The Woman I Left Behind

Novel, Curbstone Press, 2006

An experimental & poetic novel about a turbulent love affair between a young American woman and a Palestinian man. Finalist for Forward Magazine’s Book of the Year.

“A beautifully written and promising first novel.” — Middle East Studies Association Bulletin

“This is a revolutionary love story…an important book for the years ahead.” — Fanny Howe

“This is a love story with an edge to it, a novel that is daring in style and content, a riveting exploration of the place where politics, culture and psychology intersect, where a history of wars collides with everyday life.”—Jordan Times

“Debut novelist Jensen, winner of the 2001 Raymond Carver Prize for Short Fiction, powerfully portrays Khalid’s boyhood amid the violence of the Middle East and the proud but complicated family that he either lost or left behind…the tale is well crafted, with its scenes of high drama and great sex. A first novel that offers a lot more than most.” — Kirkus Reviews