Middle East/North African Lit discussion

I'm your group leader for A Land Without Jasmine

Here is info on the author for those unfamiliar or curious:

Wajdi al-Ahdal (born 1973) is a Yemeni novelist, short story writer and playwright. He was born near Bajil in the province of Hadida and studied at the University of Sanaa. Ahdal has published four novels, four collections of short stories, a play and a film screenplay.[1]
In 2002-03, Ahdal's novel Qawarib Jabaliya (Mountain Boats) created a considerable amount of controversy in Yemen and he was forced to leave the country due to threats from radical conservatives. He spent some time in Lebanon before returning to Yemen. A more recent novel The Quarantine Philosopher was nominated for the Arab Booker Prize in 2008. In 2010, Ahdal was selected as one of the Beirut39, a group of 39 Arab writers under the age of 40 chosen through a contest organised by Banipal magazine and the Hay Festival. He was also chosen by IPAF to be one of the seven participants in its writers' workshop (nadwa).

He currently works in the cinema and drama department of the Yemeni Ministry of Culture.

Feel free to share your thoughts at any time

Thank you! I have just read A land without Jasmine. The english translation, not the originally published book.

I'm interested to join the debate later on.

I am delighted to have found this book! I won't be able to read it for a few weeks however.

Jalilah wrote: "I am delighted to have found this book! I won't be able to read it for a few weeks however."

No worries, join in anytime, discussion doesn't end until November - we have time.

Just bought it for Kindle, so I start reading now. Will come back!

Bredo wrote: "Just bought it for Kindle, so I start reading now. Will come back!"

I'll be here :D

An interesting book that gives a behind the curtain views of the Yemen culture if the book gives a correct view. I have no knowledge on the Yemen culture (Norwegian living p.t. in Turkey) so I would like to know from someone that has: Is the book realistic in the way people think in super natural terms? I suppose the way political influence and tribes is described is realistic.
And if some with knowledge on Turkey: Could this book has been written about Turkey?

Bredo wrote: "An interesting book that gives a behind the curtain views of the Yemen culture if the book gives a correct view. I have no knowledge on the Yemen culture (Norwegian living p.t. in Turkey) so I woul..."

Bredo I am hoping we have participation from members from or knowledge of Yemen.

I have known expats (women) living in Egypt experiencing harassment Jasmine dealt with. The book makes me nervous, it doesn't paint a flattering picture of men or women. Someone impressionable reading this book could be unjustly prejudiced. Def requires further investigation, at least I would investigate/research. I recently went to Dubai for vacation, my time was positive. No issues at all.

Bredo wrote: "An interesting book that gives a behind the curtain views of the Yemen culture if the book gives a correct view. I have no knowledge on the Yemen culture (Norwegian living p.t. in Turkey) so I woul..."

As I mentioned before, I have not started reading yet, but I did live in Yemen for 3 years. I have also been to Turkey and can say Yemen is very,very different. I remember once while still living in Yemen, going on a trip to Lebanon and feeling like I was in Europe.
There were women in Beirut walking about in a short skirts and tight jeans and no one even looked twice at them. It was Ramadan and there were people sitting and eating in restaurants during the day. The feeling was that I was still in the Middle East, but also the Mediterranean. I think Turkey is like that too, also Mediterranean, where as Yemen is definitely Arabian Gulf. I loved living in Yemen by the way, however although I did not veil, I did dress more conservatively when going out there.

Jalilah wrote: "Bredo wrote: "An interesting book that gives a behind the curtain views of the Yemen culture if the book gives a correct view. I have no knowledge on the Yemen culture (Norwegian living p.t. in Tur..."

Jalilah I am sooo looking forward to your comments on the book

I started reading this book a few days ago. It's a quick read 'though I'm not finished. I don't know how extreme the parts about how men treat women is, but from what I hear about Egypt, if similar, it's believable. I'm more focused on that aspect in this book. Do you think that's the author's intent? I live in the Gulf Region but am older and don't experience the uncomfortable cultural behavior towards women. And being the UAE, it's both more tolerant of other cultures and intolerant of the male behavior so I can't really comment on that aspect. I do have a male friend who is Arab and think that the whole family/tribal honor aspect is still alive among some.

