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Outclassed in Kuwait
When one of Kuwaits richest businessmen unexpectedly contacts author Taleb Al-Rifai, he has an unusual write a biographical novel that traces his ascent from poverty into the upper reaches of Kuwaiti society. As fact mixes with fiction, Al-Rifai is torn over whether writing such a book compromises his integrity as a writer.Al-Rifai is soon plunged into a world of enormous wealth, soaring ambitions, and frustrated love. Its not only Al-Rifais reputation at there are powerful people who dont want this novel to be written, and they will stop at almost nothing to prevent it. Will Al-Rifai write the book? Will the forces lining up against him allow it?
123 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 1, 2018
25 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
May 22, 2023
Kuwait: take two. I’m actually glad my last attempt at reading a book set in Kuwait failed. This one is a rare gem.
Speaking of plays, the plot spotlights the making of the major production, where the actual production takes a back seat. On the top level. With a blocked view. And the end product is a book.
A middle-aged humble journalist (Taleb Alrefai) is contacted by a wealthy Kuwaiti businessman (Khalid Khalifa). He is asked to write a biographical novel about him.
Taleb was affronted by such an offer. He had never been paid to write on demand about real events. He is far too creative and ethical to stoop to such demands. Let alone the potential ruin of his reputation for selling out. But then, the pay was incredible.
Taleb shares his dilemmas with the readers. Should he do it? What about the consequences? This was a powerful family afterall.
No surprises but he proceeds with the novel under strict contractual terms. The story is to be about his success in business only. No family background. No personal dramas. Just his success. Okaaaaayyyyy.
So they have meetings to obtain information and inspiration for the novel. However, all the businessman wants to talk about are the events that can’t be included in the book. Through this process, the two form a strong bond. And through this experience, the main themes are told: the class system, wealth beyond ones born station, adjustment from the good old days to a strict government regime, gender roles, caring about what other people think.
The theme I enjoyed most was the gender roles. In this instance, Khalid’s wife is the millionaire and he came from poverty. She showers him in gifts. Buys him a house. Gets him the best job. But she can’t let him forget it or he can’t handle the price of a free hand up. In saying this, Khalid is progressive. He enjoyed the free times of the 70’s where man and woman could coexist unabounded. He had his own liquor cabinet.
There are a few spanners thrown in the works, muddling things up. Is Khalid being truthful or vindictive? Are the things said about him true? Divorce proceedings drama 101.
I’ve read a few books set in the Middle East about mistreated people and human rights injustices, which I’ve found fascinating. This one was different coming from the male’s point of view. And delivered so well, considering Khalid exposes his emotional vulnerability. I’ve kind of battled with the archetypal males in my life and I find it quite refreshing to read about strong-presenting men who put down their armour.
I read this as part of my around-the-world reading challenge. I have a feeling I will remember this one for a time to come.
Speaking of plays, the plot spotlights the making of the major production, where the actual production takes a back seat. On the top level. With a blocked view. And the end product is a book.
A middle-aged humble journalist (Taleb Alrefai) is contacted by a wealthy Kuwaiti businessman (Khalid Khalifa). He is asked to write a biographical novel about him.
Taleb was affronted by such an offer. He had never been paid to write on demand about real events. He is far too creative and ethical to stoop to such demands. Let alone the potential ruin of his reputation for selling out. But then, the pay was incredible.
Taleb shares his dilemmas with the readers. Should he do it? What about the consequences? This was a powerful family afterall.
No surprises but he proceeds with the novel under strict contractual terms. The story is to be about his success in business only. No family background. No personal dramas. Just his success. Okaaaaayyyyy.
So they have meetings to obtain information and inspiration for the novel. However, all the businessman wants to talk about are the events that can’t be included in the book. Through this process, the two form a strong bond. And through this experience, the main themes are told: the class system, wealth beyond ones born station, adjustment from the good old days to a strict government regime, gender roles, caring about what other people think.
The theme I enjoyed most was the gender roles. In this instance, Khalid’s wife is the millionaire and he came from poverty. She showers him in gifts. Buys him a house. Gets him the best job. But she can’t let him forget it or he can’t handle the price of a free hand up. In saying this, Khalid is progressive. He enjoyed the free times of the 70’s where man and woman could coexist unabounded. He had his own liquor cabinet.
There are a few spanners thrown in the works, muddling things up. Is Khalid being truthful or vindictive? Are the things said about him true? Divorce proceedings drama 101.
I’ve read a few books set in the Middle East about mistreated people and human rights injustices, which I’ve found fascinating. This one was different coming from the male’s point of view. And delivered so well, considering Khalid exposes his emotional vulnerability. I’ve kind of battled with the archetypal males in my life and I find it quite refreshing to read about strong-presenting men who put down their armour.
I read this as part of my around-the-world reading challenge. I have a feeling I will remember this one for a time to come.
March 18, 2019
Perhaps this is the type of book I’ll read when I want something simple and not complicated....
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews