This image is the cover for the book Once Upon a Country

Once Upon a Country

A Palestinian intellectual, politician, and peace activist documents his displaced life in the region in this “captivating” memoir (The Washington Post).

A New York Times Book Review Editors’ Choice

“One of the best personal accounts of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict ever written. . . . A fascinating and deeply intelligent memoir.” —Ethan Booker, The New York Times


A teacher, a scholar, a philosopher, and an eyewitness to history, Sari Nusseibeh is one of our most urgent and articulate authorities on the conflict in the Middle East. From his time teaching side by side with Israelis at the Hebrew University through his appointment by Yasir Arafat to administer the Arab Jerusalem, he has held fast to the principles of freedom and equality for all, and his story dramatizes the consequences of war, partition, and terrorism as few other books have done. This autobiography brings rare depth and compassion to the story of his country.

“Terrific . . . highly recommended for those who want to appreciate the dilemma of the Palestinian democrat.” —Christopher Hitchens, Slate

“Once Upon a Country is a subtle, sad, and humorous memoir that casts a fresh light on the Israeli-Palestinian tragedy and a vivid picture of Palestinian society as well.” —Amos Oz, author of A Tale of Love and Darkness

Sari Nusseibeh, Anthony David

SARI NUSSEIBEH is the president of and a professor of philosophy at Al-Quds University, the only Arab university in Jerusalem. As the Palestine Liberation Organization's chief representative in the city in 2001 and 2002, he advocated a two-state solution to the Israel-Palestine conflict. He lives in Jerusalem.

Farrar, Straus and Giroux