Middle East/North African Lit discussion

Katy wrote: "Hi there, I am a PhD student at the University of St Andrews and my thesis is going to look at contemporary Turkish literature, issues of gender, culture and it's relationship to politics, and idea..."

I second Alifa Rifaat. I will suggest Hassan Blasim's books for contemporary fiction for Iraq. And for some modern classic Turkish literature do check out Sait Faik Abasıyanık and Yaşar Kemal.

Have fun!

Katy wrote: "Hi there, I am a PhD student at the University of St Andrews and my thesis is going to look at contemporary Turkish literature, issues of gender, culture and it's relationship to politics, and idea..."

if you want to discover modern Turkish writers you should discover newly translated books
Madonna in a Fur Coat
The Time Regulation Institute
The Disconnected
MoreDear Shameless Death
The Stone Building and Other Places
Exile

Hello, are you looking for a good book to read from Turkey?
Here are a whole month of Turkish titles
reviewed on the Global Literature in Libraries blog:
Happy Reading!
https://glli-us.org/2017/08/31/a-mont...

Some of you might be interested to know I have just released my novel, Gilgamesh of Uruk based on the epic hero, Gilgamesh, from Ancient Mesopotamia.

The book blurb:

Gilgamesh, son of the goddess Ninsun and the mortal Lugalbanda, is the arrogant king of the vibrant city of Uruk, a sprawling desert metropolis. In an attempt to quell Gilgamesh’s oppressive behavior, the gods fashion the wild man, Enkidu, to be a companion to the king and to calm his errant ways. The two form an inseparable bond, embark on a wild misadventure, and commit a series of blunders that offend the very gods who created Enkidu. What happens next sends Gilgamesh on an epic journey to find his ancestor, Utnapishtim the Faraway, to learn his story of survival and unlock the secrets of immortality.

I have posted an excerpt of Chapter One on my blog.

The novel is available on Amazon Kindle.

Wow, congratulations, Tamara!

Congratulations Tamara. I wish you well with the book.

Thank you, Melanie and Steve.

Fabulous news Tamara! Mabrouk!!

ReemK10 (Paper Pills) wrote: "Fabulous news Tamara! Mabrouk!!"

Thank you. I'm excited.

I've always loved Gilgamesh ever since I taught it in Early World Lit. My students loved the story and were fascinated by the parallels with the story of Noah in Genesis--especially when I told them Gilgamesh preceded Genesis by over 2,000 years!

I'll spread the word of your new novel on Twitter!

Can I have a link to your blog?

Found it:http://tamara-aghajaffar.squarespace....

ReemK10 (Paper Pills) wrote: "I'll spread the word of your new novel on Twitter!"

I'm not on Twitter, so I appreciate this. Thank you so much.

My pleasure!

Wonderful news, Tamara. Congratulations and much success.

Sue wrote: "Wonderful news, Tamara. Congratulations and much success."

Thank you, Sue.

Hello, I'm Gina.

I'm very much looking forward to learning from this group and its discussions. I was born in Australia, but I've spent the past few decades living outside my homeland. This included a couple of years in Baghdad - first under Saddam Hussein and later during the US occupation. I was also lucky enough to based (too briefly!) in Amman, Jordan and Istanbul, Turkey. I'm a former journalist, documentary maker, aid worker, and now, novelist.

Some of my favorite books from the region are Absent by Betool Khedairi, In the Country of Men by Hisham Mattar, and The Yacoubian Building. And for poetry, I always return to the great Rumi. Looking forward to being a member of this group!

Welcome, Gina!

Tamara wrote: "Some of you might be interested to know I have just released my novel, Gilgamesh of Uruk based on the epic hero, Gilgamesh, from Ancient Mesopotamia.

The book blurb:

Gilgamesh, so..."

Congratulation dear ! :)

Gina wrote: "Hello, I'm Gina.

I'm very much looking forward to learning from this group and its discussions. I was born in Australia, but I've spent the past few decades living outside my homeland. This inclu..."

Welcome on board , I hope you will like it here with us :)

Niledaughter wrote: "Tamara wrote: "Some of you might be interested to know I have just released my novel, Gilgamesh of Uruk based on the epic hero, Gilgamesh, from Ancient Mesopotamia.

The book blurb:..."

Thank you, Niledaughter!

Tamara wrote: "Some of you might be interested to know I have just released my novel, Gilgamesh of Uruk based on the epic hero, Gilgamesh, from Ancient Mesopotamia.

The book blurb:

Gilgamesh, so..."

I am soooo looking forward to reading this Tamara! Mabruk!

Jalilah wrote: "Tamara wrote: "Some of you might be interested to know I have just released my novel, Gilgamesh of Uruk based on the epic hero, Gilgamesh, from Ancient Mesopotamia.

The book blurb:..."

Thank you so much. I hope you have as much fun reading it as I did writing it!

