Qais Ghanem's Blog - Posts Tagged "rape"

It is as if the writer did not write this story out of imagination, but wrote several real stories in one story, describing the core of what is happening in Yemen: corruption of power, in trade, and in the judiciary, in addition to the insurmountable fear of scandal and shame. As a woman of Yemeni origin, who lived nearly 18 years in Yemen through a lot of tragedies and events, I wish to thank the writer and novelist, Qais Ghanem, for his courage in exposing the reality of Yemen by writing this novel and two other novels centered round life in that country. Tahani Shihab-Dubai - See more at: http://dialoguewithdiversity.com/forb...

I finished reading your book last night. It was in fact at 3 am, because I was unable to put it down. Congratulations. Robert Nelson- Ottawa - See more at: http://dialoguewithdiversity.com/forb...

The exciting tension of potential dangers just prior to the departure of the plane with Dr Farook and his cousin Hana provides that joyful ending of a love story which would please any reader. My only critique of this book is that it is too short (162 pages only) to read. I wished the book would never end! Farook Aman- Ottawa - See more at: http://dialoguewithdiversity.com/forb...

Against a backdrop of things unimaginable by the Western mind, the author takes us on a journey of intrigue, passion and danger. Death lurks in every corner, in every whisper, in every kiss. Sherrill Wark- Ottawa
Video clip by Sherrill Wark - See more at: http://dialoguewithdiversity.com/forb...

http://apt613.ca/write-on-ottawa-reve...
People in the west do not often hear about Yemen, one of the more remote countries in the Middle East. A nation of roughly 24 million on the southern tip of the Arabian Peninsula, whose capital is Sana’a, this country south of Saudi Arabia can appear mysterious to occidental eyes.

Thanks to the writings of Ottawa-based author Qais Ghanem, however, readers can now travel to the land of Sheba, where they will discover a complex country filled with passion and corruption, altruism and hypocrisy, incredible kindness and brutal violence.....

Dr. Qais Ghanem was certainly able to write this novel with such reality, it made me feel that it is a true story. I was born in Yemen, lived in SA and moved to Sanaa 1989. Ghanem pinpointed the areas of corruption, which I regret to say, is widely practiced in Yemen.
Corruption in Yemen is a complex social, political and economic phenomenon. Even after the so called Arab spring, corruption is still ruining the land, and most Yemenis experience some form of corruption on a daily basis.
As a single mother living in Yemen, raising 3 children in such male dominant pooRly educated society, was not an easy task. Struggling to obtain basic rights, such as renewing a passport, traveling alone, or filling a form all need a family male sponsor. International organizations seem to focus on raising awareness among women. I believe they should focus on men first, or both at the same time.
Most men and decision makers care about their images in society and talk about religion and humanity, stating that women are sisters and have equal right, but all their statements are mere lip service.
So much work needs to be put into healing this society, without having to go against the Islamic Sharia and making sure that laws are practiced, not just written on paper, like in the case of women’s rights.
While reading the novel I felt bitterness and dryness in my mouth as my mind was recalling real similar incidents in my own life.
I enjoyed reading the novel. It is so close to real life. In fact it is the real life in Yemen.
Widad Kulaib, Sanaa, Yemen - See more at: http://dialoguewithdiversity.com/yeme...

Qais Ghanem Book reading by author - 6 minutes long video clip: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YIw2V...

I must thank you for the wonderful present you gave me…your book! I thoroughly enjoyed Qais Ghanemreading it!

The book is really fabulous illuminating the various facets of Yemeni social life.. customs, traditions, rites, sexual perversions etc. and also the corrupt political, judicial and administrative systems prevailing in the country. All these have been illustrated in humorous and witty style with sexual references that enhance its appeal. The book is very revealing of the secrets and lifestyle of the Yemenis and would be of immense value to all those who wish to go to Yemen.

I hope that the Book is publicized in the Hollywood circles and I am sure some producers would find it appealing and produce a movie based on the fascinating anecdotes in the mysterious Yemen.
- See more at: http://dialoguewithdiversity.com/book...

With the unfolding of recent dramatic political events in the Middle East I was intrigued by this new novel. It began on a relatively easy to assimilate mode. People who had been in failed relationships met in light-hearted social settings in Canada . All very believable. A few social encounters involving the central character gave a human element to a very Qais Ghanemhuman passion. The almost casual nature of the events laid a solid basis for less pleasant events in subsequent chapters. The very real commercial nature of the sale of medical technology to Yemen lead the main character to some unpleasant realities of middle east life in some communities. Without giving away the riveting final chapter I can say that it provokes people of all backgrounds to revisit and examine the way some women are marginalized in this part of the world. In light of the new role of social networking in some oppressed countries this book is very topical and provocative. Dr Ghanem ‘s uncompromising insight, as a man who came from this part of the world, is a breath of fresh air .
Dr_Michael_Pilon

Qais GhanemHe covered most of the social behaviors in Yemen and was unbiased in addressing and comparing western and Arab societies particularly that in Yemen. I believe ethical standards are the same in all societies, but socially acquired behavior varies from society to society, and therefore determines norms.

Being a Yemeni woman raised in conservative society, I must say some of the sex scenes seemed daring, and yet they were provocative and interesting. Indeed Yemeni women　have always been, and still are oppressed　and　restrained in showing their feelings, related to sex and relations, due to lack of knowledge, education and mostly family restriction and customs. It is a completely male dominated society, though some men claim that they are gender oriented and believe in equality and equity but they are far away from such orientation.

The chapter which described the rape of of his classmate’s daughter touched me so much and brought memories of a rape attempt during my childhood. I regret to say that a good number of women go through such horrific experience. Women/girls cannot report or speak about such incidents. Ghanem illustrated the scenes of chapter 10 and the following chapters (the old classmate daughter and the following arrest and jail) without any exaggeration, for these scenes happen in reality.

There is no doubt that Ghanem showed his deep perception of both societies. I admired Dr. Tariq’s compassionate manner, humor, cynicism and gentleness; which I believe reflect Ghanem’s own true character.
- See more at: http://dialoguewithdiversity.com/fina...