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زبيبة والملك
"زبيبة والملك" رواية أول ما يلفت النظر إليها اهتمام الولايات المتحدة الأميركية فيها، وتجسد ذلك من خلال تحليل الـ"سي.أي.ايه" (وكالة المخابرات الأميركية) حيث سارعت جهات في تلك الوكالة إلى تحليل تلك الرواية عندما وقعت في أيديهم وهدفهم في ذلك سبر عقل الرئيس العراقي، وربما استنتاج كيف يفكر وذلك عندما تكهنوا بأن مؤلف الرواية الذي أغفل اسمه ما هو إلا الرئيس صدام حسين!! وقد تحول تكهنهم هذا إلى شبه تأكيد بعدما أمعنوا في قراءة الرواية وتحليلها.
وبعيداً عن الأجواء السياسية فإن الرواية تغري بقراءة صفحاتها، لأسلوبها الرمزي الذي رمى من خلاله الروائي، أياً كان اسمه، إلى إلباس شخصياته بعداً زمنياً أسطورياً في حال من الأحوال، يمتد بمساحاته الزمانية إلى كل العصور، وبمساحاته المكانية إلى كل البقاع، وزبيبة تلك شخصية نسائية حمّلها الروائي قيماً وخلقاً وذكاءً وإخلاصاً وحكمة حتى باتت نديمة الملك الذي يجري معها أحاديث طويلة عن مواضيع شتى اجتماعية وفكرية وسياسية فتحدثه عن الولاء والخيانة وعن الأسرة وعن سياسة الملك الحكيم الذي تقر وحين يسألها الملك بأن سياسة الملك الحكيم لا بد أن تكون صارمة ليشعر الشعب بالأمن.
ومن خلال مجريات الأحداث تثبت زبيبة إخلاصها للملك وخصوصاً عند مشهد محاولة قتله من قبل ابن عمه حيث تحول بين الملك وبين ضربة السيف الموجهة من قبل مهاجمه بجسدها. وتبلغ الأحداث ذروتها مع تعرض زبيبة للاغتصاب من قبل زوجها القديم، وعقب هذه الحادثة يكون لزبيبة قول يكشف عن الكثير القابع خلف السطور، تقول زبيبة "الاغتصاب هو أخطر الجرائم سواء أكان رجل يغتصب امرأة، أو جيوش غازية تغتصب وطناً أو اغتصاب حقوق".
وهكذا يمضي الروائي في سردياته مشيراً إلى انتقام الملك من مغتصبي زبيبة وخلال المعركة ضد الزوج ومناصريه تقتل زبيبة ويدفن زوجها، الذي يقتل في اليوم نفسه إلى جانبها. ويمكن قراءة هذا النص الروائي من منظار آخر، وذلك على ضوء عباراته المعاصرة، وتواريخ الأحداث الهامة التي مرت والتي ارتبطت ارتباطاً وثيقاً بالأحداث التي مرّ بها العراق خلال فترات زمنية متعاقبة وصولاً إلى العصر الحالي وانتهاءً بالزمن المعاصر الذي شهد فيه العراق الخيانة والضربات من قبل إسرائيل والولايات المتحدة الأميركية.
لذا يمكن القول بأن "زبيبة والملك" هي رواية، تفسير رموزها هو رهن بفكر قارئها. ويمكن للمتتبع الدخول أكثر في تحليلات أبعاد سرديات الرواية وتحليلات شخصياتها من وجهة النظر الأميركية بالاطلاع على ما نشرته الصحف حول تلك الرواية وراويها.
وبعيداً عن الأجواء السياسية فإن الرواية تغري بقراءة صفحاتها، لأسلوبها الرمزي الذي رمى من خلاله الروائي، أياً كان اسمه، إلى إلباس شخصياته بعداً زمنياً أسطورياً في حال من الأحوال، يمتد بمساحاته الزمانية إلى كل العصور، وبمساحاته المكانية إلى كل البقاع، وزبيبة تلك شخصية نسائية حمّلها الروائي قيماً وخلقاً وذكاءً وإخلاصاً وحكمة حتى باتت نديمة الملك الذي يجري معها أحاديث طويلة عن مواضيع شتى اجتماعية وفكرية وسياسية فتحدثه عن الولاء والخيانة وعن الأسرة وعن سياسة الملك الحكيم الذي تقر وحين يسألها الملك بأن سياسة الملك الحكيم لا بد أن تكون صارمة ليشعر الشعب بالأمن.
ومن خلال مجريات الأحداث تثبت زبيبة إخلاصها للملك وخصوصاً عند مشهد محاولة قتله من قبل ابن عمه حيث تحول بين الملك وبين ضربة السيف الموجهة من قبل مهاجمه بجسدها. وتبلغ الأحداث ذروتها مع تعرض زبيبة للاغتصاب من قبل زوجها القديم، وعقب هذه الحادثة يكون لزبيبة قول يكشف عن الكثير القابع خلف السطور، تقول زبيبة "الاغتصاب هو أخطر الجرائم سواء أكان رجل يغتصب امرأة، أو جيوش غازية تغتصب وطناً أو اغتصاب حقوق".
