Book Reviews

The Egyptian Revolution and “The Republic of False Truths”

The Egyptian Revolution and “The Republic of False Truths”

Aimee Dassa Kligman reviews the latest novel from the exiled author of "The Yacoubian Building."

26 SEPTEMBER 2022 • By Youssef Manessa
Muslims in the Americas—a review of “Praying to the West”

Muslims in the Americas—a review of “Praying to the West”

Francisco Letelier, a non-Muslim, reviews Omar Mouallem's "Praying to the West" from the outside looking in.

19 SEPTEMBER 2022 • By Farah Abdessamad
After Marriage, Single Arab American Woman Looks for Love

After Marriage, Single Arab American Woman Looks for Love

Eman Quotah reviews the new poetry collection by Jordanian Palestinian American author Laila Halaby.

5 SEPTEMBER 2022 • By Eman Quotah
Al-Koni’s Tuareg Perspective on Islam’s Conquest of North Africa

Al-Koni’s Tuareg Perspective on Islam’s Conquest of North Africa

Iason Athanasiadis reviews the new Ibrahim al-Koni translation of a story that recounts Islam's conquest of North Africa.

5 SEPTEMBER 2022 • By Francisco Letelier
After Nine Years in Detention, an Iraqi is Finally Granted Asylum

After Nine Years in Detention, an Iraqi is Finally Granted Asylum

Rana Asfour reviews the third novel from Dutch Iraqi writer Rodaan Al Galidi.

22 AUGUST 2022 • By Rana Asfour
Questionable Thinking on the Syrian Revolution

Questionable Thinking on the Syrian Revolution

Critic Fouad Mami suggests that a Syrian author may be guilty of pseudo-thinking in service of the counterrevolution.

1 AUGUST 2022 • By Jean Lamore
Poetry as a Form of Madness—Review of a Friendship

Poetry as a Form of Madness—Review of a Friendship

Youssef Rahka introduces us to his Egyptian friend Maged Zaher and his seventh volume of poetry, composed in...

15 JULY 2022 • By Laila Halaby
Between Illness and Exile in “Head Above Water”

Between Illness and Exile in “Head Above Water”

Tugrul Mende reviews Shadh Alshammari's brave account of fighting MS and abelism.

15 JULY 2022 • By Oliver Gloag
Alaa Abd El-Fattah—the Revolutionary el-Sissi Fears Most?

Alaa Abd El-Fattah—the Revolutionary el-Sissi Fears Most?

Fouad Mami on hunger striker Alaa Abd El-Fattah's new book, "You Have Not Yet Been Defeated."

11 JULY 2022 • By Fouad Mami
Poems of Palestinian Motherhood, Loss, Desire and Hope

Poems of Palestinian Motherhood, Loss, Desire and Hope

Eman Quotah reviews the new poetry collection from Palestinian poet Maya Abu-Alhayyat, translated by Fady Joudah.

4 JULY 2022 • By Eman Quotah
Leaving One’s Country in Mai Al-Nakib’s “An Unlasting Home”

Leaving One’s Country in Mai Al-Nakib’s “An Unlasting Home”

Rana Asfour reviews Mai Al-Nakib's debut novel, in which the protagonist always thought she would leave her country.

27 JUNE 2022 • By Rana Asfour
Traps and Shadows in Noor Naga’s Egypt Novel

Traps and Shadows in Noor Naga’s Egypt Novel

Ahmed Naji reviews "If an Egyptian Cannot Speak English" just out from Graywolf.

20 JUNE 2022 • By Ahmed Naji
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