I want to read more from this author. Oh, and among some of us, there's a strong desire to visit Yemen when it becomes less dangerous. I imagine that it is beautiful, and coffee is native to this region. I, as a horticulturist, would like to see wild coffee. Jalilah, would love to hear what it's like, more insights.

Kate wrote: "I started reading this book a few days ago. It's a quick read 'though I'm not finished. I don't know how extreme the parts about how men treat women is, but from what I hear about Egypt, if similar..."

I'll be posting more! It is sad but true that many in the West are not even interested in knowing anything about Yemen, so I am looking forward to our discussions here!

While the culture in Yemen is closer to the other countries in the Arabian gulf than it is to say the culture of Lebanon or Egypt, it is very unique and different from The United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia as well,both culturally, historically and even geographically.

Here is a film of a well known Yemeni singer with beautiful images of Yemen to enjoy!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tb8pcg...

Kate wrote: "I started reading this book a few days ago. It's a quick read 'though I'm not finished. I don't know how extreme the parts about how men treat women is, but from what I hear about Egypt, if similar..."

Thank you for you thoughts Kate and we do look forward to hearing more. The author does seem to approach rather delicate subject matter, so maybe his intent is for people to take notice of a situation in certain areas. I'm not an expert on this particular author but the subject matter is part of the rumor mill. My experiences in the ME have been positive, few as they have been. I am looking forward to hearing more from members. Thx again Kate.

Jalilah wrote: "Kate wrote: "I started reading this book a few days ago. It's a quick read 'though I'm not finished. I don't know how extreme the parts about how men treat women is, but from what I hear about Egyp..."

Thank you for the link Jalilah, I do find Yemen fascinate and would so enjoy learning more. Looking forward to more posts from you has well.

I finished the book I downloaded but am not entirely convinced that it was the end. Would someone let me know what the last sentence is so i can check? It seemed more than a bit abrupt.

Kate wrote: "I finished the book I downloaded but am not entirely convinced that it was the end. Would someone let me know what the last sentence is so i can check? It seemed more than a bit abrupt."

LAST PHARAGRAPH IN BOOK:


Uncle Nasir al-Utmi, the snack bar proprietor, noticed that I had disappeared suspiciously and that the man dressed as a bridegroom was sitting there alone. So Uncle Nasir waggled his hand and winked as he asked, ‘Where’s the girl gone?’ The person claiming to be my bridegroom rose and pointed to the white book as he turned its pages. Uncle Nasir al-Utmi scratched his head, puzzled that the man should show him a book like any other filled with writing.

Okay, it seems to be the end in my copy too. I guess since she vanishes, I can't expect a conclusive ending. I will wait to make a comment on that.

Thanks, Mal!

By the way, speaking of Yemen, I was perusing the auc press website and there's a new book coming out in November on Yemeni silver jewelry:

Silver treasures from the land of Sheba: regional Yemeni jewelry / Marjorie Ransom. 9789774166006.

I am a few chapters in. Oh my, Al-Ahdal really does paint an unflattering portrait of Yemeni men, doesn't he? I must say that it is in part true. However one must consider that not all Yemeni men are like that. On the contrary, many love and revere their mothers, sisters, wives and daughters and are appalled by the behaviour of many of their countrymen. Clearly the author himself feels this way and this is why he is writing about it.
As for me I did not have any problems in Yemen. This could be because I was already in my thirties at the time and an experienced traveler. Also my husband is Lebanese so I had a different status. True that both in Yemen and Egypt the men stare and make comments when you are walking alone on the street, but I learned to tune this out. Actually once I started to learn Arabic I sometimes found it hard to not crack up laughing because they just say stuff like " you are like the Moon" or " you are like honey". Of course I had to keep a straight serious face otherwise they would have taken it the wrong way!

Kate wrote: "By the way, speaking of Yemen, I was perusing the auc press website and there's a new book coming out in November on Yemeni silver jewelry:

Silver treasures from the land of Sheba: regional Yemen..."

Kate, I am with you on the ending. Sounds like we will both have plenty to share.

