Crescent: Summary and book reviews of Crescent by Diana Abu-Jaber, plus links to an excerpt from Crescent and a biography of Diana Abu-Jaber.

An Arab-American novel as delicious as Like Water for Chocolate. Praised by critics from The New Yorker to USA Today for her first novel, Arabian Jazz ("an oracular tale that unfurls like gossamer"), Diana Abu-Jaber weaves with spellbinding magic a multidimensional love story set in the Arab-American community of Los Angeles. Thirty-nine-year-old Sirine, never married, lives with a devoted Iraqi-immigrant uncle and an adoring dog named King Babar. She works as a chef in a Lebanese restaurant, her passions aroused only by the preparation of food—until an unbearably handsome Arabic literature professor starts dropping by for a little home cooking. Falling in love brings Sirene's whole heart to a boil—stirring up memories of her parents and questions about her identity as an Arab American. Written in a lush, lyrical style reminiscent of The God of Small Things, infused with the flavors and scents of Middle Eastern food, and spiced with history and fable, Crescent is a sensuous love story and a gripping tale of risk and commitment.

Media Reviews

Orlando Sentinel A pleasing hybrid of Like Water for Chocolate and Haroun and the Sea of Stories.   The Baltimore Sun - John Muncie Crescent is a rich, delicious concoction that has you rooting for the star-crossed lovers.   Chicago Tribune - Beth Kephart Radiant, wise and passionate ... a book written by an author who never for an instant relinquished her grip on this willingly enchanted reader.   Oregonian - Andrea Spencer [A] lovely tale ... an urgent mix of Scheherazade-style storytelling and treatise on the loneliness of exile.   Vanity Fair A deliciously romantic romp.   San Francisco Chronicle Abu-Jaber's voluptuous prose features insights into the Arab-American community that are wisely, warmly depicted.   Christian Science Monitor Exquisite ... Readers stuffed on headlines but still hungering for something relevant will enjoy this rich meal.   Library Journal Wise, spirited, and evocative, this work offers an ardent look at the human side of political cant.   Publishers Weekly [A] beautifully imagined and timely novel.   Booklist Starred Review. Abu-Jaber's language is miraculous ... It is not possible to stop reading.   Kirkus Reviews A powerful story about the loneliness of exile and the limits of love. An impressive second outing by Abu-Jaber. Sigrid Nunez It is a story about how to cook and how to eat, and how to live in the new country. And, like all good novels, it is about how to tell a story. Connie May Fowler Lush, poignant, and searing ... unfolds with all the startling beauty of a hidden garden. Sena Jeter Naslund Abu-Jaber affirms the precious fragility of life, love, family, and the human community in meaningful ways. Naomi Shihab Nye Abu-Jaber is a high-spirited, magnificently graceful storyteller, a poet of deliciously fluted fiction, character, and culture. Whitney Otto Romantic, whimsical and wonderful in every way, being both sensuous and smart. I want to hang out all day at Nadia's Cafe.

Recent Reader Reviews

Rated of 5 by a wise reader
poor choice for college course credit
I was excited to get started on this book for my college course. We were studying different types of literature-this was a required read and we were to write a paper on it. The paper required us to read the whole book.I would have put it down if I...   Read More

Rated of 5 by Susan
Poorly Written
To sum up my review...it was a poorly written book. It didn't grab my attention/interest, which I'd like a book to do right from the beginning. I'm surprised this book was basically published. A friend gave me the book & said she didn't like...   Read More

Rated of 5 by Sarah Martin
Culture Shock
It took me 9 months to be able to finish this book. I love to read and when I start a book I refuse to not read it all the way through regardless of like or dislike of it. It was so hard to begin to get interested in this book mainly because none...   Read More

Rated of 5 by Proud Mom
NOT OK FOR KIDS!!!!
Although it may be a well written and thought provoking book...but....with that being said, it is NOT appropriate for minors, children. "Soft porn" is how many of us describe this book and we had it officially removed from our school's...   Read More

Rated of 5 by Josh Graham
Middle Eastern culture shining through at its fullest.

Rated of 5 by FRED
Every word and image earns its place in this intelligent and affecting novel by Diana Abu-Jaber. A must-read.

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