Love
This text explores love in an unconventional sense. Jaafari's wife is killed in a terror attack, but not long before he discovers that his wife is a suicide bomber. He struggles to come to terms with this, as he has no idea about this aspect of his wife's life. As such, this novel questions how much we know about our loved ones, suggesting that perhaps we can never truly know them.
Violence
Violence is a key aspect of this text. The novel opens with an incredibly violent scene, describing a terror attack in detail. The opening scene gives us a real understanding of the experience of a terrorist attack, describing in detail the sensory and emotional aspects. Injuries are described in graphic and gory detail, which gives us an insight into the trauma of experiencing a terrorist attack. Violence in this text is shown to be the result of unnecessary and futile hatred. The author shows how deep-rooted attitudes and beliefs can cause violent acts of extremism.
Terror attacks
This text presents the idea of a suicide bomber from a different perspective. The suicide bomber in this text is the protagonist's wife, and Jaafari spends the text struggling to come to terms with what she has done. Jaafari is shocked that his wife was so devoted to her cause that she would sacrifice herself and others. The author tries to explain what led the wife to commit these actions, whilst also remaining sympathetic to the victims.
Religion
This novel centers around the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The protagonist of the text seems to be impartial and neutral about the political situation and believes that his wife is the same. He is a Palestinian, but he has Israeli citizenship and therefore seems to understand both sides of the conflict. The couple are both non-practicing Muslims and reject a more traditional lifestyle. However, it is revealed that his wife was far from neutral in her beliefs and became a suicide bomber in support of her cause.
Identity and Belonging
The theme of identity and belonging is central in "The Attack." Dr. Amin Jaafari, an Arab-Israeli surgeon, faces a profound internal conflict as he grapples with his identity. Living in Tel Aviv, he's part of Israeli society, yet his Arab heritage remains crucial. His wife's involvement in a suicide bombing shatters his sense of belonging and loyalty. The novel explores the complexity of identity in a divided region, where personal and cultural identities collide, leaving characters like Amin torn between two worlds.
Search for truth and closure
Dr. Amin Jaafari embarks on a quest to understand why his wife, Sihem, was involved in a suicide bombing. He's driven by a deep need to uncover the truth, even when it leads to painful and uncomfortable revelations. This quest for truth reflects the human desire for closure and understanding in the face of tragedy and betrayal. It highlights how individuals often grapple with painful truths rather than turn away from them, and how the pursuit of truth can be both cathartic and unsettling.
Moral dilemmas
The theme of moral dilemmas is prominently featured in "The Attack." Dr. Amin Jaafari, as a character, finds himself entangled in a complex web of moral choices. He is torn between his loyalty to his wife, Sihem, and his duty as a surgeon to save lives, even when treating patients involved in acts of violence. Amin's internal struggle mirrors the broader ethical dilemmas that individuals may face in times of conflict and crisis. The novel underscores the difficulty of navigating conflicting moral principles and the profound impact such dilemmas can have on one's personal and professional life, making it a central theme that drives the narrative and engages readers in profound moral contemplation.
