Rajia Hassib
Dear David: I'm sorry it took me ages to reply to this; for some reason, I only saw your question now, even though I've been on Goodreads daily! Anyway: so, so glad you enjoyed the novel! Ameena is not a throwback to the other Ameena you mention, no--I just like that name tremendously. In Arabic it roughly translates to "honest," and I like using Arabic names that have meanings, even if I know the reader will most likely never pick up on that. I haven't published that short story yet, but I may still do it, if I find a good fit for it and find a place willing to take it.
I hesitate to answer your question about Khaled and Brittany, and it's causing me to mark this entire answer as a spoiler (just in case someone is reading this but hasn't read the novel yet--you have been warned! ), but I will point out to the fact that I have not mentioned anything about any future plans that involve both of them. If you still want to see a possibility of a relationship there other than friendship, you are free to do so, of course. Vague enough for you? Sorry!
As for Ehsan: she is not based on any one specific person, but rather on a group of women who all fit the maternal role that she plays and whom I've interacted with throughout the years. So she is a collage of several women, if that makes sense, and she is also her very own character who, in some ways, is different from anyone I know.
Thank you so much for your question, and I apologize again for taking so long to reply.
Best,
Rajia
I hesitate to answer your question about Khaled and Brittany, and it's causing me to mark this entire answer as a spoiler (just in case someone is reading this but hasn't read the novel yet--you have been warned! ), but I will point out to the fact that I have not mentioned anything about any future plans that involve both of them. If you still want to see a possibility of a relationship there other than friendship, you are free to do so, of course. Vague enough for you? Sorry!
As for Ehsan: she is not based on any one specific person, but rather on a group of women who all fit the maternal role that she plays and whom I've interacted with throughout the years. So she is a collage of several women, if that makes sense, and she is also her very own character who, in some ways, is different from anyone I know.
Thank you so much for your question, and I apologize again for taking so long to reply.
Best,
Rajia
More Answered Questions
Sherrie Miranda
asked
Rajia Hassib:
I will order the book very soon. I have a question for you. Are you interested in collaboration? I have a story in mind that mostly takes place in Egypt but I've never been there & only read the one memoir (about a family arrested because their father betrayed the king - maybe you know the title; I can't remember it.) You can e-mail me at sherriemiranda1@aol.com. I would love to hear from you. I shared your book! ;-)
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