Thanks, Melanie! BTW, l love the beautiful tiles in your profile pic, Gina

Melanie wrote: "Welcome, Gina!"

Niledaughter wrote: "Gina wrote: "Hello, I'm Gina.

I'm very much looking forward to learning from this group and its discussions. I was born in Australia, but I've spent the past few decades living outside my homelan..."

There's a powerful article by Orhan Pamuk in the New York Times today about Istanbul and Turkey. He remembers his friend Ara Guler, the great photographer, who lovingly captured Istanbul and its people. https://www.nytimes.com/2018/11/01/op...

And...red letter day, NYT has two of my favourite authors today: This one on Elena Ferrante https://www.nytimes.com/2018/10/31/ma...

Really great writing in both articles.

Thanks, Steve. The photos are lovely.

Really lovely photos, Steve. Thank you for sharing.

Istanbul is such a beautiful city and has so much character. And the people in the photographs have such expressive face. Really lovely.

Thanks for the links Steve.

I encountered a novel"The Kite Runner' by Khaled Hosseini that led me to several novels including the last one I read . . . "The Pakistani Bride" by Bapsi Sidhwa. Wonderful writing that landed me here. I am hoping to discover other grand novels by great authors from the Middle East.

Welcome Curt , hope you like here with us :)

Welcome, Curt. I'm sure we would all love to hear your comments on various books and issues. Best wishes. Charles

I've already heard of one story suggestion . . . 'Whiskey Tango Foxtrot' before landing on this site. Man, it's the other shared ideas such as 'Terrorists in Love' that seems like a can't miss suggestion! Thanks for the welcome Charles.

Hi,

I have multiple identities that span from Europe to South East Asia: Austrian, Indonesian and Muslim. I learned Arabic and Farsi. And I fell in love with Isfahan, Shiraz, Muskat and Istanbul. While I could not find job opportunities to live in one of those magnificent cities, I love to read since reading kind of equates to a vacation (at least for me!). I am looking forward to find out about new authors and discuss books with you!

Welcome Susanna!

Welcome, Susanna. Looking forward to your comments and observations from the multiple perspective.

Hello everybody, warm regards from a little country located on the south of Europe, from the capital known as the European Jerusalem.
My name is Sajra and I´m a member of the group for some time now but unfortunately I´ve been on the silent side because other everyday obligations captured most of my time and stopped me from participating more actively which I will try to change from now on. I was fascinated with the Middle East from our first encounter mediated by another area of great interest of mine, Geography. On the first sight, religion, architecture, customs, cuisine and many other things were so familiar to me, partially because the Ottoman Empire rule for over 400 years certainly left its traces in our culture and the other reason was the indescribable warmth that I personally felt reading some of the books related to Middle East and the work of our national writers which was spiced with the profound note of the East. I´ve found many interesting books here and personally think that the literature of a nation represents its specific ´breathing rhythm´ and is one of the best ways to get to know it better, with its flaws and virtues, so I hope I´ll expand my knowledge along with this unique community of surely interesting people.

Welcome Suzanne! Welcome Sajira!

Good morning, friends. I've been an inactive member of this group for a long time. I am 2nd generation American, 100% Syrian descent. I'd like to recommend a book written and published posthumously by by dear friend, Mona Imady - Kan Ya Ma Kan: Folktales and Recipes of Syria and Its Ethnic Groups. Please purchase through Daybreak Press directly. I am in no way receiving any compensation for recommending this book. Mona lived through war in Damascus and it was her fervent mission to collect the folktales of Syria including the many ethnic groups that have lived in Syria for centuries. Sadly, Mona died unexpectedly after open-heart surgery - literally of a broken heart. This book is a delight to read and all the more meaningful in the context of the diaspora. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.

I have not checked this thread for a while , my mistake !

Susanna wrote: "Hi,

I have multiple identities that span from Europe to South East Asia: Austrian, Indonesian and Muslim. I learned Arabic and Farsi. And I fell in love with Isfahan, Shiraz, Muskat and Istanbul. ..."

Welcome on board ! that is interesting and I wish you can find what you seek here :)

Sajra wrote: "Hello everybody, warm regards from a little country located on the south of Europe, from the capital known as the European Jerusalem.
My name is Sajra and I´m a member of the group for some time no..."

Welcome Sajra and I am glad you decided to speak and share :)

Marie wrote: "Good morning, friends. I've been an inactive member of this group for a long time. I am 2nd generation American, 100% Syrian descent. I'd like to recommend a book written and published posthumously..."

Welcome Marie , such a sad story :(
Book was added to our bookshelves .

