Son of a Duck Is a Floater/Sta 3415

by Arnander, Armander

To understand a people, acquaint yourself with their proverbs' runs an Arab adage, and here are the books that do just that. The popular Apricots Tomorrow, a selection of sayings from the Gulf region, is joined by sister titles The Son of a Duck is a Floater and the newest book in the series, Unload your own Donkey, which draws on sayings from the Maghreb and Levant. Pairing age-old Arabic sayings with English equivalents, the proverbs highlight the uncanny similarity of inherited wisdom in the East and West.

Hardcover

First published June 1, 1985

Reviews

[Jenan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book! As much as I rely on the internet for my book needs, some things you can only find while rummaging through old bookstores. And this was a result of one such treasure hunt.

It takes old Arab proverbs, adds a funny doodle to it, translates them literally, explains their meanings, and tries to find an English equivalent. The results are pretty hilarious, and you get to learn some old Arab proverbs, so win-win.

[Ramya · Rating 4 out of 5]

Was a gift from childhood friend doing stint in Saudi. Read today after 18 years and moved by his note to me in book; and afforded economical use of smirks as facial exercise and mind relief from reading these proverbs that speak of human frailties no matter you background!. ;)

Love the illustrations too!

My favorite proverb: “If the lion bares his teeth, don’t assume he is smiling” ~ Things are not always what they seem! Something to member when exploring our world of different species and biodiversity and especially different people and cultures from ourselves!

[حياة الياقوت · Rating 4 out of 5]

A light-hearted book that I really enjoyed.

Nevertheless, there are some proverbs/saying that I have never heard of and seem to be translations or alternations of English proverbs into Arabic.

I'm afraid that the stereotypical depictions of Arabs in the drawing might not be taken easily by some readers. Almost all Arab women in the book have a certain type of face cover, which is not really representative of all Arab countries.

[Aathavan · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book is simply a collection of common sayings in Arabic with transliterations and translations in English. The authors believe that this book has entertainment value and I concur, especially with the illustrations.

Interestingly, most sayings and proverbs from the Arabic world in the book all have their equivalents in English.