Oranges In No Man 39;s Land Pdf Free Download
Oranges in No Man's Land: A Novel by Elizabeth Laird
Oranges in No Man's Land is a novel by Elizabeth Laird, a British writer of children's fiction and travel. The book tells the story of Ayesha, a ten-year-old girl who lives in Beirut during the Lebanese Civil War. Ayesha decides to cross the no man's land, a dangerous area between two warring factions, to find a doctor for her dying grandmother. Along the way, she encounters many challenges and dangers, but also makes new friends and discovers new aspects of herself. The book is based on Laird's own experiences of living and working in Lebanon in the 1970s.
oranges in no man 39;s land pdf free download
Introduction
Oranges in No Man's Land is a novel that explores themes such as courage, survival, friendship, compassion, identity, and belonging. The book is set in Beirut, Lebanon, in 1975, during the Lebanese Civil War. The Lebanese Civil War was a complex conflict that involved various political, religious, ethnic, and regional groups. The war lasted for 15 years, from 1975 to 1990, and resulted in an estimated 120,000 deaths and an exodus of almost one million people from Lebanon.
The author of the book, Elizabeth Laird, is a British writer who has spent her adult life experiencing many different cultures. She has lived and worked in Malaysia, Ethiopia, India, Iraq, Lebanon, Palestine, and other countries. Her books have been translated into at least twenty languages. She wrote Oranges in No Man's Land after visiting Lebanon again in 2004. She was inspired by a story she heard from a friend who had crossed the no man's land as a child during the war.
The book is relevant and interesting for readers who want to learn more about Lebanon's history, culture, and people. It is also a compelling story that shows how a young girl faces adversity with courage and resilience. It also shows how friendship and compassion can transcend boundaries and differences. The book is suitable for readers of different ages, especially young adults who can relate to Ayesha's struggles and aspirations.
Summary of the Plot
The Setting: Beirut during the Lebanese Civil War
The book is set in Beirut, the capital city of Lebanon, in 1975. Beirut was once known as the "Paris of the Middle East" for its cosmopolitan and vibrant culture. However, in 1975, a civil war broke out between various groups that had different political and religious affiliations. The war divided the city into two parts: East Beirut, controlled by the Christian militias, and West Beirut, controlled by the Muslim and leftist militias. Between the two parts was a no man's land, a strip of land that was heavily bombed and mined, and where snipers and gunmen lurked. Crossing the no man's land was extremely dangerous and often fatal.
The war affected the lives of millions of people in Lebanon. Many people lost their homes, their loved ones, their jobs, and their basic services. Many people also suffered from hunger, disease, injury, and trauma. The war also disrupted the education, health, and social systems of the country. The war created a climate of fear, hatred, violence, and uncertainty.
The Characters: Ayesha and her Family
The main character of the book is Ayesha, a ten-year-old girl who lives in West Beirut with her grandmother and her two brothers. Ayesha's father was killed by a bomb when she was six years old. Her mother left them soon after to look for work in another country. Ayesha has not heard from her mother since then. Ayesha is responsible for taking care of her grandmother, who is sick and bedridden, and her brothers, who are younger than her. Ayesha is brave, smart, curious, and loyal. She loves to read books and learn new things.
Ayesha's family lives in a small apartment in a poor neighborhood. They have very little money and food. They depend on the charity of their neighbors and the aid of some organizations. They also face constant threats from bombs, bullets, snipers, and looters. They have to cope with power cuts, water shortages, garbage piles, and rats. They have to stay indoors most of the time to avoid danger.
Ayesha's only friend is Samar, a girl who lives next door. Samar is also ten years old and has a similar situation as Ayesha. Samar is kind, cheerful, and optimistic. She likes to play games and tell jokes with Ayesha. Samar also helps Ayesha with her chores and her grandmother.
One day, Ayesha meets Dr. Leila, a woman who works in a clinic across the no man's land in East Beirut. Dr. Leila is a Christian who belongs to the other side of the war. Dr. Leila is compassionate, generous, and courageous. She risks her life to help people who are injured or sick from both sides of the war. She also tries to promote peace and dialogue among different groups of people.
