So many things I like. A few I don't. Sonia and her family are compelling, but most of the analysis (including the comparison of Hamlet to the political situation) just scrapes the surface. I wanted more from Sonia, even though I liked an older (by literature standards), experienced woman as a protagonist. 

I wanted more from the symbolism and a deeper delve into Hamlet's actual lines; I really like that they're translated back into English from the Arabic translation. I'm lucky to have studied Hamlet many times before and feel it would have been worth the exposition to fully grasp Hamlet's significance in the allusion.

The ending.

I'm disappointed to see Sonia still wanting Ibrahim after his confession of a wife. But concluding with the question of Sonia's return and soldier intrusion on the play/demonstration was satisfying BECAUSE it was all so uncertain.

I recommend this book to most fans of literary fiction, with a push to theatre lovers who will enjoy the references to acting training.