Beyond Jokha al-Harthi: Women Writers from the Gulf

When Jokha al-Harthi and Marilyn Booth won the Man Booker International Prize last year, for Booth’s translation of Sayyidat al-Qamr (Celestial Bodies), many hurried to note that al-Harthi was the “first Omani woman writer” to have a book in English translation.While true, this may give the mistaken impression that there is something new about women's writing from the Gulf. But women on the peninsula have been composing sophisticated literature for centuries. Al-Khansa (575-645 AD), who was born and died on the Arabian Peninsula, is said to have been told by an admiring male writer that she was “the greatest poet among those with breasts.” Al-Khansa is said to have replied, archly: “I am the greatest poet among those with testicles, too.” Her work can be read, in vibrant translation, in James Montgomery’s Loss Sings.Prominent poet-filmmaker Nujoom Ghanem, in a 2016 interview that focused on her literary ancestors, had a similar barb: “The majority of poets in our world are male, but quantity does not make quality.” Yet among the younger generation of writers, women often dominate. In Yemen, the UAE, Kuwait, and elsewhere, emerging women writers have been flooding into writing workshops and literary seminars. Each Gulf country could have its own list of 10 women writers. Here are just a few to seek out:Raja Alem (Saudi) – Alem was the first woman to co-win the International Prize for Arabic Fiction (IPAF), for her classic Mecca novel The Doves’ Necklace (translated by Adam... Continue reading at 'British Council global'

[ British Council global | 2020-02-19 10:26:57 UTC ]

Other news stories related to: "Beyond Jokha al-Harthi: Women Writers from the Gulf"


The UK’s Nibbies: Small Press and Bookstore Shortlists

With its award ceremony coming up in May, the British Book Awards program has released its bookstore and small-press shortlists. The post The UK’s Nibbies: Small Press and Bookstore Shortlists appeared first on Publishing Perspectives. Continue reading at Publishing Perspectives

[ Publishing Perspectives | 2024-03-04 16:24:55 UTC ]
More news stories like this


RuPaul Is Sending a Rainbow Bus to Give Away Books Targeted by Bans

The star, whose show “RuPaul’s Drag Race” has an international following, is one of the founders of a new online bookstore promoting underrepresented authors. The giveaways are part of its outreach. Continue reading at The New York Times

[ The New York Times | 2024-03-04 15:05:30 UTC ]
More news stories like this


Rights Edition: London Book Fair’s Rights Center: 500+ Tables

The International Rights Center at London Book Fair is 'slightly' bigger than last year, and returns to ground floor for 2024. The post Rights Edition: London Book Fair’s Rights Center: 500+ Tables appeared first on Publishing Perspectives. Continue reading at Publishing Perspectives

[ Publishing Perspectives | 2024-03-01 19:34:09 UTC ]
More news stories like this


Marcus Leaver at Gemini Books Appoints Caulfield, Greenwood, Munnings

The newly created Gemini Books Group precedes its first London Book Fair stand with three executive appointments. The post Marcus Leaver at Gemini Books Appoints Caulfield, Greenwood, Munnings appeared first on Publishing Perspectives. Continue reading at Publishing Perspectives

[ Publishing Perspectives | 2024-02-27 20:59:05 UTC ]
More news stories like this


She poured her heart into Arcadia's Book Rack. Now the small bookstore is closing

Book Rack is the second San Gabriel Valley bookstore to face a reckoning this year. The owner of Vroman's in Pasadena put the store up for sale because he wants to retire. Continue reading at Los Angeles Times

[ Los Angeles Times | 2024-02-26 11:00:30 UTC ]
More news stories like this


Book Review: ‘A Woman of Pleasure,’ by Kiyoko Murata

“A Woman of Pleasure,” Kiyoko Murata’s first novel to be translated into English, explores the world of sex work in early-20th-century Japan. Continue reading at The New York Times

[ The New York Times | 2024-02-26 10:00:14 UTC ]
More news stories like this


London Book Fair 2024: Setting the Agenda

The London Book Fair embraces its new status as the first major publishing event of the year. Continue reading at Publishers Weekly

[ Publishers Weekly | 2024-02-23 05:00:00 UTC ]
More news stories like this


Richard Osman to publish first novel in new crime series

We Solve Murders introduces a new detective duo – but the author has not abandoned his Thursday Murder Club charactersA new crime series by Richard Osman called We Solve Murders has been announced, after the huge success of his Thursday Murder Club novels.The beloved elderly sleuths from the... Continue reading at The Guardian

