Middle East/North African Lit discussion

Anyone reading books by Radwa Ashour, please share your thoughts here!

I read Granada and enjoyed it, but then was disappointed because so much was left without resolution. Afterwards, I found out this book is just the first part of a trilogy, so of course, there was much left to still be explored.

I really loved Granada... I think I contented myself with what there was of it, because I don't think the other two parts are available in English? Alas, I have no Arabic...

Radwa Ashour... amazing author <333

I just finished Siraaj: An Arab Tale. It's very good!
I wish the other books of her Granada trilogy were translated into English! My Arabic reading is kindergarten level.

So glad you liked it, Jalilah! I did too. I offered to translate the remainder of the Granata trilogy, but she declined. She was struggling with illness. Perhaps English-language publishers didn't think it would have enough audience. I don't know any more about the reasoning.

My Arabic reading is at pre-kindergarten level (I know the letters but not the words, because I have a little Farsi) and I would jump at the chance for more Ashour

Zanna wrote: "My Arabic reading is at pre-kindergarten level (I know the letters but not the words, because I have a little Farsi) and I would jump at the chance for more Ashour"

Actually mine probably is too. Im not sure of the difference between Kindergarten and pre-school because my son went to a Waldorf school until he was 7 and they did not teach him any reading at all. I can make out the letters, but because they don't write the vowels I often don't recognise the words

Melanie wrote: "So glad you liked it, Jalilah! I did too. I offered to translate the remainder of the Granata trilogy, but she declined. She was struggling with illness. Perhaps English-language publishers didn't ..."

That is too bad! I wonder if they will ever get translated! Have you translated other works from Arabic to English Melanie?

Yes, recently I translated this novel: Mortal Designs and
this short story.

Bravo Melanie! Super cool! Thank you for sharing with us!!

No problem! If you want more updates, you can always check
my website