The Palace of the Two Hills

A mysterious letter leads Faysal back to his Palestinian roots, revealing family secrets and the struggles of his homeland in The Palace of the Two Hills.

In The Palace of the Two Hills, Faysal receives a mysterious letter regarding the death of an aunt he barely remembers. This unexpected news compels him to leave his life and lover in Europe behind, returning to his birthplace in Palestine. There, he finds himself in his family's extraordinary, albeit deserted house, known as the palace on the higher hill. Amidst a backdrop of violence and constant threats from settlers, Faysal begins to explore the once-opulent rooms of his childhood home. As he wanders through the echoes of the past, figures from his family's history emerge, illuminating both his personal narrative and that of his people.

Karim Kattan's writing in The Palace of the Two Hills is characterized by beautiful yet intense prose, crafting an intimate portrayal of Palestine that navigates the delicate balance between dreams and nightmares. The novel resonates with themes reminiscent of classics like One Hundred Years of Solitude and Brideshead Revisited, yet offers a fresh, nuanced perspective on the tragedy of war. Kattan's work speaks to the complexities of identity and belonging, providing readers with a deeply moving vision of his homeland.

This poignant narrative not only tells Faysal's story but also serves as a broader commentary on the experiences of Palestinians. Winning the 2021 Prix des Cinq Continents de la Francophonie, The Palace of the Two Hills stands out as a significant contribution to contemporary literature, inviting English-speaking audiences to engage with a narrative that feels both personal and universal.