I'm excited to let you all know that Gilgamesh of Uruk, a re-telling of the story of the epic hero Gilgamesh of ancient Mesopotamia, is now available in paperback. It feels so good to finally hold the book in my hands :)

Gilgamesh, son of the goddess Ninsun and the mortal Lugalbanda, is the arrogant king of the vibrant city of Uruk, a sprawling desert metropolis. In an attempt to quell Gilgamesh’s oppressive behavior, the gods fashion the wild man, Enkidu, to be a companion to the king and to calm his errant ways. The two form an inseparable bond, embark on a wild misadventure, and commit a series of blunders that offend the very gods who created Enkidu. What happens next sends Gilgamesh on an epic journey to find his ancestor, Utnapishtim the Faraway, to learn his story of survival and unlock the secrets of immortality.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/1081148411

Congratulations Tamara.

Sue wrote: "Congratulations Tamara."

Thank you, Sue.

My journey into all things Iranian began sitting next to Reza Abedi at a Little League game in 2004.

Reza and I taught at the same high school and since our sons played together, we found ourselves having a casual conversation on a lovely Spring Saturday.

A conversation that would change my life.

Reza shared with me that he “ran to third base” the first time he hit a baseball. After we had a good natured laugh, Reza began to share his story. What I did not understand at the time was that I, too, couldn’t find my way to first base.

My absolute ignorance regarding Iranian identity, culture, history and politics sent me running to third. As Reza told his story to me, I knew I had to share it.

And not just his journey, but my own.

Reza, one of 10 children born in Kermanshah in 1960, survived The 1979 Revolution, The Iran-Iraq War and made international news when he defected during the World Wrestling Tournament in 1982.

Then there’s my story--a girl from white-picket fence America in a household of 2.2 children, gold shag carpet and a station wagon.
Reza’s story had to be told, not only for Reza, but also for the millions of Americans who are just like me--who are running to third base.

For whom, Iran has been banished to the 1979 shadows of blindfolded hostages and flaming American flags.
The heart in Reza’s narrative connects humanity.

The author’s perspective makes meaning of its place in history.

Hello all :)
It's so nice to e-meet you all. I know this is an old thread but I'm introducing myself anyway.

As an Iraqi Brit who has never lived in Iraq, I like to read about Iraq's rich history and people in fiction and non-fiction. It sparks a lot of interesting conversations with my parents who grew up in Iraq during the 60s-90s and connects me to my heritage.

I also love learning about general middle-eastern and Arab history, people, culture, stories. It's such a fascinating, rich beautiful and under- appreciated place (at least in the UK).

I don't read this genre exclusively but I'm so pleased I found this forum for inspiration and the community.

Welcome Ru, I hope you will like it here! I see you started moving around :)

Hi Ru,

Great to e-meet you! I'm an Australian, but I spent 20 years living overseas, including a couple of years in Baghdad during a very tumultuous period (2002-2004). One of my favourite Iraqi authors is Betool Khedairi. I also enjoyed Marshlands by Matthew Olshan - a very short but powerful read. BTW, I'm also an author and my latest novel is inspired by my real life friendship with an Iraqi woman who was an informant for the mukhabarat. If you are interested, Goodreads is running a promotion right now, offering a chance to win a copy. It's called When the Apricots Bloom. All the best! Gina

@niledaughter thank you for the welcome :)

@Gina, that sounds really interesting. I’ve added your book to my reading list. Although I think GR only does giveaways in the US and Canada, right? Is your book being sold in the UK?

Also thanks for the recommendations they sound great I’ll definitely look them up. My favourites are Late for Tea at the Deer Palace, Tamara Chalabi and
Between Two Worlds: growing up in the shadow of Saddam, Zainab Salbi.

If you have anymore recommendations let me know!!

Ru wrote: "@niledaughter thank you for the welcome :)

@Gina, that sounds really interesting. I’ve added your book to my reading list. Although I think GR only does giveaways in the US and Canada, right? Is y..."
Hi Ru, yes ,Hachette is publishing it in the UK in February in hard copy and digital on Jan 1. For other Iraqi authors, I started reading The Corpse Washer by Hassan Blasim. It got excellent reviews in the media but it was too bleak for me and I had to stop reading it (and I am a former war correspondent!). I'm planning to start reading the Gardener of Baghdad...the description looked good. All the best!

Welcome Gina :)
Interesting list! I think I only read for Betool Khedairi.

Niledaughter wrote: "Welcome Gina :)
Interesting list! I think I only read for Betool Khedairi."

Hi there Niledaughter! If you can get your hands on 'Marshlands', I would recommend it. I left a review on Goodreads - let's see if i manage to make the link work :)

Marshlands by Matthew Olshan

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


It's not often that I actually search out an author's personal email address so I can let them know how much I enjoyed their book. Marshlands in the exception! As someone who has experienced life under dictatorship, and during wartime and occupation, I was blown away by the authenticity and insight in this book. It's a haunting look at colonial history, the dynamic between occupiers and the oppressed, and even the father-daughter dynamic. As a writer, I also appreciate the author's economy of language. He packed a lot of impact into a relatively short book, and I thought about it long after I put it down



View all my reviews