وهكذا يمضي الروائي في سردياته مشيراً إلى انتقام الملك من مغتصبي زبيبة وخلال المعركة ضد الزوج ومناصريه تقتل زبيبة ويدفن زوجها، الذي يقتل في اليوم نفسه إلى جانبها. ويمكن قراءة هذا النص الروائي من منظار آخر، وذلك على ضوء عباراته المعاصرة، وتواريخ الأحداث الهامة التي مرت والتي ارتبطت ارتباطاً وثيقاً بالأحداث التي مرّ بها العراق خلال فترات زمنية متعاقبة وصولاً إلى العصر الحالي وانتهاءً بالزمن المعاصر الذي شهد فيه العراق الخيانة والضربات من قبل إسرائيل والولايات المتحدة الأميركية.
لذا يمكن القول بأن "زبيبة والملك" هي رواية، تفسير رموزها هو رهن بفكر قارئها. ويمكن للمتتبع الدخول أكثر في تحليلات أبعاد سرديات الرواية وتحليلات شخصياتها من وجهة النظر الأميركية بالاطلاع على ما نشرته الصحف حول تلك الرواية وراويها.
189 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2003
60 people are currently reading
1071 people want to read
About the author
Saddam Hussein
75 books61 followersIraqi military and political leader Saddam Hussein, president in 1979, waged against Iran from 1980 to 1988, and his occupation of Kuwait provoked the Gulf War of 1990 to 1991; United States in 2003 invaded, deposed him, convicted him of crimes against humanity, and executed him.
Saddam Hussein invaded Kuwait; in response, George Herbert Walker Bush as president of the United States initiated the Gulf War of 1991.
This former revolutionary emphasized pan-Arab socialism. After America, people hanged him.
He wrote four historical novels, and his less known efforts emancipated Arab women and protected the Christian community.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saddam_...
Saddam Hussein invaded Kuwait; in response, George Herbert Walker Bush as president of the United States initiated the Gulf War of 1991.
This former revolutionary emphasized pan-Arab socialism. After America, people hanged him.
He wrote four historical novels, and his less known efforts emancipated Arab women and protected the Christian community.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saddam_...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
May 21, 2022
Saddam Hussein wrote a romance novel. When I heard that, my expectations were low, but this failed to reach even that low bar.
February 14, 2019
I wanted to read this book for a long time ever since I learned about it previous to the 2003 invasion of Iraq. Saddam Hussein had long been an intriguing figure to me, and I felt the true extent of who he was and what he was about was not being presented in the media.
Either I read about Zabiba and the King in print or heard about it on television. I can't recall which, but the novel was spoken of as a tool the CIA was using to dissect the mind of the then president of Iraq, which the media and DC had obsessed about close to fifteen years. Saddam Hussein had been called everything from a dictator, monster, butcher, and thug. Suddenly we were being told he wrote books. So to me, he wasn't so one dimensional after all.
Saddam Hussein never attached his name as the author of this book, but it's said that everyone in Iraq knew who wrote it. I've even asked an Iraqi friend who said it's true. Was this modesty and humbleness on the part of the president of Iraq?
Zabiba and the King was said to be an allegory when I first read or heard about it. The heroine, Zabiba ('raisin' in Arabic) is a woman of the people, of the peasant class, which Saddam Hussein reminds the reader throughout. Throughout the novel he praises the common people. He himself was of peasant, Bedouin stock, so Zabiba represents his roots. Some have said Zabiba symbolizes Iraq. The king who is her platonic and philosophical lover represents Saddam Hussein, and Zabiba's brutish and abusive husband is the American government and military. Reading the story and its' scattered notes, I wouldn't be a bit surprised if it's true.
So what exactly is this curious novel which is deadly boring at times, but also exciting and suspenseful at others? Is it an allegory? It is certainly a romance. Is it a political treatise? Is it a social commentary about the nobility of the peasant and working classes and the corruption, immorality, and hypocrisy of the merchant classes and the elites? Is it a psychological novel? Is it a suspense novel? Is it an historical epic? Is it a philosophical novel filled with many proverbs, wisdom, and also ideas from the Quran? Is it a subtle diatribe against the American government, the Zionists, and the Gulf Arabs? Is it a sort of treatise to feminism (not third wave) and the strong, smart, and independent woman? Does it begin in ancient Iraq and winds up in modern Iraq at the inception of the Baath Party? What was Saddam Hussein trying to do here? Read and decide.
So ending, in my opinion, Zabiba and the King is all of the above. Yes, the long, drawn out philosophical conversations between Zabiba and the king at the palace get interminable and boring at times, but I happened to like some of the wisdom and the innocence of the two protagonists, being that I am an old schooler and a romantic. Because of the dry parts and some of the disjointedness of Zabiba and the King I don't want to give it more than three stars. It's a curious and somewhat intriguing book. I would give Saddam Hussein a B- for effort.
A couple of my favorite quotes:
Zabiba to the King:
Do you want to bridle my freedom, clip my two wings which allow me to fly between the trees and to enjoy the beauty of the flowers and branches leaning over the surface of the river?
Violence always brings a horrendous amount of pain, independently of whether it is a man who rapes a woman, an army of enemies invading the nation, or a law being violated by those who spurn it. But it is even worse when one is betrayed to the point of humiliation, whether by a country or a human being.
Saddam Hussein wrote several books during his lifetime. In July the Guardian reported that an upcoming novella of his will be published in English:
https://www.theguardian.com/books/201...
