Books from Palestine — The Book Roads

Refaat Alareer

If I Must Die: Poetry and Prose is a collection of poems, essays, and short writings by Palestinian writer and academic Refaat Alareer, bringing together his reflections on life in Gaza, the experience of occupation, and the enduring importance of storytelling. Through intimate personal accounts and powerful literary expression, Alareer explores grief, displacement, resistance, and the determination to preserve Palestinian identity amid violence and destruction. The collection includes his internationally known poem “If I Must Die,” which imagines a kite as a symbol of hope and a message to the world. Combining political urgency with tenderness and humanity, the book bears witness to the experiences of Palestinians while celebrating their cultural heritage, collective memory, and desire for freedom. It stands as both a literary testament and a call to remember the human lives behind the headlines.

2024