Upcoming Arab Authors Series
Our virtual series of book talks features Arab authors to showcase some of the breadth and diversity in Arab fiction writing. We invite you to connect with the authors as they delve into a riveting discussion of the sociocultural, literary, and personal factors that shape their storytelling.
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In this engaging session, literary journalist AJ Naddaff sits down with author Naji Bakhti to explore his debut novel, Between Beirut and the Moon. The conversation dives into the complexities of coming-of-age in post-war Beirut, examining how humor serves as a vital coping mechanism amid conflict while navigating identity across cultural divides
Academic and author Shahd Alshammari joins novelist Layla AlAmmar for a profound discussion exploring women's agency, trauma, isolation, and societal expectations in the contemporary Arab Gulf. The dialogue centers on AlAmmar's compelling storytelling, shedding light on the psychological landscapes of her characters and the broader realities of contemporary female experiences in the region.
Scholar Tasnim Qutait leads a fascinating conversation with author Ruqaya Izzidien centered around her historical novel, The Watermelon Boys. Set against the backdrop of the 1920 Iraqi revolt, the discussion unpacks themes of British colonialism, shifting loyalties, personal sacrifice, and the recovery of forgotten historical narratives in the Middle East.
Renowned author Diana Abu-Jaber joins bestselling writer Etaf Rum for a powerful dialogue surrounding Rum's debut novel. The conversation explores the heavy burdens of culture, family expectations, and female empowerment across three generations of Palestinian-American women living in Brooklyn, examining the struggle for autonomy within traditional confines.
Cultural critic Sukhdev Sandhu speaks with acclaimed author Omar El Akkad about his deeply moving novel, What Strange Paradise. Together, they dissect the global refugee crisis through a re-imagined literary fable, exploring themes of survival, empathy, indifference, and the human cost of displacement across borders.
🎥 Watch the fifth conversation on YouTube
Literary scholar and journalist Ursula Lindsey joins acclaimed Jordanian writer Hisham Bustani for a rich dialogue focusing on modern Arabic short stories, surrealism, and existential themes. The conversation examines how contemporary fiction captures the absurdities, urban alienation, and psychological rhythms of modern life in the Middle East, while exploring the craft of translating experimental Arabic prose for global audiences.
🎥 Watch the sixth conversation on YouTube
Journalist Ladane Nasseri sits down with author Dalia Azim to discuss Country of Origin, a novel set against the turbulent backdrop of 1950s Cairo. The conversation explores the interwoven threads of family secrets, sweeping political upheaval, and a protagonist's quest for personal independence during a pivotal historical era.