Either I read about Zabiba and the King in print or heard about it on television. I can't recall which, but the novel was spoken of as a tool the CIA was using to dissect the mind of the then president of Iraq, which the media and DC had obsessed about close to fifteen years. Saddam Hussein had been called everything from a dictator, monster, butcher, and thug. Suddenly we were being told he wrote books. So to me, he wasn't so one dimensional after all.
Saddam Hussein never attached his name as the author of this book, but it's said that everyone in Iraq knew who wrote it. I've even asked an Iraqi friend who said it's true. Was this modesty and humbleness on the part of the president of Iraq?
Zabiba and the King was said to be an allegory when I first read or heard about it. The heroine, Zabiba ('raisin' in Arabic) is a woman of the people, of the peasant class, which Saddam Hussein reminds the reader throughout. Throughout the novel he praises the common people. He himself was of peasant, Bedouin stock, so Zabiba represents his roots. Some have said Zabiba symbolizes Iraq. The king who is her platonic and philosophical lover represents Saddam Hussein, and Zabiba's brutish and abusive husband is the American government and military. Reading the story and its' scattered notes, I wouldn't be a bit surprised if it's true.
So what exactly is this curious novel which is deadly boring at times, but also exciting and suspenseful at others? Is it an allegory? It is certainly a romance. Is it a political treatise? Is it a social commentary about the nobility of the peasant and working classes and the corruption, immorality, and hypocrisy of the merchant classes and the elites? Is it a psychological novel? Is it a suspense novel? Is it an historical epic? Is it a philosophical novel filled with many proverbs, wisdom, and also ideas from the Quran? Is it a subtle diatribe against the American government, the Zionists, and the Gulf Arabs? Is it a sort of treatise to feminism (not third wave) and the strong, smart, and independent woman? Does it begin in ancient Iraq and winds up in modern Iraq at the inception of the Baath Party? What was Saddam Hussein trying to do here? Read and decide.
So ending, in my opinion, Zabiba and the King is all of the above. Yes, the long, drawn out philosophical conversations between Zabiba and the king at the palace get interminable and boring at times, but I happened to like some of the wisdom and the innocence of the two protagonists, being that I am an old schooler and a romantic. Because of the dry parts and some of the disjointedness of Zabiba and the King I don't want to give it more than three stars. It's a curious and somewhat intriguing book. I would give Saddam Hussein a B- for effort.
A couple of my favorite quotes:
Zabiba to the King:
Do you want to bridle my freedom, clip my two wings which allow me to fly between the trees and to enjoy the beauty of the flowers and branches leaning over the surface of the river?
Violence always brings a horrendous amount of pain, independently of whether it is a man who rapes a woman, an army of enemies invading the nation, or a law being violated by those who spurn it. But it is even worse when one is betrayed to the point of humiliation, whether by a country or a human being.
Saddam Hussein wrote several books during his lifetime. In July the Guardian reported that an upcoming novella of his will be published in English:
https://www.theguardian.com/books/201...
Want to read
March 15, 2023Saddam Hussein wrote a romance book and no one told me???
OF COURSE, I'M IN.
OF COURSE, I'M IN.
March 22, 2024
I got this as a gag gift but with God as my witness if you buy me a book I will eventually read it. This is a truly bizarre romantic novel by written by Saddam Hussein on the eve of his downfall. It's not good.
Set in a vague historic time, his self insert "The King" falls in love with a woman named Zabiba, who is supposed to represent the Iraqi people as a whole. She is married to an abusive lord who is supposed to represent the United States. The plot of the story is full of allusions to Iraq's history, Saddam's own rise to power, the various events that shaped Iraq during his reign, all ending in Zabiba's death and great climactic battle where the people rise up and overthrow the villainous princes and merchants of the land.
The most interesting thing about this book is the psychological profile of Saddam painted through the characters. Saddam's self insert, The King, sees himself as trapped by the expectations of his role, separated from regular people, surrounded by evildoers who commit atrocities in his name, and wanting change but unable to create it. Zabiba is seems to be the person Saddam wishes he was. All throughout the book she talks about the end of authoritarian rule and the creation of workers councils, the need to connect with the people and to get rid of court life. She's displayed as a strong, smart, talented, independent girlboss. One wonders if this is Saddam echoing the progressive underpinnings of the early Ba'athist movement that fell away over time.
This book is not good. It has a clumsy framing device that gets abandoned halfway through, meanders through endless pontificating and attempts at political screedery, has awful pacing, and includes some very unfortunate sexual assault and violence. But if you're curious about the mind of one of the more interesting men of recent history or just want to read something very weird, sure give it a read.
Set in a vague historic time, his self insert "The King" falls in love with a woman named Zabiba, who is supposed to represent the Iraqi people as a whole. She is married to an abusive lord who is supposed to represent the United States. The plot of the story is full of allusions to Iraq's history, Saddam's own rise to power, the various events that shaped Iraq during his reign, all ending in Zabiba's death and great climactic battle where the people rise up and overthrow the villainous princes and merchants of the land.
The most interesting thing about this book is the psychological profile of Saddam painted through the characters. Saddam's self insert, The King, sees himself as trapped by the expectations of his role, separated from regular people, surrounded by evildoers who commit atrocities in his name, and wanting change but unable to create it. Zabiba is seems to be the person Saddam wishes he was. All throughout the book she talks about the end of authoritarian rule and the creation of workers councils, the need to connect with the people and to get rid of court life. She's displayed as a strong, smart, talented, independent girlboss. One wonders if this is Saddam echoing the progressive underpinnings of the early Ba'athist movement that fell away over time.
