Middle East/North African Lit discussion

Thanks. I'll check it out.

It took several weeks of intermittently dipping into it while reading a few other books in between, but I finally finished the 700 page The Annotated Arabian Nights: Tales from 1001 Nights, translated by Yasmine Seale and edited by Paulo Lemos Horta.
This stunning tome provides a wealth of information, its pages adorned with beautiful illustrations. It is a volume to be read slowly, savored, and enjoyed.

My review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Tamara wrote: "It took several weeks of intermittently dipping into it while reading a few other books in between, but I finally finished the 700 page [book:The Annotated Arabian Nights: Tales from 1001 Nights|56..."

It's on my list. The Economist raved about the translation a few weeks ago.

Carolien wrote: "It's on my list. The Economist raved about the translation a few weeks ago.."

It was amazing, Carolien.

Tamara wrote: "Carolien wrote: "It's on my list. The Economist raved about the translation a few weeks ago.."

It was amazing, Carolien."

I am being asked what I want for my birthday by the family...I think this should make the list.

Thanks Tamara for sharing your review :)

I read The Return: Fathers, Sons, and the Land in Between by Hisham Matar.
A haunting memoir about Matar's search for the truth concerning his father's fate after his incarceration in Libya's notorious prison during the Ghaddafi regime. His language eloquently describes the trauma experienced by family members of the disappeared.

My review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Tamara wrote: "I read The Return: Fathers, Sons, and the Land in Between by Hisham Matar.
A haunting memoir about Matar's search for the truth concerning his father's fate after hi..."

This was very insightful. As a South African, I found some parallels in the apartheid era and the importance of the work of the Truth and Reconciliation Committee in SA. I want to read more by the author.

I finished The Ardent Swarm which I liked very much. Lovely characters. My review is here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Carolien wrote: "This was very insightful. As a South African, I found some parallels in the apartheid era and the importance of the work of the Truth and Reconciliation Committee in SA. I want to read more by the author..."

I've read In the Country of Men by the same author, which was also excellent.

Just coincidentally, I saw a news report the other day about people in Argentina digging in the rubble trying to find the remains of loved ones who had disappeared. It breaks your heart to see it. There seems to be no end for humans' capacity for cruelty.

Today's review of Seale's translation, The Arabian Nights:
https://www.newyorker.com/books/page-...

Hello everyone, I haven't been in the group for a long time, my apologies. Could any of you recommend me books on the history of Iraq? from the beginning of history to modernity, of course it does not have to be all encompassed in a single book, they can be books that cover a specific era. I have read a lot of Iraqi literature, novels and poetry, but almost nothing about history except the book dedicated to Baghdad Baghdad: City of Peace, City of Blood. It can be in English, French and Spanish. Thank you so much.

Kenza wrote: "Hello everyone, I haven't been in the group for a long time, my apologies. Could any of you recommend me books on the history of Iraq? from the beginning of history to modernity, of course it does ..."

Hello, Kenza, I can give you a couple of suggestions, some of which are specific to a region or time-period. I think Baghdad: City of Peace, City of Blood is one of the best in providing an overall picture. But here are a few others you may find interesting:

Iraq: Land of Two Rivers by Gavin Young.

Return To The Marshes: Life With The Marsh Arabs Of Iraq by Gavin Young.

The Prince of the Marshes: And Other Occupational Hazards of a Year in Iraq by Rory Stewart.

Basra, the Failed Gulf State: Separatism and Nationalism in Southern Iraq by Reidar Visser.

Challenge to Genocide: Let Iraq Live by Ramsey Clark.

I hope this helps. Good luck with your search. All best.

Tamara wrote: "Kenza wrote: "Hello everyone, I haven't been in the group for a long time, my apologies. Could any of you recommend me books on the history of Iraq? from the beginning of history to modernity, of c..."

Thank you so much Tamara.
I am fascinated by everything related to marshes, thanks especially for those recommendations. Best

You're welcome, Kenza. I'm glad I could help.

