Abu Jmeel's Daughter & Other Stories: Arab Folk Tales from Palestine and Lebanon

by Jamal Sleem Nuweihed, Jamal Sleem Nuweihed

These 27 traditional folk stories were written down, shortly before her death, by Jamal Sleem Nuweihed, who had recounted them to the children of her extended family over many years. Authentically Arab in their themes, yet timelessly universal, they are sometimes magical, sometimes naturalistic, and combine a wealth of vivid detail with elements of pathos and humor. Translated by family members of various generations, then expertly edited, the book is a precious store of the kind of tale endlessly cherished but in danger of disappearing.

Genres: Middle East, Fiction, Fantasy, Lebanon, Mythology

368 pages, Paperback

First published February 1, 2002

Reviews

[Elizabeth]

I purchased this anthology on a trip to Israel and the West Bank. The stories of any community reveal something of the dreams and aspirations of generations.

[Taghreed Najjar]

Well written and much needed.I enjoyed reading some of the folk tales I had heard as a child in English.It gave the stories a different perspective.

[Stef · Rating 4 out of 5]

Got this one from the library. Learned a few arab words and gained some insight into traditions/taboos/customs of the culture. Full of filagree, plenty of princes, jarloads of jin, camel and cloth, and secret passions...