This book is not good. It has a clumsy framing device that gets abandoned halfway through, meanders through endless pontificating and attempts at political screedery, has awful pacing, and includes some very unfortunate sexual assault and violence. But if you're curious about the mind of one of the more interesting men of recent history or just want to read something very weird, sure give it a read.
June 17, 2014
يااااه اليفهم الراوية دي لازم يكون عارف تاريخ صدام حسين كويس والفترة الحكم فيها العراق بس ممكن قصده مين بزبيه زوجة الثانية سميرة والتعرف عليها اثناء تجولاته في المدارس في فترة راسة والراوية قالت محاولة قتل ابن عمه للملك واكيد كان يقصد خيانة حسين كامل وبعد مافضح مستقبل التسليح للعسكرية العراقيه وطلع كل الاسرار لرولف ايكيوس وزكر كلمة الخيانة كثير في الراوية لان العراق سقطت بالخيانة ذكر كلمة الخيانة داخل القصر والمؤمرات الضد الملك ويقصد بيها الخيانات الحصلت من المقربين من صدام مثل حسين كامل وقائد الحرس الجمهوري سيف الدين الراوي وخان العراق لامريكا وقصف مفعل تموز العراقي كان بسبب الخيانة واغتيال المهندس المصري يحي المشد كان بسبب الخيانة عشان كده زكرت كلمة خيانةكثير جدا في الرواية اما عندما توحد الشعب ضد المتامرين علي الملك فيمكن القصد منها الحرب الايرانية لما كانت كل طوائف الشعب العراقي ضد العدو الفارسي اما جلسة مجلس الشعب وخروج وفضيحة كل المتامرين فا ده اشبه بالحصل في قاعة الخلد عندما فضح المتؤمرين وتم طردهم من القاعة او بمعني اصح تصفية اعداء البعث وصدام ولحظة اغتصاب زبيبة وانها قاومت الي اخر لحظها فااراوي يقصد مقاومة الجيش العراقي ضد الغزو الامريكي ودي بشهادة الفريق رعد الحمداني قائد فيلق الفتح المبين للحرس الجمهوري لما ذكر ان كان لواء قوات خاصه استشهد كله علي ظهر الدبابات الامريكية لكن لازم الواحد يكون عارف فترة تاريخ حكم صدام عشان يفهم الرواية وذكر كلة تموز في الرواية اشارة الي ثورة تموز في العراق بقيادة البعث
March 22, 2016
اقرب للمسرحية منها للرواية .. فلسفة مملة
May 24, 2018
Fascinating as a document, less good as a novel. Interesting to contrast the political ideas put forward by the Socratic-dialoguesque sections of the book and the drastically different practices of the author.
Would recommend.
Would recommend.
tbr-other
November 22, 2023listen, you can't tell me that saddam hussein wrote a romance novel and expect me not to read it
February 3, 2014
زبيبة والملك
رواية لكاتبها
في مقدمة للرواية قيل التقي صدام حسين بعدد من كتاب القصة والرواية وطلب منهم كتابة روايات طويلة لكي يأخذوا مداهم عندما يكتبون ويعالجون شؤون الحياة خلال احداثها اي ان يأتي الكاتب بمزيج من الصلة بين الحياة الاعتيادية واحداث الرواية حتى تصل الى مستوى المقاومة خلف المدفع الذي يقاوم طائرات العدو
وقال لهم اي صدام انكم بحاجة الى نفس اطول في كتابة الرواية التي يجد فيها القارئ مزيجاً من معلومات جديدة لم يعرفها سابقاً عن التاريخ او الاجتماع او علم النفس سواء تعلق الأمر بالمرأة او الرجل بكبير السن ام بالشباب....الخ
الرواية رواية حوارية وهي اقرب للمسرح منها للرواية
يضمن الحوار المثالية والمبادئ التي تسمو بالشعب وترقي بالدولة
فيها تعقيد ورموز وهي اقرب لحكايات الاساطير
لا مكان ولا زمان محددان في هذه الرواية
اسلوبها فيه ملل ويخلو من الاثارة
فيها شعارات وخطابات حماسية واغلبها وردت بخطابات صدام حسين
تدور الرواية بالاساس بحوار بين زبيبه التي تمثل الشعب وهي شخصية حكيمة وواعية ومحبه للشعب وذات تأثير قوي بحنكتها وكلامها وبين الملك الذي اخذه عالم الملك والقصور والجواري بعيداً عن الشعب وبلقائه وحديثه مع زبيبه بدأ الحوار يدخل بعمق حول علاقة الملك بالشعب
فيجب ان يكون في روح وضمير وتصرف وفكر الملك جزءاً من الشعب وان ينشئ للشعب المنظم اهدافاً كبيرة بما يناسب البلد ودورها في الحياة ورسالة الانسان فيها وان تقود الشعب والجمع المنظم لبلوغها بنزاهة وامانة وان ترفض المساومة على المبادئ وتدعو لكل ما هو شريف في التصور والتصرف وان تلزم نفسك بعمل ما تدعو اليه الشعب والجمع المنظم وان تكون صادقاً وعادلاً على طول الخط
