Literary Fiction by People of Color discussion
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Discussion: The Kindness of Enemies
My copy came today and I will start it over the weekend.
Leila Aboulela is a Sudanese-born writer whose work, written in English, has received critical acclaim and a high profile for its distinctive exploration of identity, migration and Islamic spirituality.Highlighting the challenges facing Muslims in Europe and “telling the stories of flawed complex characters who struggle to make choices using Muslim logic”, Aboulela’s work explores significant political issues.
Her personal faith and the move, in her mid-twenties, from Sudan to Scotland are a major influence on her work. Literary influences include Arab authors Tayeb Salih and Naguib Mahfouz as well as Ahdaf Soueif, Jean Rhys, Anita Desai and Doris Lessing. The Scottish literary landscape and writers such as Alan Spence and Robin Jenkins have also been influential.
Leila Aboulela’s works have been included in cultural educational programs supported by the British Council and the National Endowment for the Humanities in the US. Her restrained lyricism, irony and clarity has received praise from Nobel Prize winner J.M Coetzee, Ben Okri and Ali Smith.
Here is a list of her work:
1999: The Translator, Grove Press, Black Cat (2006) - translated into Arabic by Elkhatim Adl'an
2001: Coloured Lights (a collection of short stories)
2005: Minaret, Grove Press, Black Cat,
2011: Lyrics Alley, Grove Press
2015: The Kindness of Enemies, Weidenfeld & Nicolson
Here is a list of Prizes and Awards:
2000 Caine Prize for African Writing, "The Museum"
2000 Saltire Society Scottish First Book of the Year Award (shortlist), "The Translator"
2002 PEN Macmillan Macmillan Silver PEN Award (shortlist), "Coloured Lights"
2003 Race and Media Award (shortlist - radio drama serialisation), "The Translator"
2011 Short-listed for the Commonwealth Writers Prize- Europe and S.E Asia, "Lyrics Alley"
2011 Fiction Winner of the Scottish Book Awards, "Lyrics Alley"
Here is a video of Leila Aboulela speaking about herself, a little background about The Kindness of Enemies, and why she wrote it.It is about 4 minutes long.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=htHBk...
Mod
I read it last year and am looking forward to this group discussion.
I started reading it. it's well written. I watched the video that Beverly put on (Thanks). She is funny, and I can't wait to continue reading and finishing the book.
While I am use to different book covers for a book depending on where the book is being published and/or if there are different publishers for a book.But I have found the covers usually convey a similar tone/expectations about the book but for The Kindness of Enemies but to me each of the book covers below convey a different tone/expectation about the book.
What do you think?
This is the US cover - this has a militant/aggressive tone for me.
This is the UK hardcover cover - it conveys a sense of place to me - thought it could definitely apply to the Caucasus Mountains and could also apply to Scotland
This is the UK paperback cover - conveys to me that this woman would be the main focus of the book
Has anyone read any of the author's previous books?Heard her speak or read her interviews, articles. etc.
The Kindness of Enemies was mention on several lists:
The OkayAfrica 2016 Year End Book List
San Francisco Chronicle's List of the Best of 2016
Longlisted for the 2017 Tournament of Books
Shelf Awareness - 2016 Best Books
10 Contemporary Novels By and About Muslims You Should Read
Guardian - Best Books of 2015 List
Other mentions:
100 Recommended Books by Arab Women - for The Translator
Best Books from Postcolonial Sudan - for Lyrics Alley
30 Sudanese Women You Should Know
10 African Contemporary Female Writes to Read
Mod
Aesthetically, I like that copy and don't really care for the other two. With the US version, the color looks tie-dyed or something rather drab and dull. The UK paperback with the face on the cover is more aligned with a memoir/biography. Don't care for that one either.
I love book covers similar to old jazz records from verve, bluenote, savoy and gravitate to a good hard copy book if i'm attracted to it.
On Writing Islamic Identity and Being Labeled a Political Writer A Conversation Between Leila Aboulela and Elnathan John
A short interesting conversation between the two.