Kate wrote: "By the way, speaking of Yemen, I was perusing the auc press website and there's a new book coming out in November on Yemeni silver jewelry:

Silver treasures from the land of Sheba: regional Yemen..."

I will check this out, I hope others do too.

Jalilah wrote: "I am a few chapters in. Oh my, Al-Ahdal really does paint an unflattering portrait of Yemeni men, doesn't he? I must say that it is in part true. However one must consider that not all Yemeni men a..."

Can you imagine Jalilah if someone read this book and it was their first taste of Middle Eastern culture and they failed to explore more? Terrible! It made Yemen men look awful. I understand that in every nation you have undesirables but my gosh, the book just seemed so extreme. Luckily I read A TON of world literature so I know better than to assume ALL men are like this but another might be easily swayed. Could be the author was focused on impact but my gosh there should be some balance. If I were a Yemen man that was not disrespectful towards females I would want my voice heard.

I have heard and had female friends experience harsh treatment in Egypt by men so I would be extremely cautious if I traveled there. I do think that the books theme has something to do with this. More on that later -

Mal, I spent a lot of time in Egypt and never rarely had any problems, minor annoyances but never anything terrible. They are used to tourists in Egypt for the most part, so you might have vendors or taxi drivers haggling with you, and of course guys staring at you and saying things, but really, the Egyptian people are nice and friendly. Yemen too, but they were less used to tourists.
It is not the greatest time to visit either countries now unfortunately :(

Jalilah wrote: "Mal, I spent a lot of time in Egypt and never rarely had any problems, minor annoyances but never anything terrible. They are used to tourists in Egypt for the most part, so you might have vendors ..."

I'm planning on visiting Jordan in March....maybe. LONG time between now and March. Thanks for your comments Jalilah, much appreciated.

Mal wrote: "Jalilah wrote: "I am a few chapters in. Oh my, Al-Ahdal really does paint an unflattering portrait of Yemeni men, doesn't he? I must say that it is in part true. However one must consider that not ..."

Mal, this is the type of book I would NOT recommend to someone who did not have prior experience in the Middle East and/or was already prejudiced against Middle Easterners.

For a more positive presentation read . He realistically presents the many attractive things about the country from the perspective of a Westerner who is there for the first time.

All that said, I'm enjoying A Land Without Jasmine very much. I appreciate the fact that Wajdi Al-Ahdal is taking a harsh critical look at his country, not only with the way men regard women, but also the problems between tribes and the corruption of the police. ( the cafeteria vendor is afraid the police will interrogate him forcing a confession out of him by beating him. This is something that sadly happens.)

Jalilah wrote: "Mal wrote: "Jalilah wrote: "I am a few chapters in. Oh my, Al-Ahdal really does paint an unflattering portrait of Yemeni men, doesn't he? I must say that it is in part true. However one must consid..."

I am in total agreement with you. I'm happy you share my thoughts on this book not being a great first read for a newbie dipping into ME literature. Thx for the noted selection, I plan on reading it and adding to my TBR

Lol already on my TBR, not much ME slips past me! Thx Jalilah :D

Very interesting discussion!

I didn't expect this comparison to Egypt ! I am planning to catch up with you next week , wish me luck :)

Nile daughter wrote: "Very interesting discussion!

I didn't expect this comparison to Egypt ! I am planning to catch up with you next week , wish me luck :)"

I look forward to reading your comments Nile Daughter! And lots of luck!

Mal wrote: "Jalilah wrote: "Mal wrote: "Jalilah wrote: "I am a few chapters in. Oh my, Al-Ahdal really does paint an unflattering portrait of Yemeni men, doesn't he? I must say that it is in part true. However..."

You can also read some of my impressions in this article I wrote some years back:
http://www.gildedserpent.com/articles...
I really did have a positive experience there! Not that I was oblivious to some of the bad things happening there because I was, but there were really a lot of good things too.
This article was written for an on-line dance magazine so my focus was more on dancing there. There is a link afterwards for part 2

Nile daughter wrote: "Very interesting discussion!

