How is the presence of the Palestinians described through their absence? : A narratological reading of Ibtisam Azems novel: The Book of Disappearance

Abstract: This thesis is about How the presence of the Palestinians is described through their absence in The Book of Disappearance. The analysis emphasizes the image of the other for both (Palestinians and Israelis). In addition to discussing the image of the other in both Hebrew and Arabic literature, the thesis uses narratology to study the polyphony and specificity of time and place in the text. The analysis section is divided into two main chapters. Chapter One: The Image of the Palestinians in the past: it shows a positive image of Palestinians in Jaffa. The second chapter: The Image of Palestinian in the present: It focuses on The Israelis' view of the absence of the Palestinians. This view is reflected through multiple voices. Ariel, the main Israeli character similar to the Palestinian Alaa, appears with a somewhat neutral opinion of the Palestinians. Alaa describes in his diary the situation of the Palestinians in the present. The analysis shows that the absence of Palestinians has made a significant impact on the lives of Israelis. Their reactions to that absence vary between fear, joy, and indifference. Finally, in this novel, Azem has been able through the multiplicity of Israeli characters, to give an objective view of the Jews in the modern Arab novel.