في نهاية الرواية كان حوار لفئات مختلفة لمجلس الشعب وجمع طوائف ومستويات مختلفة من الشعب
واسقط على كل شخص متحدث حاله في الشعب عن التجار والاغنياء والاقطاعيين واليهود ...الخ
اقتبس
الضوء داخل النفس هو الضوء الحقيقي الذي لا يدع العين تخطيء ولا القلب ولا العقل
المبادئ العظيمة عندما تستقر داخل النفس تعطي الانسان قدرة صمود ومطاولة ومقاومة
المدخل الى الانسان ينبغي ان يكون ما يشكل الجوهر من الصفات والطباع وقد يكون الشكل مكملاً او مضافاً ومن يجعل الشيء هو المدخل الحاسم في تقويم الاشياء يكون كما الشيء قيمته في التداول والاستعمال وليس بحد ذاته لذا فان من يقوم الناس على اساس اشيائهم حسب . قد يصلح كشيء للتداول وليس كقيمة للخلق والتقويم وسند يركن اليه مع انني لا استطيع ان اتصور الانسان شيئاً
رواية لكاتبها
في مقدمة للرواية قيل التقي صدام حسين بعدد من كتاب القصة والرواية وطلب منهم كتابة روايات طويلة لكي يأخذوا مداهم عندما يكتبون ويعالجون شؤون الحياة خلال احداثها اي ان يأتي الكاتب بمزيج من الصلة بين الحياة الاعتيادية واحداث الرواية حتى تصل الى مستوى المقاومة خلف المدفع الذي يقاوم طائرات العدو
وقال لهم اي صدام انكم بحاجة الى نفس اطول في كتابة الرواية التي يجد فيها القارئ مزيجاً من معلومات جديدة لم يعرفها سابقاً عن التاريخ او الاجتماع او علم النفس سواء تعلق الأمر بالمرأة او الرجل بكبير السن ام بالشباب....الخ
الرواية رواية حوارية وهي اقرب للمسرح منها للرواية
يضمن الحوار المثالية والمبادئ التي تسمو بالشعب وترقي بالدولة
فيها تعقيد ورموز وهي اقرب لحكايات الاساطير
لا مكان ولا زمان محددان في هذه الرواية
اسلوبها فيه ملل ويخلو من الاثارة
فيها شعارات وخطابات حماسية واغلبها وردت بخطابات صدام حسين
تدور الرواية بالاساس بحوار بين زبيبه التي تمثل الشعب وهي شخصية حكيمة وواعية ومحبه للشعب وذات تأثير قوي بحنكتها وكلامها وبين الملك الذي اخذه عالم الملك والقصور والجواري بعيداً عن الشعب وبلقائه وحديثه مع زبيبه بدأ الحوار يدخل بعمق حول علاقة الملك بالشعب
فيجب ان يكون في روح وضمير وتصرف وفكر الملك جزءاً من الشعب وان ينشئ للشعب المنظم اهدافاً كبيرة بما يناسب البلد ودورها في الحياة ورسالة الانسان فيها وان تقود الشعب والجمع المنظم لبلوغها بنزاهة وامانة وان ترفض المساومة على المبادئ وتدعو لكل ما هو شريف في التصور والتصرف وان تلزم نفسك بعمل ما تدعو اليه الشعب والجمع المنظم وان تكون صادقاً وعادلاً على طول الخط
في نهاية الرواية كان حوار لفئات مختلفة لمجلس الشعب وجمع طوائف ومستويات مختلفة من الشعب
واسقط على كل شخص متحدث حاله في الشعب عن التجار والاغنياء والاقطاعيين واليهود ...الخ
اقتبس
الضوء داخل النفس هو الضوء الحقيقي الذي لا يدع العين تخطيء ولا القلب ولا العقل
المبادئ العظيمة عندما تستقر داخل النفس تعطي الانسان قدرة صمود ومطاولة ومقاومة
المدخل الى الانسان ينبغي ان يكون ما يشكل الجوهر من الصفات والطباع وقد يكون الشكل مكملاً او مضافاً ومن يجعل الشيء هو المدخل الحاسم في تقويم الاشياء يكون كما الشيء قيمته في التداول والاستعمال وليس بحد ذاته لذا فان من يقوم الناس على اساس اشيائهم حسب . قد يصلح كشيء للتداول وليس كقيمة للخلق والتقويم وسند يركن اليه مع انني لا استطيع ان اتصور الانسان شيئاً
April 22, 2008
Intresting. The profits go to the red cresent. So don`t be afraid by buying this book you support the underground Ba`ath party or something like that. I which I could find the non-fiction books by Saddam translated into English.
July 10, 2015
الحقيقة لو لم يكن صدام الذي كتبها لما انتشرت ولا قرأتُها، شخصياً أعجبت أن صدام مثقف، ققط.
أسلوب الرواية أقل من عادي بل وركيك أحياناً
أسلوب الرواية أقل من عادي بل وركيك أحياناً
February 11, 2024
A real one hit wonder, I’m not really a fan of the author’s earlier or later works.
January 14, 2025
Zabiba and the king
A story which needs a lot of analysis and which USA and the Middle East paid a lot of attention to it.
If you focused on the symbols and themes and this great ,simple story you will find it refers to a political themes which the president and the country had lived long before.
