When the World Sleeps

A New York Times Bestseller The first woman to serve as United Nations Special Rapporteur for the Occupied Palestinian Territory conveys the spirit of a people through 10 unforgettable stories of resilience and humanity. Francesca Albanese is the most lucid voice against Israel’s apartheid policies in Gaza and the West Bank, a voice that has been heard around the world when it comes to speaking the truth about the Palestinian genocide. In the wake of October 7, 2023, and Israel’s retaliatory war, the renowned Italian jurist has become a lightning rod for her staunch defense of human rights. Reflecting on her years living in Jerusalem and her personal and professional journey toward understanding the Palestinian struggle, Albanese pays tribute to 10 people whose profoundly affecting stories opened her eyes, from Hind Rajab, a young Palestinian girl killed by Israeli forces, to the remarkable Jewish scholars who acted as Albanese’s mentors: forensic architect Eyal Weizman, trauma expert Gabor Maté, and Holocaust historian Alon Confino. When the World Sleeps is a courageous testimony of the harsh reality that Palestinians face. It raises critical questions about the past, present, and future of Palestine: What are the consequences of the occupation? Where is a refugee’s home? In what conditions do Palestinians live? With the uncertain end of the war, will there be a Palestinian state? Will Palestinians have the right to self-determination, and will they be able to live in peace, free at last from the coercion of Israel?

Francesca Albanese is the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Occupied Palestinian Territory. A jurist, lecturer, and scholar, she has more than a decade of experience in human rights. She has worked with the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East. In these roles, she has advised the United Nations, governments, and civil society in the Middle East, North Africa, and the Asia-Pacific region. Gregory Conti has translated numerous works of fiction, nonfiction, and poetry from Italian including works by Emilio Lussu, Rosetta Loy, Elisa Biagini, and Paolo Rumiz. He is the translator of Stefano Mancuso’s Phytopolis, The Nation of Plants, and The Incredible Journey of Plants, as well as Cristina De Stefano’s The Child Is the Teacher. He is a regular contributor to the literary quarterly Raritan.