The Conflict: Ayesha's Journey across the No Man's Land
The main conflict of the book is Ayesha's journey across the no man's land to find Dr. Leila for her grandmother. Ayesha decides to cross the no man's land after her grandmother becomes critically ill and needs medicine that is not available in West Beirut.
Ayesha faces many challenges and dangers along the way. She has to sneak out of her apartment without telling anyone where she is going. She has to avoid being seen by soldiers, militiamen, snipers, looters , and other dangers. She has to cross a bridge that is full of mines and explosives. She has to find her way through a maze of streets and buildings that are unfamiliar and hostile. She has to deal with hunger, thirst, fear, and loneliness.
Ayesha also meets many people who help her or hinder her along the way. She meets a boy named Omar, who is a street urchin and a thief. Omar tries to rob Ayesha, but later becomes her ally and guide. He shows Ayesha how to survive in the no man's land and how to reach the clinic. He also shares his stories and dreams with Ayesha.
Ayesha also meets a man named Abu Kamal, who is a taxi driver and a smuggler. Abu Kamal offers Ayesha a ride to the clinic, but he also tries to take advantage of her. He asks Ayesha for money and information that he can use for his own benefit. He also tries to sell Ayesha to a brothel, but Ayesha manages to escape from him.
Ayesha also meets a woman named Madame Jamila, who is a nurse and a humanitarian worker. Madame Jamila works in the clinic with Dr. Leila. She welcomes Ayesha and treats her with kindness and respect. She also gives Ayesha food, clothes, and medicine for her grandmother.
Ayesha finally reaches the clinic and finds Dr. Leila. Dr. Leila recognizes Ayesha from their previous encounter and is happy to see her. She examines Ayesha's grandmother and gives her the proper treatment. She also invites Ayesha to stay with her for a while and learn more about her work and life.
Ayesha learns a lot from Dr. Leila and her colleagues. She learns about medicine, science, history, culture, and religion. She learns about the different perspectives and experiences of people from different sides of the war. She learns about the importance of peace, dialogue, tolerance, and cooperation.
Ayesha also makes friends with other children who live or visit the clinic. She meets Rana, a girl who lost her leg in a bomb blast. She meets Sami, a boy who lost his parents in a massacre. She meets Nabil, a boy who is deaf and mute. She plays games, sings songs, tells stories, and shares oranges with them.
Analysis of the Themes and Messages
The Theme of Courage and Survival
One of the main themes of the book is courage and survival. The book shows how Ayesha shows courage and resilience in her journey across the no man's land. Ayesha faces many obstacles and risks, but she does not give up or lose hope. She uses her intelligence, resourcefulness, creativity, and determination to overcome them. She also draws strength from her love for her grandmother and her faith in God.
The book also shows how Ayesha inspires others to be brave and hopeful. Ayesha's courage impresses Omar, who decides to help her instead of harming her. Ayesha's courage also inspires Dr. Leila, who admires her spirit and initiative. Ayesha's courage also encourages Rana, Sami, Nabil, and other children who have suffered from the war.
The book also portrays the human spirit in times of war and hardship. The book shows how people can survive and thrive despite the horrors and challenges of war. The book shows how people can find joy and beauty in simple things like books, music, art, nature, and oranges. The Theme of Friendship and Compassion
Another theme of the book is friendship and compassion. The book shows how Ayesha forms friendships with people from different backgrounds and beliefs. Ayesha befriends Omar, who is a Muslim and a street urchin. Ayesha befriends Dr. Leila, who is a Christian and a doctor. Ayesha befriends Rana, Sami, Nabil, and other children who have different disabilities and stories. Ayesha does not judge people by their appearance, religion, or status. She treats them with respect, kindness, and trust.
The book also shows how Ayesha shows compassion and empathy to those in need. Ayesha helps Omar when he is injured by a mine. Ayesha helps Dr. Leila when she is threatened by a gunman. Ayesha helps Rana when she is sad about her leg. Ayesha helps Sami when he is angry about his parents. Ayesha helps Nabil when he is lonely and scared. Ayesha shares her food, clothes, medicine, and oranges with them.
The book also challenges stereotypes and prejudices about different groups of people. The book shows that people from different sides of the war can be friends and allies. The book shows that people from different religions can respect and learn from each other. The book shows that people with different abilities can contribute and participate in society.<