When I first read this novella I comprehend most of the symbols and wisdoms the president pointed out and here I'll say the analysis of this novela without looking at any other ideas of people, USA or other political analyst.
When the president talked about the king that he was each time wandering around the country and sit in the poor people's house it refers to the president himself that he was always wandering in the country and even eat in the poor ,simple people's home and listen, talk, laugh with them,
and there's many evidences in the YouTube and also the citizens themselves.
The second symbol is there is much of corrupt politicians in the power and the country itself cannot control on them and that what brings the bad reputation to the country.
And the reason behind these corrupted people and power who no one can control on them is the country was a kingdom which it's a royal rule which it means they got the power by inheritance of their fathers and grandparents not by their worth or revolution ,and we can consider this a massive criticism for them for not being worth the power and even not deserved to praise.
The third symbol when zebiba and the citizens decided to illuminate the corrupt and zebiba fought them with all patient and was dead it indicates the courage of the Arabian woman who can stand in the face of the enemy and fight them in defense of the homeland and honor.
The last symbol talks about the King's death and how the people and politicians decided to change the rule of the kingdom which is going to be the best for them and the whole country, though, the people will choose a ruler they love and trust.
Here we can see the most important symbols in the whole story which points out for the change that happened to Iraq whom the revolutionaries destroyed the Royal rule and change it to the constitutional rule.
I really loved the way the story has been written and the conversation that took place between the King and zebiba it was really a great language and a great speeches.
And my point of view I can say that it is really a good book and I love it so much and I may recommend it to the people.
Greetings to all.
A story which needs a lot of analysis and which USA and the Middle East paid a lot of attention to it.
If you focused on the symbols and themes and this great ,simple story you will find it refers to a political themes which the president and the country had lived long before.
When I first read this novella I comprehend most of the symbols and wisdoms the president pointed out and here I'll say the analysis of this novela without looking at any other ideas of people, USA or other political analyst.
When the president talked about the king that he was each time wandering around the country and sit in the poor people's house it refers to the president himself that he was always wandering in the country and even eat in the poor ,simple people's home and listen, talk, laugh with them,
and there's many evidences in the YouTube and also the citizens themselves.
The second symbol is there is much of corrupt politicians in the power and the country itself cannot control on them and that what brings the bad reputation to the country.
And the reason behind these corrupted people and power who no one can control on them is the country was a kingdom which it's a royal rule which it means they got the power by inheritance of their fathers and grandparents not by their worth or revolution ,and we can consider this a massive criticism for them for not being worth the power and even not deserved to praise.
The third symbol when zebiba and the citizens decided to illuminate the corrupt and zebiba fought them with all patient and was dead it indicates the courage of the Arabian woman who can stand in the face of the enemy and fight them in defense of the homeland and honor.
The last symbol talks about the King's death and how the people and politicians decided to change the rule of the kingdom which is going to be the best for them and the whole country, though, the people will choose a ruler they love and trust.
Here we can see the most important symbols in the whole story which points out for the change that happened to Iraq whom the revolutionaries destroyed the Royal rule and change it to the constitutional rule.
I really loved the way the story has been written and the conversation that took place between the King and zebiba it was really a great language and a great speeches.
And my point of view I can say that it is really a good book and I love it so much and I may recommend it to the people.
Greetings to all.
September 12, 2013
صفحات من الفلسفة السخيفة التي لا ترتقي إلى مستوى فلسفة محو الأمية، من تأليف المرحوم صدام حسين.
القيمة الحقيقة لهذه القصة هي فقط في إظهار تفاهة الديكتاتور الذي ما عادت تتسع له الدنيا ليرى في نفسه الأديب والفيلسوف أيضا.
لا أنصح بإضاعة الوقت في قراءة هذه الرواية.
القيمة الحقيقة لهذه القصة هي فقط في إظهار تفاهة الديكتاتور الذي ما عادت تتسع له الدنيا ليرى في نفسه الأديب والفيلسوف أيضا.
لا أنصح بإضاعة الوقت في قراءة هذه الرواية.
Read
January 31, 2024Tedious. Perplexing. Oftentimes confusing. But every 20 pages or so there is a scene, sometimes just a line, that reveals the bizarre mind behind the book. Were not Saddam who he was, I might think of him as an Iraqi Baron Corvo.
March 23, 2025
Astonishingly bad writing, zero credibility, thousands of anachronisms, subplots interrupted and never taken up again, wildly ranging without making any useful point and utterly weird. Still it's kind of interesting especially regarding what is known of the aim of the narration. Every single page made me think "What the actual f***", so that's something, I guess?
