Book excerpt: Beneath the ancient olive trees, Fadwa finds herself drawn back to a land steeped in memory and history. As she reconnects with the rhythms of gazan life, she is reminded of the simple joys and deep sorrows that shaped her childhood. Amidst the familiar scents and sounds of her homeland, Fadwa must come to terms with the passage of time, the changes it brings, and the enduring bond between people and place. "In the Shadows of the Olive Trees" is a lyrical exploration of identity, belonging, and the ties that bind us to our roots. As Fadwa navigates her return to a world she once knew, she discovers that some connections, like the ancient trees themselves, are unbreakable. This novel is a reflection on the journey home and the memories that shape us.