Translated Arabic books to read during lockdown
Add these translated tales by Arab authors to your reading list while you stay at home.
Algerian author Abdelouahab Aissaoui’s novel, which tells the story of colonialism in 19th century Algiers, just took home the International Prize for Arabic Fiction 2020 and will be translated into English.
First published in Arabic in 1942 and now available in English, Adel Kamel’s novel is an extraordinary tale that transcends time and boundaries, featuring two protagonists from Cairo.
This young adult novel by Fatima Sharafeddine and Samar Mahfouz Barraj explores the role of a supportive family and friendships that can mold an adolescent’s life and character.
Iraqi novelist Inaam Kachachi’s book depicts the American occupation of Iraq through the eyes of a young American-Iraqi woman, who returns to her war-torn homeland as an interpreter for the US Army.
Ghada Al-Samman’s novel, translated by Issa J. Boullata, is a collection of 10 eerie short stories that mix traditional Middle Eastern folklore with the modern world.
Jabbour Douaihy’s fictional work is an entertaining tale about an aspiring author who finds himself embroiled in an international crime ring tucked away in Beirut’s publishing industry.