July 28, 2016
لقد مر وقت طويل منذ اخر مرة قرات قصة بهذا الملل. لو افترضنا ان الكاتب هو صدام حسين فعلا فلابد انه اراد ان يضع فكرته ورايه عن الحكم على هيئة قصة ولكن برايي انه لم يوفق بذلك. القصة تتحدث عن امراءة متزوجه تاتي لزيارة الملك "الذي تعلم انه يحبها" وفي كل مرة تلقي عليه مجموعه من الفلسفات والاراء عن كيف يجب ان يكون الحاكم لشعبه الامر الذي لم استطع تقبله بالنظر لكونها متزوجه حتى لو انها غصبت عليه فلايستطيع الانسان بطبعه اخذ الحكمة من شخصٍ لايطبقها. القصة تحمل الكثير من الاخطاء الاملائية واحيان تجد الكاتب يستبدل بعض الكلمات بنقاط دليل حذف الكلمة مثلا انت يكتب ان الملك قال لزبيبة : يا..تي وهذه الكلمة هي "حبيبتي" فلاادري كيف يكتب قصة فحواها الحب والرومنسية ثم يستبدلها بحروف وكانها كلمات ممنوعه!!! التناقض العربي المعتاد، الامر لاينتهي هنا فالقصة لاتتمتع باسلوب لفظي حتى في مستوى "جيد" بل ادنى بكثير. والاسلوب الفكري مثير للشفقه بصراحة فكيف تستطيع ان تقرا قصة من 120 صفحة كلها حواريه بين الملك وزبيبة وبصيغة تعليميه غير ممتعه البته ناهيك عن انها تستمر بوعضه وهو يستمر باخذ الاوامر منها فقط. ايضا لم يحاول الكاتب ان يدلنا على الكيفية التي وقع الملك في حبها بل ينتقل من هذه الجزئية بسرعه فائقة الى مايحاول الوصول اليه وهو تواصلهم وبالتالي مرحلة القاء "ارئها" عليه. الامرنفسه يحدث كذلك في النهاية حين تُقتل فالوصف يشعرك ان موتها لما يكن من صلب الموضوع او كما لوانه كان امرا مسلما به. ويتجاوز هذه الجزئية بسرعه حتى لنصل الى الاحداث واخيرا يقل الجانب الحواري ويبدا الجانب الحدثي ولكن بجزئية 20 صفحة فقط ! ياللملل. حتى "الامير الصغير"ل"أنطوان دو سانت-أكزوبيري" كان اقل رحمةً بنا وهو يعطينا فلسفاته ولم يستمر الكتاب الا 50 صفحة جزئية الفلسفة لاتعد الخمس او اقل رغم الاسلوب الشيق والمبرر من طفل، اما من شخصٍ بالغ ولملك فيصعب تصديقها او حتى تجاهلها . القصة تحمل نهاية مثيرة للشفقه كذلك فلو ان فحواها ان يعتبر الملك من كل الدروس التي القتها على مسامعه ومسامعنا فلم نصل الى تلك النقطة ابدا فهو يموت من فوره بعد الحرب ولاايستفد احد من الدروس التي اخذها وهي من جهة اخرى تعامل كانها بطل لموتها في ساحة القتال فما الذي عرفه الناس عنها لعتبروها البطلة المطلقه لحربهم رغم ذكر الكثيرين، لم يتكرم علينا الكاتب بمعرفة ذلك السؤال حتى النهاية. برايي الشخصي اعتقد القصة لفقت على صدام ولم يكتبها ابدا.
August 25, 2014
حاولت كتير إني انسي أن صدام حسين هو اللي كاتب الرواية، لكن التنظير اللي مالي الرواية إن جاز تسمستها رواية و"التلقيح" كانوا بيفكروني انه صدام -ضارب الأكراد بالكيماوي- هو اللي كاتبها ،
الرواية بعيدا عن صدام حبكتها ضعيفة بيتكلم عن أحداث قد تكون في القرون الوسطي ووسطها يتكلم عن لاعب كرة محترف ولاعب هاوٍ!!!!!!
الرواية بعيدا عن صدام حبكتها ضعيفة بيتكلم عن أحداث قد تكون في القرون الوسطي ووسطها يتكلم عن لاعب كرة محترف ولاعب هاوٍ!!!!!!
May 13, 2008
One of the four novels ever written by Saddam Husein.. i've got one entitled translated into 'Evil Dance' which was interesting to put politics into a novel.. heu5..
August 13, 2013
واحدة من اعقد الروايات عبارة عن رموز
كلما وضعت لها مسميات
تاتي احداث لتفني ما اعتقدته
من حيث البناء والاسلوب لن اعطي اي نجمه
النجمتين لفكرة حاول الكاتب ايصالها
وكان نجاحها جزئي
كلما وضعت لها مسميات
تاتي احداث لتفني ما اعتقدته
من حيث البناء والاسلوب لن اعطي اي نجمه
النجمتين لفكرة حاول الكاتب ايصالها
وكان نجاحها جزئي
November 18, 2016
اسفي علي الوقت الذي ضاع في قرأتها
April 6, 2024
"Zabiba and the King" is a politically charged novel purportedly authored by Saddam Hussein, the former president of Iraq. Published anonymously in 2000, the book is a work of fiction that intertwines romance, politics, and ideology in a narrative set in ancient Iraq.
What makes "Zabiba and the King" noteworthy is its unique historical context and the controversy surrounding its authorship. Written during Saddam Hussein's regime, the novel serves as a thinly veiled allegory for contemporary Iraqi politics, with the titular character, Zabiba, symbolizing the Iraqi people, and the king representing Saddam himself.
From a literary standpoint, "Zabiba and the King" falls short of expectations. The prose is often stilted and didactic, with heavy-handed exposition and dialogue that feels contrived. The characters lack depth and complexity, serving primarily as mouthpieces for the author's political and philosophical beliefs.
