This book is about ordinary Palestinians living under occupation in the West Bank between the two Intifadas and who, for various reasons, decided to kill themselves. In other words, it is about the very private act of suicide and the state of depression, frustration and despair that can lead to it. It is also a book about hope, courage and perseverance. This book is not about the individuals who carry out the dramatic and public suicide attacks. Exploring and understanding the context in which such behaviour occur may help us to understand the deadly actions of Palestinian suicide bombers. I hope that by this research the voices that are so often unheard, the voices of the powerless, the disappointed and the dispossessed, can be heard. I also hope that when people read about the daily life of these Palestinians they will be forcibly reminded of our common humanity. Never before has it been so important to remember the words of W. H. Auden, 'We must love each other or die'. Love comes through understanding, and understanding through listening.