Any contemporary novelist who takes on themes of Islamic identity and jihad in their work risks being labeled a political writer. But for Elnathan John, a debut novelist from Nigeria, and Leila Aboulela, author of New York Times Notable Book The Translator and most recently The Kindness of Enemies, character comes first.
http://lithub.com/on-writing-islamic-...
This is a longer audio talk where Leila Aboulela speaks to the role of literature in development of racial and religious harmony.
https://soundcloud.com/uwebristol/lei...
Wilhelmina wrote: "My copy came today and I will start it over the weekend."That is great!
I hope you enjoy.
Columbus wrote: "My copy is in transit from another library branch. Hope to have it before the weekend"I love how easy it is these days to request books from other library branches!
Cedric wrote: "I started reading it. it's well written. I watched the video that Beverly put on (Thanks). She is funny, and I can't wait to continue reading and finishing the book."Glad you liked the video.
If I know a little bit about an author it usually helps to understand the author's pov when reading the book.
Columbus wrote: "Beverly, I noticed the woman holding the UK hardcover copy in the video you shared. The version with just the large letters/font. Aesthetically, I like that copy and don't really care for the oth..."
I will admit that I none of the covers would entice me to pick up the book.
I have read this author before - Lyrics Alley so was interested in The Kindness of Enemies because of the historical fiction storyline.
Mod
Aesthetically, I like that copy and don't really..."
Lyrics Alley sounds really good. Think i'll read that one as well.
A nice bookcover that I really liked was Ishmael Beah's A Long Way Gone: Memoirs Of A Boy Soldier. Young, child soldier in Sierra Leone that was perfect for this book.
picked up the book and started reading it yesterday.
Mod
I've really enjoyed the little that I've read but wouldn't have gotten far if I had the book in my possession anyway. I've had to stop constantly and do some additional research on some things in the book that might be more familiar to others. Research on: Imam Shamil, the area in and around the Caucasus, the erroneous misconception or often mis-defined things like Sufism and Jihad
"Jihad is for upholding the values of Allah; it's not for scoring political points. It's not for land, it's not for rights, it's not for autonomy. It's for getting us power over our enemies. Jihad is not for something we should be ashamed of......not every Muslim war is a Jihad"
Really very interesting to me and I'll have to try and avoid reading comments until I can catch up.
Columbus wrote: "I just read the sample that Apple provided until i'm able to pick up my copy from the library tomorrow.I've really enjoyed the little that I've read but wouldn't have gotten far if I had the boo..."
I have to agree with you the history that I am learning is very interesting.
This is a region of history that I know very little about and as we are hearing more about this region in the news today - meshing up what they are saying today and what I am now learning is once again a reminder that the past is always present.
It gets easier has you read further on in the book and have some of the research in mind.
Mod
I've really enjoyed the little that I've read but wouldn't have gotten far..."
Yes, as they say, history sets the context for the present.
In another one of our book discussions we had discussed the author's use of a prologue in setting the tone for the storyline.In TKOE (The Kindness of Enemies), the author does not use a prologue but does have two quotations at the beginning.
Do you as a reader - read quotations at the beginning of the story?
Did you read the quotations presented in TKOE?, If so, what are your thoughts at the selection of these two quotes? Did they fit what you read so far?
This book covers a storyline in the present, and also a storyline that is in the past.What is your overall impression with this format?
What are your impressions with the author's writing style?
One of the main characters in this storyline is Imam Shamil.Before reading this book I was unaware of Imam Shamil and his role in history.
Here is some info:
http://www.hizb-australia.org/2016/11...
http://chavchavadze.si.edu/shamil.html
Beverly wrote: "In another one of our book discussions we had discussed the author's use of a prologue in setting the tone for the storyline.In TKOE (The Kindness of Enemies), the author does not use a prologue ..."
