Fencing with the King

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 Blog VIIl

A Journey of Home


Fencing with the King, being the first book I read from Diana Abu-Jaber, now I can say her work has always captivated me, weaving together the rich tapestry of identity, home, and a cultural encounter. In this specific novel, she not only crafts a story that is vibrant and full of vivid imagery but also takes us on a personal journey through the many meanings of "home." In Fencing with the King, Diana fundamentally challenges the boundaries of what we define as home.


The novel opens with an intriguing scene, the protagonist, literally fencing with a king. This playful yet fraught engagement symbolizes not just a clash of identities but, a reconciliation of her dual heritage. Through this metaphorical fencing match, Diana Abu-Jaber excellently illustrates the push and pull that many feel when straddling two distinct worlds. In a way, metaphorically or literally, we all struggle with the notion of home. Being the only one moving abroad, leaving “home” behind, I also struggle with what home truly is. Settling into a life in America that was marked by the distinct flavors, customs , and sounds of our homeland, yet it could never be the same. But then how could it be that each time we returned to our native country, home felt distant? Diana captures this sentiment effortlessly, and in “Fencing with the King”, she explores a cultural identity that resonates across generations. Home conjures a multitude of feelings, warmth, nostalgia, confusion, and even estrangement. Armani’s relationship with Jordan is filled with complications and contradictions, a place of familial ties and childhood memories yet a space that is something far away, which feels alien and distant. As we progress in the book, we learn that home is something that isn’t fixated, home evolves over time.


Diana Abu-Jaber’s portrayal of Jordan is rich with color and vibrancy, from the bustling streets of Amman to the serene deserts of Petra. Yet these moments reveal that it’s not just about geography, it’s about the stories we tell ourselves and the legacies we inherit. How could home be confined to a single place? “Fencing with the King” to me, serves as a reminder that the search for home, much like fencing, is an ongoing battle filled with invaluable lessons and Diana Abu-Jaber's writing is both a mirror and a bridge to all of her readers. 




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