[ The Guardian | 2024-02-20 17:44:06 UTC ]
More news stories like this


Bring Back the Big, Comfortable Bookstore Reading Chair

This was a regular feature of my childhood, though it feels so long ago and far away, conceptually as well as literally, that I nearly forgot it ever happened: I’d go into town to the mall with my mom, and she’d drop me at the doors of the Borders or Barnes and Noble while she […] Continue reading at Literrary Hub

[ Literrary Hub | 2024-02-19 09:55:59 UTC ]
More news stories like this


The Small Bookstore Dedicated To Romance Tells Us Their Favorite Romantic Reads

The Ripped Bodice knows the romance genre inside and out — and they revealed the swoon-worthy books to read right now. Continue reading at HuffPost

[ HuffPost | 2024-02-13 10:45:18 UTC ]
More news stories like this


Winter Institute 2024: Keynote Speakers Share Business World Wisdom

Private equity investor James Rhee, author of 'Red Helicopter,' suggested ways to amplify a bookstore or brand’s intangible qualities, and conflict resolution specialist William Ury, author of 'Possible,' advised booksellers on how to deal with people's differences "constructively." Continue reading at Publishers Weekly

[ Publishers Weekly | 2024-02-13 05:00:00 UTC ]
More news stories like this


At London Book Fair: International Publishers Association Perspectives

During London Book Fair in March, the IPA will contribute to programming and hold various membership meetings on the sidelines. The post At London Book Fair: International Publishers Association Perspectives appeared first on Publishing Perspectives. Continue reading at Publishing Perspectives

[ Publishing Perspectives | 2024-02-12 21:39:37 UTC ]
More news stories like this


Anna Sui’s new collection is inspired by Agatha Christie, so obviously the runway was at the Strand.

It’s fashion week in New York City, which (alas) doesn’t usually concern us all that much here at Literary Hub. But last night, Anna Sui introduced her fall 2024 collection, entitled “WHODUNNIT!!!,” with a runway show at iconic bookstore The Strand—to best set the stage for its literary... Continue reading at Literrary Hub

[ Literrary Hub | 2024-02-12 18:52:59 UTC ]
More news stories like this


Paramount+ Unveils Adaptation of A GENTLEMAN IN MOSCOW

Ewan MacGregor's marvelous mustache, a legendary California bookstore is up for sale, and Florida is (sigh) at it again. Continue reading at Book Riot

[ Book Riot | 2024-02-08 15:42:21 UTC ]
More news stories like this


130-Year-Old California Bookstore Seeks Buyer

Vroman’s is a community landmark in Pasadena, Calif. Now, its longtime owner says he’s ready to turn over the reins. Continue reading at The New York Times

[ The New York Times | 2024-02-08 14:22:44 UTC ]
More news stories like this


Indigo Books and Music Gets a Buyout Offer

Two investment firms led by Canadian billionaire Gerald Schwartz—an Indigo board member, husband of founder Heather Reisman, and the company's majority owner—has made an offer to acquire the remaining shares of Canada's largest bookstore chain. Continue reading at Publishers Weekly

[ Publishers Weekly | 2024-02-05 05:00:00 UTC ]
More news stories like this


PRH Led in Children’s Picture Book Bestsellers in 2023, While Scholastic Took Top Spot in Fiction

Penguin Random House strengthened its grip on the picture book lists and made gains on the frontlist fiction lists, which Scholastic still rules. Continue reading at Publishers Weekly

[ Publishers Weekly | 2024-02-02 05:00:00 UTC ]
More news stories like this


Bookish Valentine’s Day Sweatshirts to Celebrate Your One True Love

Wear these fun bookish Valentine's Day sweatshirts to go out to pick up your latest bookstore or library finds and more. - Kelly Jensen Continue reading at Book Riot

[ Book Riot | 2024-01-29 11:30:00 UTC ]
More news stories like this


City Lights Workers Establish a Union

Bookstore workers at San Francisco’s City Lights Booksellers and Publishers have agreed to unionize, with the City Lights Workers Union joining the Industrial Workers of the World Local 660. City Lights management has voluntarily recognized the union. Continue reading at Publishers Weekly

[ Publishers Weekly | 2024-01-29 05:00:00 UTC ]
More news stories like this


David Sedaris’s First Picture Book and Ian Falconer’s Last

A story of gross beauty from David Sedaris and Ian Falconer, a scabrous tale from Beatrice Alemagna, and more. Continue reading at The New York Times

[ The New York Times | 2024-01-26 10:00:45 UTC ]
More news stories like this