Jul.–Sep. Open read for imaginative fiction

[Melanie, Marhaba Language Expertise]

Dear All,
Hello! I hope this finds you well. I'm still finishing up a book of poetry from the last open read, but time marches on and it is July now! Who wants to read imaginative fiction by an author from the MENA region (or SWANA, Southwest Asia and North Africa, if you prefer)?

I just finished reading The Jinn Daughter by Rania Hanna, who is Syrian-American. There is an upcoming free online conversation with the author. You'll have the chance to submit questions in the Chat. Here is the registration link:
https://aucegypt.zoom.us/webinar/regi...

My TBR includes several books in Arabic only, including two by Ahmed Salah Al-Mahdi. He also has at least one YA fantasy in English: Reem: Into the Unknown. Other possible books for "imaginative fiction" from the region include SQUARE MOON: SUPERNATURAL TALES and Warriors and Warlocks: Outcast.

[Jen]

I'm thinking about I Stared at the Night of the City. This author seems to have two profiles here on GR and the more informative one isn't the one linked to this book. The better author link is: Bachtyar Ali. This book seems to have more magical realism tags than fantasy, but apparently imagination itself is a theme in the story!

I'm also interested in شبيك لبيك Shubeik Lubeik by Deena Mohamed, a graphic novel...

[Melanie, Marhaba Language Expertise]

Thanks, Jen. We're happy to hear any thoughts you have along the way!

[Jen]

I enjoyed شبيك لبيك Shubeik Lubeik by Deena Mohamed, a graphic novel. I would just say, in reading the translation into English, I found myself expecting more connection between the 3 chapters and wishing for more from each storyline because of it. But I believe it was originally published as 3 separate but related pieces. I think a reader keeping this in mind could enjoy them with less disappointment than I had. The art was lovely, the characters all endearing.

I also listened to Exit West by Mohsin Hamid who reads it beautifully himself. This book I really enjoyed. I see rather mixed reviews and wonder if others here who read this also liked it?

[Melanie, Marhaba Language Expertise]

Thanks Jen, I didn’t read Exit West. Hopefully someone else will comment.