Yes, I read quotations prior to the start of any book. In this instance, I couldn't recall the quotes, and have lent my copy to a friend, so I went looking for them online. At Leila Aboulela's site, she says the following in reference to the Steppenwolf quote:
For the epigraph of the novel, I used the quote from Herman Hesse’s Steppenwolf, “…we have to grope our way through so much filth and rubbish in order to reach home! And we have no one to show us the way. Homesickness is our only guide.” Natasha is ‘homeless’, so is Jamaleldin, and Shamil fought until he lost his homeland. But perhaps home is not a physical place. Perhaps it is not Sudan for Natasha or Russia for Jamaleldin, or even the Caucasus for Shamil. Perhaps there is a spiritual home that we can aspire to.
I loved this interpretation, e.g., viewing home not as tied to the land, as much as tied to the spiritual - something not of this physical world, and portable, always wherever one is. Interestingly, the Steppenwolf quote Aboulela inserts into the book, and excerpts above, doesn't match what I found online for that quote. I wonder if it's been translated into Arabic, and then translated back. Here's the "original": “Ah, Harry, we have to stumble through so much dirt and humbug before we reach home. And we have no one to guide us. Our only guide is our homesickness.” I prefer Aboulela's version.
The second quote re Divine Light, was lovely, but touched me less.
In the first three parts the storyline that is set in Scotland - December 2010 we meet three characters.Natasha - who narrates the present chapters
Oz - one of Natasha's students
Malak - Oz's actress mother
The connection between them is that Natasha , a history professor, is researching Imam Shamil in hopes of securing her job/position/reputation and that Malak and Oz are descendants of Imam Shamil and Malak is in possession of a family heirloom - Shamil's sword.
A less tenacious bond is that all three are Muslims as all three face the same discrimination/stereotypes directed towards Muslims yet each of the three approach their Muslim identity differently.
What were your thoughts about these characters so far?
What did you think of Natasha's action (view spoiler)
Carol wrote: "Beverly wrote: "In another one of our book discussions we had discussed the author's use of a prologue in setting the tone for the storyline.In TKOE (The Kindness of Enemies), the author does not..."
I had the same reactions as you did to both quotes.
The quote from Steppenwolfe was more understandable for me especially since the book delves into the question of identity and home for the characters we meet in these first three parts.
Even Princess Anna wants her future to be in Georgia and not Petersburg like her husband.
And I wondered how "home" means to each of the characters and how whether you are "forcibly removed" from your home or have "voluntary" no longer in your home.
Beverly wrote: "One of the main characters in this storyline is Imam Shamil.Before reading this book I was unaware of Imam Shamil and his role in history.
Here is some info:
http://www.hizb-australia.org/2016/..."
I remain fascinated by Imam Shamil, after reading this book 8 months ago, and thought his part of the novel was the part where TKOE was most successful.
Thanks, Beverly. I am referring to the dictionary a lot. It is a mixture of both historical fiction and nonfiction. Her point of view is first person for the fiction and third person for the nonfiction. It's nice to learn the history of others.
On the last page if the first chapter, "Sometimes a lie makes more sense than the truth. Often the truth is irrelevant". An apt description of these Trumpian times?
Cedric wrote: "Thanks, Beverly. I am referring to the dictionary a lot. It is a mixture of both historical fiction and nonfiction. Her point of view is first person for the fiction and third person for the nonfic..."Yes, in this book I noticed that the present storyline is told in the first person and the historical in the third person. And it seems consistent throughout the book.
I am going to have to think about other books that I have read that have a present and past storylines and how the narrations are handled.
Aboulela's use of the different form of narrators between the present and past is working for me.
I wonder if it is because the present and the situations presented are familiar for me as they are constantly in the news and until this book was unfamiliar of the historical storyline.
William wrote: "On the last page if the first chapter, "Sometimes a lie makes more sense than the truth. Often the truth is irrelevant". An apt description of these Trumpian times?"Yes, it is.
In this book and in a couple of other books that I have read/reading recently - I have found myself pausing over a saying/comment as it strikes a chord in me reminding me of the current political climate as I am struggling to make sense of it.
