rejection, which is an anxiety many feel when introducing themselves to a crush. This was frustrating for the reader looking back and seeing the time wasted admiring one another from a distance. They could have spent more time together at a young age and let their love flourish even further, yet fear sat between them for such an extended time.

Another theme is the growth of mentality and feelings with age. People grow and learn from life experiences, shaping them into the individuals they were destined to become. If she was older and more confident maybe she would not have been so fearful to ask him about the rumor. Furthermore, with age people are able to look at the world more broadly and intelligently. Maybe if she was older she would not have listened to the rumour the girl spoke of in the first place and sought to seek the truth for herself.

Love is another apparent theme in this story. We see the power of love take hold over two people and allow them to overcome obstacles. The belief that love is true and unique carries through the novel. Everyone finds love for something in different ways and forms and most of us have to cross the nervous bridge of the initial communication and bridging the gap between friendship and lovers. I believe anyone who has been in love can relate to this story in one way or another. Whether it is tackling relationship rifts, such as rumours or hearsay, or finding ‘the one’, no love is perfect. People must stay optimistic with an open heart and mind to allow love in.

In conclusion, this story leaves you with courage to take risks not let life pass you by, to attack the day with vigor and purpose. While at first it may seem confusing to read and identify who is thinking or saying what, one soon becomes accustomed to the writing style and textual changes then is quickly immersed in the story. AlDoueiri’s unique insight into love through this work really made me enjoy reading the novel and sparked my curiosity to look for further literature of this style. Breezes is a rollercoaster of emotion. From sadness to frustration and eventually happiness, AlDoueiri offers a unique and captivating love story that almost anyone can relate to.

Mike Warn - CSUSB