I didn't expect this comparison to Egypt ! I am planning to catch up with you next week , wish me luck :)"

Much Luck! :D

Jalilah wrote: "Mal wrote: "Jalilah wrote: "Mal wrote: "Jalilah wrote: "I am a few chapters in. Oh my, Al-Ahdal really does paint an unflattering portrait of Yemeni men, doesn't he? I must say that it is in part t..."

GREAT article Jalilah. Thank you for sharing. Wonderful info on Yemen

This is the kind of book that haunts you even when you've finished it. I still keep thinking about the characters. The poor young boy Ali Nashwan! Wajdi Al- Ahdal is right on about the power of the tribes in Yemen! They control everything and they will be Yemen's ruin. If you have any issues or grievances against a powerful tribe, you have no chances whatsoever! The police are powerless to help. And the police themselves are so corrupt! That the have a room where they have equipment to do electric shocks tells you everything. Al-Ahdal is very courageous to write this! I personally liked the ending because it gave the otherwise harshly realistic story a magical touch. Magic is something that is also part of day to day life in Yemen. So I don't know if I should put in any spoilers so I'll just say I think Jasmine's disappearance is supernatural.

I would definitely read more from this author, but it looks like for now it is the only one that's been translated

Jalilah wrote: "This is the kind of book that haunts you even when you've finished it. I still keep thinking about the characters. The poor young boy Ali Nashwan! Wajdi Al- Ahdal is right on about the power of the..."

I TRIED and TRIED to find more of the authors writings but I couldn't. I think you are right Jalilah, this is the only one translated. From the research I did on the author, I discovered he fled Yemen due to 'sexual' content in another book he wrote. I believe it is safe to say he selects/writes subject matters that are rather controversial - Jasmine is an example. Brave man when it really comes down to it, fleeing your country is nothing compared to having a death warrant issued like Rushdie.

I really enjoyed the book, my only concern was someone reading it that knows nothing of the Middle East and if after reading they failed to explore further. It would be like someone reading something stereotypical on the United Sates and assuming it was exactly like that. I would try and educate them as best I can.

When I went to Dubai for vacation so many people told me things (all negative). I researched and was careful and asked questions when I arrived in Dubai. I was respectful and followed rules on dress and behavior. I certainly didn't want to offend. My entire experience was positive. I also went to Maldives and again, positive experience.

We can form opinions based on another's opinion, and yes, caution should always be exercised but knowledge helps too. We must be respectful of another country and their rules/religion/custom/tradition.

I am sure a lot mentioned in the book is real and that is sad. If I ever travel to Yemen I will make sure to know pertinent rules to avid arrest. One arrested i am sure it could get ugly ....in ANY country.

I wrote a review on Jamine and I believe the theme was sexual/religious oppression. When you forbid to an extreme level it causes so much frustration the build up can lead to violence. This was the message I felt from Jasmine loud and clear. Looking forward to what others think.

Great comments Jalilah. I too felt sorry for the boy Ali :(

Mal wrote: "Jalilah wrote: "This is the kind of book that haunts you even when you've finished it. I still keep thinking about the characters. The poor young boy Ali Nashwan! Wajdi Al- Ahdal is right on about ..."

I agree 100% with you Mal, about this book not being for people who are unfamiliar with Arabic culture! I even wrote this in my review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show....

It is sad, but true in regards to literature from the Middle East, that you have to be careful what you suggest. Years ago I gave a Naguib Mahfouz book ,Palace Walk to my mom during a time when I was traveling regularly to Egypt. Her response was " don't get involved with any men there! From the book you gave me they all seem so awful!"

Many Arab authors are very critical about their society and express it in their writing. If a European or North American had written the same things about Yemenis as Al-Ahdal did, it would have been very offensive! However I think it is acceptable for someone to criticize their own culture.

Jalilah wrote: "Mal wrote: "Jalilah wrote: "This is the kind of book that haunts you even when you've finished it. I still keep thinking about the characters. The poor young boy Ali Nashwan! Wajdi Al- Ahdal is rig..."

Will def read the book you referenced Jalilah. Great review too!

I enjoyed the voices of the 6 characters in the book. Added a very interesting perspective.

I am half way through the novel ...
I guess I will have a opinion when I finish.

