“Celestial Bodies” by Jokha Alharthi This award-winning novel, set in the Omani village of al-Awafi, follows the intertwined lives of three sisters. It explores themes of love, loss, and the shifting sands of culture and tradition in a rapidly changing society.
“Frankenstein in Baghdad” by Ahmed Saadawi A unique blend of horror and social commentary, this novel follows Hadi al-Attag, who stitches together body parts from bomb victims in Baghdad. The resulting creature, called Whatsitsname, seeks revenge, raising questions about humanity and justice.
“The Map of Salt and Stars” by Zeyn Joukhadar This lyrical novel weaves together the contemporary story of Nour, a Syrian-American girl fleeing the Syrian Civil War, with the historical tale of Rawiya, a medieval mapmaker’s apprentice. It highlights resilience and the search for home.
“Children of the Ghetto: My Name is Adam” by Elias Khoury This poignant narrative delves into the life of Adam Dannoun, a Palestinian living in exile. Through his fragmented memoirs, Khoury paints a vivid picture of displacement and the enduring impact of the Nakba on Palestinian identity.
“The Last Patriarch” by Najat El Hachmi This novel explores the clash between tradition and modernity through the story of Mimoun, a Moroccan patriarch, and his daughter. It addresses themes of gender, identity, and the immigrant experience in contemporary Spain.
“The Queue” by Basma Abdel Aziz Set in an unnamed Middle Eastern city, this dystopian novel depicts a society under authoritarian control. Citizens must queue at a mysterious gate for all bureaucratic needs, symbolizing the absurdity and oppression of the regime.
“The Book Smuggler” by Omaima Al-Khamis Set in the Abbasid Caliphate, this historical novel follows Mazid al-Hanafi, a book smuggler dedicated to preserving knowledge. It is a tribute to the power of literature and intellectual freedom in the face of tyranny.
“Summer with the Enemy” by Shahla Ujayli This coming-of-age story set in 1980s Syria follows Rima, a young girl navigating personal and political upheavals. It offers a poignant look at childhood, family, and the impact of war on everyday life.
“The Baghdad Clock” by Shahad Al Rawi This evocative novel recounts the lives of two girls growing up in Baghdad during the Gulf War. It captures the innocence of childhood amid the backdrop of conflict and the enduring bond of friendship.
“No Knives in the Kitchens of This City” by Khaled Khalifa Set in Aleppo, this novel chronicles the decline of a once-vibrant city and the lives of its inhabitants. It portrays the personal and collective struggles under a repressive regime and the unyielding spirit of its people.