10 Contemporary Arab Authors You Need to Know
The Middle East is undeniably rich in literature, with a diverse and centuries-old tradition of storytelling, which has left a mark on the global literary landscape. Therefore, here are several leading Arab authors in the Middle East that you should take a look at.
1. Fadia Faqir
Fadia Faqir is a renowned Jordanian-British author known for her compelling and thought-provoking literary works. "Pillars of Salt" is a compelling novel by Fadia Faqir that creates a sad and complicated narrative around the lives of two Palestinian sisters.
2. Moustafa Bayoumi
Moustafa Bayoumi is an Egyptian American writer who wrote a book that won the American Book Award and the Arab American Book Award for Non-Fiction. The book “How Does It Feel To Be a Problem?” consists of seven stories about what it feels like to be a young Arab Muslim residing in the United States of America.
3. Mahmoud Darwish
Mahmoud Darwish was a beloved Palestinian poet and author who was widely regarded as the voice of his people. The "Presence of Absence" is a book written by Mahmoud Darwish, which echoes of lost loves and stolen lands resonate with timeless longing.
4. Noor Naga
Noor Naga is a Canadian-Egyptian poet and writer who has a deeply influenced literature background due to her extensive traveling. "If an Egyptian Cannot Speak English" is a book written by Noor Naga that beautifully illustrates the complexity that people confront when managing language hurdles and cultural expectations.
5. Zoulfa Katouh
Zoulfa Katouh is a Canadian-Syrian pharmacist and author who is the first Syrian woman to publish her work in both the United States of America and the United Kingdom. “As Long As The Lemon Tree Grows” is a beautifully written take on the Syrian revolution.
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6. Ahmed Saadawi
Ahmed Saadawi is an award-winning Iraqi novelist and poet best known for his powerful and imaginative storytelling. "Frankenstein in Baghdad" is a story about a creature made from body parts roaming around war-torn Baghdad.
7. Susan Abulhawa
Susan Abulhawa is a gifted Palestinian-American writer whose compelling storytelling illuminates the human experience and sheds light on the enduring resilience of Palestinians. "Mornings in Jenin" was translated into 30 languages and is considered a classic in Palestinian literature. It is an emotionally charged novel that vividly portrays the heart-wrenching journey of a Palestinian family.
8. Hisham Matar
Hisham Matar is a celebrated Libyan author whose profoundly introspective writings delve into themes of loss, exile, and the relentless search for truth, leaving a lasting impact on readers around the world. The novel "Country of Men," written by Hisham Matar, powerfully portrays the struggle of a young boy's life amidst the political turmoil and the struggle to understand his family's secrets in Libya.
9. Selma Dabbagh
Selma Dabbagh is a Palestinian-British writer who goes into the complexities of Palestinian identity, leaving a lasting impact on readers. Selma Dabbagh's "Out of It" is a strong and vivid novel that carefully links together the lives of many people in Gaza.
10. Saud Alsanousi
Saud Alsanousi is a well-known Kuwaiti author whose engaging stories explore the depths of human emotions and societal dynamics. "The Bamboo Stalk" is a novel that depicts the lives of a young guy navigating the challenges of being biracial and pulled between two worlds.
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