I read Paradise a couple of years ago. It was my first book by Abdulrazak Gurnah. Later, I read Theft, his most recent novel. Gurnah’s writing is slow, and it requires patience. Some readers enjoy this. I do not. What I do enjoy, however, is his use of language. His writing is lyrical and poetic,…
This is a book I return to whenever I need grounding on certain things. Yes, the bible, especially Proverbs, is a go-to as well, but this particular time we are talking about The Prophet by Kahlil Gibran. The Prophet is a story about Almustafa, who has been living in exile for twelve years. He has…
In this video, Anita and I discuss Theft by Abdulrazak Gurnah, a slow-burning novel that pulls you in. We follow the story of three friends, Karim, Badar and Fauzia. It’s a tender, layered book about friendship, family, identity, and betrayal. We reflect on the parts that moved us, the characters that stayed with us, and…
I read Against the Loveless World by Susan Abulhawa last year. This book was such an eye-opener. It forced me to think deeply about some Middle Eastern countries I wouldn’t have otherwise considered. The story follows the life of Nahr, a young woman born to refugee parents who fled war in Palestine and sought refuge…