I finished a re-read of Approaching the Qur'an: The Early Revelations by Michael A. Sells.
The detailed analysis of the early Suras (chapters) is very impressive. A wonderful contribution to the study of Islam for Muslims and non-Muslims alike.

My review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

I read A Strange Woman by Leylâ Erbil. Published in 1970, Erbil is the first Turkish woman to be nominated for the Nobel Prize. English translation by Amy Marie Spangler and Nermin Menemencioglu. It is unusual and was ahead of its time in terms of content and format. It was a bit of a challenge for me since I know little about the history and culture of 20th Century Turkey.

My review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

I seem to be on a roll lately by reading three books in a row by Turkish women. I finished White on White by Aysegül Savas. This was a quiet novel that sneaks up on you. I thought it was excellent. Readers who enjoyed Rachel Cusk's Outline will probably enjoy this.

My review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

I have just added La Poule et son Cumin by Zineb Mekouar to my list. Has anyone read that/added this to their reading list ?

I haven’t, but I’m happy to hear what you think of it. It makes me think of an old Moroccan film called bab Al-sama maftouh (the door to the sky is open). Book and film are about women and identity between France and North Africa.

I like stuff about identity so perfect fit

I just read The Occasional Virgin by Hanan Al-Shaykh for the Al Shams section of the challenge. I really enjoyed it and found it very thought provoking, but I did notice it got lots of bad reviews. In any case here is my review:
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3...

Hi! Does anybody have any MENA book recommendations with minimal political backdrop or it not being the focus of the story?

Mona, I can't view your profile and can't tell from your question what kinds of genres or types of books you might like. Do you want fiction? Modern? Historical? Any particular interests?

So sorry I wasn't specific enough. I usually read modern literary fiction or historical fiction and that's what I'm looking for. However, I haven't read that many mena books to give some sort of comparison

Tamara wrote: "I seem to be on a roll lately by reading three books in a row by Turkish women. I finished White on White by Aysegül Savas. This was a quiet novel that sneaks up o..."

I just finished this book this morning and really enjoyed it! Now I want to read her other book!

Jalilah wrote: "I just finished this book this morning and really enjoyed it! Now I want to read her other book!.."

Glad you enjoyed it.
I haven't read any of her other books, but my library has Walking on the Ceiling, so I've put that on my TBR.

Mona wrote: "So sorry I wasn't specific enough. I usually read modern literary fiction or historical fiction and that's what I'm looking for. However, I haven't read that many mena books to give some sort of co..."

Hi Mona,
Here are some ideas for you:
1. The Hedgehog: A Syrian Novella and Short Stories - short stories by Zakaria Tamer (Syria) - does include criticism of power relations, but not specific politics
2. The Servant - YA novel by Fatima Sharafeddine (Lebanon)
3. Granada historical novel in medieval Andalusia and Siraaj, imaginary novella, both by Radwa Ashour (Egypt)
4. Square Moon: Supernatural Tales - short stories with Gothic elements by Ghada Samman (Syria)

Mona wrote: "So sorry I wasn't specific enough. I usually read modern literary fiction or historical fiction and that's what I'm looking for. However, I haven't read that many mena books to give some sort of co..."

I would also recommend Leo Africanus by Amin Maalouf

Thank you, Melanie and Jalilah!

I read Gilgamesh: A New Translation of the Ancient Epic by Sophus Helle.
I love the poem and have read several translation. I can't seem to get enough of it. This translation and commentary was the best I've ever read. Helle includes five essays in which he comments, interprets, and explores the main themes. Through close textual and structural analysis, he garners dazzling new insights, breathing life into the text. It's the best, most exciting book I've ever read on Gilgamesh.

My review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Tamara wrote: "I read Gilgamesh: A New Translation of the Ancient Epic by Sophus Helle.
I love the poem and have read several translation. I can't seem to get enough of it. This ..."

Thank you for your review, Tamara!