Mod
Natasha's behavior was a little surprising to me to be honest. It felt like a sort of betrayal after the warm hospitality she received and then to leave Post-haste in such a manner seemed a bit rude. This takes into account her position and the fact that at this point we don't really know the circumstances behind the arrest. I don't know I wasn't quite prepared for that.
(If you prefer I put this under a spoiler let me know).
Columbus wrote: "I just finished Part 3 and I must say this book is quite enjoyable. I might be partial to the Russian/Caucasus a little more for the history lesson it provides. It's really fascinating. I wonder ho..."I think that the author follows Shamil's life pretty closely based on some of the research I have seen.
Shamil’s troops frequently launched raids on Georgia, with the province of Kakheti as a frequent target. Kakhetian villages were regularly attacked by small groups of Lezghins, Northern Caucasions of Muslim faith, from Dagestan. The Lezghins destroyed property and kidnapped both common people and members of the nobility to use as bargaining chips in prisoner exchanges with the Russians.
Shamil’s hostage-taking was partly driven by the hope that the Russians would exchange his son, Djemal-Eddin, for these captives. In 1839, when Djemal-Eddin was six, Shamil sacrificed him as a hostage in a brutal battle with Russian General Alexander Grabbe, to save his followers and the rest of his family. Djemal-Eddin was subsequently reared in Russia by a Georgian aristocrat. After years among the elites of St. Petersburg, he embraced the life of a well-educated European, converted to Christianity, and became an officer in a Russian regiment deployed in Warsaw, Poland. In March 1855, Shamil finally achieved his aim when Djemal-Eddin was exchanged for members of the Georgian Chavchavadze family, who had been taken captive by Shamil’s fighters nine months before.
http://chavchavadze.si.edu/shamil.html
Warning - This article does contains info that the author writes about in the future parts in the book - so if you do not like spoilers it might be better to read the article when you get a little further in the book.
Columbus wrote: "I just finished Part 3 and I must say this book is quite enjoyable. I might be partial to the Russian/Caucasus a little more for the history lesson it provides. It's really fascinating. I wonder ho..."Yes, I too was a little surprised by the manner of Natasha's leaving after the arrest. I could understand why she wanted to get out of there quickly because of her position - as it seems that she went through training at the university to spot when a "student" seems to become "radicalized" but she could have said some comforting words to Malak - after all she did take the time to clean up a little.
But what we know about Natasha at that she is perceptive about how she is perceived by others and that she is a survivor.
As a young girl when her Russian mother brought her to Scotland she saw how her white mother was discriminated against because she is a Russian and wants to change her last name to her Scottish step-father's name.
A couple of questions to keep in mind as we read this book.Why is the author using these two storylines - the present and the historical - as the threads to tell her story? What does she want us to see/learn from connecting them?
The meaning of the title - "The Kindness of Enemies".
To tell the truth I didn't think I would like the book in the beginning. I found the dual story lines, the alternating time lines, and the large number of characters introduced in quick succession to be very confusing. Now that I'm in the middle of it, however, its become quite clear and enjoyable. At first I found the "present" and its characters to be most interesting and likable..I think this as a natural reaction...people we can identify with..good...historical figures...ignorant and "bad." But I'm finding more and more to dislike about Natasha..even given that her back story should automatically generate sympathy.
I can see the author pulling the two story lines together beyond the Oz, Malak, Natasha triangle in the first part but can't comment for the spoilers..
I think she simply wants us to learn a lesson G. Bush would have done well to learn....If you don't know your history, you're doomed to repeat it.
Just started the book yesterday. I'm eager to watch the videos posted & learn some more history.
Columbus wrote: "I just read the sample that Apple provided until i'm able to pick up my copy from the library tomorrow.I've really enjoyed the little that I've read but wouldn't have gotten far if I had the boo..."
I like that. Glad I'm not the only one studying some the religious terminologies ad geography of the Caucasus and its surroundings.
