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Cover of THE PATCHWORK CLOAK OF KAMAL BEY
4.60

Based on 5 Goodreads ratings

THE PATCHWORK CLOAK OF KAMAL BEY

by the author’s mentor and family friend, a “force\u002Dof\u002Dnature raconteur” Egyptian named Kamal Bey who memorably compares the increasing “tribalism” of the United States’ political parties to “the fanatics of the Middle East.” Zada’s own Egyptian ancestry, combined with his Westernized Arab upbringing and lifelong wanderlust, gives him a unique perspective—one that he eloquently expresses with a clear and vivid narrative voice that uses the desert as a metaphor for identity and nationality: “The desert constantly shifts and changes as we move through it… It is one desert, yet it is made up of endless permutations, all slightly different from each other but sharing a common, underlying reality.” This is a compelling travel memoir that doubles as a thoughtful reflection on the unnecessary (and self\u002Dimposed) national and cultural boundaries that exist only to distract us from our shared humanity."

Book Details

Publisher:Of
Published:2024-01-01
Format:paperback
Language:English
ISBN:9781777357

Reading Info

Age Range:12-18

About This Book

This middle-grade fantasy adventure follows a young protagonist on a quest to mend a magical garment that holds the fate of their world, weaving themes of identity, heritage, and resilience into a ri...

Our Review

This middle-grade fantasy adventure follows a young protagonist on a quest to mend a magical garment that holds the fate of their world, weaving themes of identity, heritage, and resilience into a richly imagined narrative. The story's strength lies in its tangible world-building, where every stitch in the titular cloak represents a memory or a piece of history that the hero must reclaim. Young readers will be captivated by the high-stakes journey and the relatable struggle of piecing together one's own story from scattered fragments. The plot moves at a compelling pace, balancing quieter moments of self-discovery with thrilling encounters and magical challenges.

What sets this novel apart is its profound, yet accessible, metaphor for cultural inheritance and self-acceptance, making it particularly resonant for readers navigating their own complex identities. The protagonist's emotional journey from confusion to empowerment is handled with genuine sensitivity, offering a powerful model of courage. Parents and educators will appreciate the book's thoughtful exploration of how our past shapes us without defining our future. Ultimately, this is a spellbinding tale that celebrates the beauty and strength found in a mosaic of experiences, leaving a lasting impression about the fabric of family and self.

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