Excellent depiction of a fascinating and enigmatic figure who played a leading role in a tumultuous period of Palestinian history. Sarah Irving combines biography with historical critique, providing valuable insights into the character of Leila Khaled and her unique appeal as a revolutionary symbol.

Leila Khaled's photo circled the globe after the hijacking of a passenger plane in 1969. Dubbed the "girl-symbol of Palestinian resistance," the young, determined woman wearing the traditional Palestinian keffiyeh with an AK-47 in hand marked an entire era. This personal portrayal of Khaled, based on interviews with her as well as with people who know her, offers an insightful view of her life and the course of the Palestinian struggle.

Sarah Irving examines the main events, from the dramatic hijackings to Khaled's involvement with the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, her disagreement with the Oslo peace process, and her relentless activist efforts. Khaled's story vividly highlights the tensions between armed and peaceful political struggle, the decline of the secular left, and the rise of Hamas.

Through her experiences, the role of women in one of the most male-dominated movements is illuminated. Sarah Irving is an author. Her writings have been published in The Guardian, New Internationalist, and the online newspaper Electronic Intifada. She has written the travel guide Bradt Guide to Palestine and, along with Sharine Lok, the book Gaza: Beneath the Bombs.