You as of Today My Homeland: Stories of War, Self, and Love

Arabic Literature and Language

by Tayseer Al-Sboul, Nesreen Akhtarkhavari (Translator)

This volume comprises a translation of the first post-modernist historical Arabic novella, You as of Today, by the renowned Jordanian writer Tayseer al-Sboul, and his two short stories “Red Indian” and “The Rooster’s Cry.” “Red Indian” and “The Rooster’s Cry” complement You as of Today by providing, with striking transparency and precision, narratives that examine man’s journey to self-discovery through events that are culturally unique, transparent, and at times shocking. This volume is rich with tales of war, love, politics, censorship, and the search for self in a complex and conflicting Arab world at a critical time in its history. In a captivating style consistent with the nature of events narrated in the text, al-Sboul unveils the inner nature of social, political, and religious patterns of life in Arab society with an honesty and skill that renders You as of Today My Homeland a testimony of human experiences that transcend the boundaries of time and place. 

120 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 1, 2016

About the author

Tayseer al-Sboul (1939–1973) is one of Jordan’s most celebrated writers and poets. His masterpiece, You as of Today, won the al-Nahar Award for best Arabic novel in 1968 and continues to stand as one of the most accurate and powerful historical novels of the time.

Reviews

[Dawn · Rating 2 out of 5]

There are 3 short stories in this book. I only connected with one of them maybe something was lost in translation.

[Diana Eberhardt · Rating 2 out of 5]

I read it for a book group. I just didn’t get it.

[Eileen Dahhan · Rating 5 out of 5]

absolutely gorgeous; an instant 5 star. incapsulates the diaspora experience so wonderfully despite being published so long ago.