Beverly wrote: "Columbus wrote: "I just read the sample that Apple provided until i'm able to pick up my copy from the library tomorrow.I've really enjoyed the little that I've read but wouldn't have gotten far..."
I third the agreement. lookt at south and north korea fighting over I do not know what. This book is knowledgeable.
Beverly wrote: "In another one of our book discussions we had discussed the author's use of a prologue in setting the tone for the storyline.In TKOE (The Kindness of Enemies), the author does not use a prologue ..."
the 1st quote probably has an emphasis of shamil's son and how it will take a lot (Sacrifices and selflessness) to get back home.
the 2nd quote sort of supports the 1st, with belief and faith in Allah, Shamil's son jamaleldin can find light at the end of the tunnel.
Beverly wrote: "This book covers a storyline in the present, and also a storyline that is in the past.What is your overall impression with this format?
What are your impressions with the author's writing style?"
the format and style is unbelievable. first time I see it. what I struck me is that she uses apostrophe as quotations and quotations as important phrases or cliches. its lets her have a lot more varations or varieties when writing. I will start doing this in my writing. the use of this (') instead of this (").
After reading the three parts, I have to says that Natasha is a woman that does not want to cling to her past. The people she stayed at (Oz and Malak) shared a lot of their past with her. she only shared the superficial details of her life. at the end of part three, she decided to mend her own shit. What the fuck is Anna doing, packing all of her shit in a middle of an ambush and proving her Christianity to madam Drancy? she jeopardized the lives of a lot of her people. The writing makes sense, some people would act like Anna. she could have lost her life and her children's.
well, keep in mind, Natasha and her husband are Georgian nobles and everyone else, isn't. so, they don't count really. none of them would have been taken hostage as who would possibly ransom them for anything worthwhile? but she's very valuable and worth a lot, if unharmed. she wasn't exactly wrong, was she? there are rules to this sort of thing, but things do happen from time to time.
Mod
You mean, Anna, right?...
That whole ambush scene was really handled well. A heightened level of suspense and intensity. Will they be captured and if so, will there be casualties. Anna's sense of priviledge was unnerving. The actions of her juxtaposed at a different time with the questionable actions and intent of Natasha were head scratching.
Last night I finally started reading this book (the book cover really didn't spike my interest) but today I've already caught up and finished Part III. The writing is good! I was immediately drawn to the two story lines. This is my first time reading a work by Leila Aboulela and like many here, I'm also learning about Imam Shamil and the Caucasus area.
I agee that the ambush scene was well-written. Did Anna really drop her baby Lydia when they were running away from the enemy (!?). Really looking forward to how the story will unfold next.
Columbus wrote: "George wrote: "well, keep in mind, Natasha and her husband are Georgian nobles and everyone else, isn't. so, they don't count really. none of them would have been taken hostage as who would possibl..."hmm, yes. Sorry.
I also felt what in the world is Anna thinking when she is spending the time packing!!! I was like really but she was assuming that her husband had everything under control and would be there in time to rout the attackers.But the attackers are using "guerilla war tactics" and they know this terrain. The Russian might have superior weapons but the attackers were fighting under different rules.
Literary Fiction by People of Color
Books mentioned in this topic
Blood of the Dawn (other topics)The Septembers of Shiraz (other topics)
A Long Way Gone:Autobiography of a Boy Soldier (other topics)
Lyrics Alley (other topics)
The Kindness of Enemies (other topics)
More...
Authors mentioned in this topic
Ishmael Beah (other topics)Leila Aboulela (other topics)
Has anyone read it?
Has anyone started it?
Are you planning on reading it?
This books is about 335 pages.
The book is divided into ten parts plus a Postscript.
Here is our proposed reading/discussion schedule:
Parts I - III (p1-98) - Mar 5 -11
Parts IV - VI (p.99-210) - Mar 12 - 18
Parts VII - IX (p.211- 286) - Mar 19 - 25
Part IX to end of book (p.287 - 335 Mar 26th entire book open for discussion
Until the discussion begins, I will post information about the book and the author.
Enjoy!