Jalilah wrote: "I just read The Occasional Virgin by Hanan Al-Shaykh for the Al Shams section of the challenge. I really enjoyed it and found it very thought provoking, but I did not..."
Jalilah your mention of Hanan Al-Shaykh sent my mind racing back because I knew I had read something by this author. It was The Story of Zahra. I read it ages ago and I'm afraid I don't recall too much about the book but clearly the author left an impact memory in me. Thanks for jogging my memory

I read Bitter Orange Tree by Jokha Alharthi, translated from the Arabic by Marilyn Booth.
I enjoyed it but didn't think it was as good as Celestial Bodies. Although she does a good job of capturing the plight of women, it felt as if there was very little movement or character development in the narrative.

My review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Tamara wrote: "I read Bitter Orange Tree by Jokha Alharthi, translated from the Arabic by Marilyn Booth.
I enjoyed it but didn't think it was as good as [book:Celestial Bodies|49..."

I am planning on reading this for the challenge. I’ve got a copy with me now, but the reviews for this one are not that good.

Sheila wrote: "Jalilah your mention of Hanan Al-Shaykh sent my mind racing back because I knew I had read something by this author. It was The Story of Zahra. "

I just know it was her first book and considered very controversial at the time it came out. I may read it.

I just read a deeply moving historical book taking place in Iraq around the time of World War 1 The Watermelon Boys by Ruqaya Izzidien

Jalilah wrote: "Tamara wrote: "I am planning on reading this for the challenge. I’ve got a copy with me now, but the reviews for this one are not that good..."

I thought it was ok but nothing to get excited about.

Jalilah wrote: "I just read a deeply moving historical book taking place in Iraq around the time of World War 1 The Watermelon Boys by Ruqaya Izzidien"

That looks really interesting. Unfortunately, my library doesn't have it, but I might try and find it elsewhere. Thanks for the recommendation.

Tamara wrote: "Jalilah wrote: "I just read a deeply moving historical book taking place in Iraq around the time of World War 1 The Watermelon Boys by Ruqaya Izzidien"

That looks..."

I had to request an inter-library loan for it, but honestly I’d buy it because I like supporting new and upcoming authors

Tamara wrote: "Jalilah wrote: "Tamara wrote: "I am planning on reading this for the challenge. I’ve got a copy with me now, but the reviews for this one are not that good..."

I thought it was ok but nothing to g..."

Yeah, too bad there are not more books by Khalijee authors translated into English!

Jalilah wrote: "I just read a deeply moving historical book taking place in Iraq around the time of World War 1 The Watermelon Boys by Ruqaya Izzidien"

I loved this one!

I read The Stationery Shop by Marjan Kamali.
A decades-long thwarted romance that begins in Iran in 1953. I enjoyed parts of the novel, but I felt the romance aspect dragged and was unrealistic--as if it were deliberately intended to be a tear-jerker.

My review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

I remember reading The Stationery Shop, Tamara. I liked her other book better: Together Tea. Thanks for sharing your review!

I haven't read Together Tea. I'll look into it. Thanks.

Melanie wrote: "I remember reading The Stationery Shop, Tamara. I liked her other book better: Together Tea. Thanks for sharing your review!"
I also preferred Together Tea.

Tamara wrote: "I read The Stationery Shop by Marjan Kamali.
A decades-long thwarted romance that begins in Iran in 1953. I enjoyed parts of the novel, but I felt the romance aspec..."

I had a similar feeling. It didn’t help that I read it around the same time as Rooftops of Tehran, which was so much better written. I could help but compare the two.

I’m reading The Shadow King for the Horn of Africa section of the challenge. So far I’m liking it, but not loving it, but I’m early in so we’ll see!

Mona wrote: "Jalilah wrote: "I just read a deeply moving historical book taking place in Iraq around the time of World War 1 The Watermelon Boys by Ruqaya Izzidien"

I loved th..."

Yes, so moving! I’m still thinking about it days later!

I’m reading Hot Maroc, Yassin Adnan.
Hot Maroc: A Novel

Jalilah wrote: "I had a similar feeling. It didn’t help that I read it around the same time as Rooftops of Tehran, which was so much better written. I could he,p but compare the two.."

I've put Rooftops of Tehran on my TBR. Thanks, Jalilah.