However, it is the political subtext of "Zabiba and the King" that has drawn the most attention. The novel is widely seen as a propaganda tool employed by Saddam Hussein to promote his regime and ideology. Through its romanticized portrayal of a benevolent king and his devotion to his people, the book seeks to legitimize Saddam's authoritarian rule and justify his policies.
Despite its flaws as a work of literature, "Zabiba and the King" offers valuable insights into the mindset of Saddam Hussein's regime and its use of culture and propaganda to maintain power. By analyzing the novel within its political and historical context, readers can gain a deeper understanding of the authoritarian dynamics that characterized Iraq under Saddam's rule.
In conclusion, "Zabiba and the King" is a curious artifact of Saddam Hussein's regime, notable more for its political implications than its literary merit. While it may not stand up to critical scrutiny as a work of fiction, the novel remains a fascinating and controversial piece of Iraqi history, offering a glimpse into the intersection of literature, politics, and power.
What makes "Zabiba and the King" noteworthy is its unique historical context and the controversy surrounding its authorship. Written during Saddam Hussein's regime, the novel serves as a thinly veiled allegory for contemporary Iraqi politics, with the titular character, Zabiba, symbolizing the Iraqi people, and the king representing Saddam himself.
From a literary standpoint, "Zabiba and the King" falls short of expectations. The prose is often stilted and didactic, with heavy-handed exposition and dialogue that feels contrived. The characters lack depth and complexity, serving primarily as mouthpieces for the author's political and philosophical beliefs.
However, it is the political subtext of "Zabiba and the King" that has drawn the most attention. The novel is widely seen as a propaganda tool employed by Saddam Hussein to promote his regime and ideology. Through its romanticized portrayal of a benevolent king and his devotion to his people, the book seeks to legitimize Saddam's authoritarian rule and justify his policies.
Despite its flaws as a work of literature, "Zabiba and the King" offers valuable insights into the mindset of Saddam Hussein's regime and its use of culture and propaganda to maintain power. By analyzing the novel within its political and historical context, readers can gain a deeper understanding of the authoritarian dynamics that characterized Iraq under Saddam's rule.
In conclusion, "Zabiba and the King" is a curious artifact of Saddam Hussein's regime, notable more for its political implications than its literary merit. While it may not stand up to critical scrutiny as a work of fiction, the novel remains a fascinating and controversial piece of Iraqi history, offering a glimpse into the intersection of literature, politics, and power.
July 3, 2022
This books mere existence, as well as it's contents are a fever dream. It tells a lot about how Saddam views himself and how he believes a country and a society should be. A lot of these things are very surprising, because he calls for what he calls a "People's Council", a government by the people, without input by Emirs and Kings.
" 'Great is Allah! Away with the emirs and kings!'
'Away with the royal power!'
'Blessed be the people!' "
Reality of course looked a lot different.
The Story itself is barely existent and the last quarter of the book is essentially just political ranting.
Saddam Hussein also crafted a (for lack of better word) strong female protagonist which is probably the most surprising part of this book.
I recommend it to everyone that is interested in the History and Politics of the MENA Region.
" 'Great is Allah! Away with the emirs and kings!'
'Away with the royal power!'
'Blessed be the people!' "
Reality of course looked a lot different.
The Story itself is barely existent and the last quarter of the book is essentially just political ranting.
Saddam Hussein also crafted a (for lack of better word) strong female protagonist which is probably the most surprising part of this book.
I recommend it to everyone that is interested in the History and Politics of the MENA Region.
May 26, 2022
You have to understand that Saddam Hussein is attempting to write a love novel. The translation and editor hints that the relationship between Zabiba and her husband described is and allegory to Iraq and the US. While it kind of gives insight into the pysche of a dictator, I read for the story presented but keeping cognizant of the actual author. Story line isn't great but interesting enough and it entetained me that Saddam wrote it. I'm giving it 5 stars because I really was entertained reading it and it satisfied some curiosity about his ideologies.
January 12, 2019
A story about the relationship between a king and a peasant woman, her attempts to change the living conditions of her people while influencing her king's heart.
The author (supposedly Saddam himself) could have done so much better. The book becomes a dialog and a kind of philosophical and political debate, where a kind of democratic way of life is defended. Some parts are really dull and the narrative just has a few moments where it seems to go forward.
The author (supposedly Saddam himself) could have done so much better. The book becomes a dialog and a kind of philosophical and political debate, where a kind of democratic way of life is defended. Some parts are really dull and the narrative just has a few moments where it seems to go forward.
August 23, 2024
This book is the very least of Saddam's sins and yet it is the one that has personally vexed me the most. It's galling as either a romance or a socratic dialogue.
(Perhaps it is better in the original language, perhaps you have to know a lot about 90s Iraqi politics to appreciate the allegories. Perhaps)
(Perhaps it is better in the original language, perhaps you have to know a lot about 90s Iraqi politics to appreciate the allegories. Perhaps)
July 19, 2024
My favourite bits are when Zabiba has to repeatedly explain the same metaphors to the king over and over.
If you need confirmation that Saddam Hussein was not a smooth operator with the ladies, this book is it.
If you need confirmation that Saddam Hussein was not a smooth operator with the ladies, this book is it.
March 22, 2019
Just don’t
January 8, 2025
lack of imagination and taste, but still kind of artifact from old times.
October 25, 2025
grauenhaft geschrieben,aber interessant um die Psychologie von Saddam zu verstehen
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