Nile daughter wrote: "I am half way through the novel ...
I guess I will have a opinion when I finish."

I anxiously await :D

Such a confusing novella !
I didn't expect this magical atmosphere , but I guess it is all of what his message is about ....

As a beginning the heroine's name in Arabic was not "Jasmine" , it was "Samaa" which means "Sky" , so the the title's exact translation is " a country without a sky" .

Was Sammaa just a female or a symbol of beauty , hope ...brightness , she was described as "the queen" and in several chapters she was linked to ancient great history of Yemen ....

In first chapter she wished that she can get rid of the body that only others can see in her so she can reach peace ...and we see by the end the the man in her dreams "knowledge target " filled with her (her soul?) the empty white book ? now it is a full of text book ?

I know sexual harassment to women may be the main item that can be got or referred to from the first chapter , but I do not think this is what really this novella is about - even though it is related to picking Samaa as a female character ... a fragile element in such society . the novella is more about corruption about what Yemen is suffering from ,and within the six chapters we explore more of it and how dark the author see it ...

I think I need to think more about the symbols in this book , specially "Aly Nashwan" character (Nashwan means someone in a state of rapture" . In general I think the names have a great deal of what the author wants to say .

Nile daughter wrote: "Such a confusing novella !
I didn't expect this magical atmosphere , but I guess it is all of what his message is about ....

As a beginning the heroine's name in Arabic was not "Jasmine" , it was..."

Nile Daughter, Thank you so much for explaining the meaning of the names! I wonder why the translation would change her name from Samaa to Jasmine?
I think Jasmine or Samaa is both a symbol for beauty and maybe purity as well as a real person. You may know this already, but Yemenis often say historically their best times were when they were ruled by queens, starting with Bilqis (the Queen of Saba or Sheba) to Queen Arwa who ruled in the Middle Ages. In Yemen every second females is named either Bilqis or Arwa!

I agree that the sexual harassment is just one small aspect to the story, rather the corruption in Yemen from the controlling tribes to the police is an important issue.

I had a friend of mine read the book to ask his take on it, specifically toward the symbolism. This is what his thoughts were:

The author makes abundant use of symbolism. In the Qur’an the pomegranate tree is considered to bear the forbidden fruit of Eden.

A colourful, crested bird, the hoopoe, hovering near the tree stands as a guide to the invisible world.

The jasmine flower symbolizes modesty and grace, but also sensuality.

I am unfamiliar with the Qur'an so please let me know any of you agree or disagree with the symbolism.

Sorry for the late reply ...time is flying by !

The title refers to a country without sky ...without space ...skyline ...future.I think sky is better than Jasmin , but I do not uderstand why it was changed .

Jalilah wrote: " Yemenis often say historically their best times were when they were ruled by queens, starting with Bilqis (the Queen of Saba or Sheba) to Queen Arwa who ruled in the Middle Ages. In Yemen every second females is named either Bilqis or Arwa! ..."


That is a very good remark !

Mal wrote: "I had a friend of mine read the book to ask his take on it, specifically toward the symbolism. This is what his thoughts were:

The author makes abundant use of symbolism. In the Qur’an the pomegra..."

Thanks ....I tried to search about "the pomegranate tree" but couldn't reach any , as far as I know it was an apple tree . but I am sure I am missing something in here.

I read a good article in Arabic about the novel , here it is if someone can read Arabic:
http://www.langue-arabe.fr/spip.php?a...

In general it relates the lost of the sky effect on three levels :
- The individual (the neighbor boy) , he is young ...admirer and dreamer and in the same time he represents sexual frustration , he was tortured and killed as well .

#Personally I wonder if the author meant to kill any possibility of hope .

- The authority (collage and police)...the corruption and the helplessness .
0o
#back to the names b Aklan (the user of mind)...the professor

Abd Rabo (the slave of his God) ...the officer .
Naser Salem (patronizer peaceful)...the bufet guy

- The society (family and tribe) that are totally paternal and controlled by metaphysicals .

Nile daughter wrote: "Sorry for the late reply ...time is flying by !

The title refers to a country without sky ...without space ...skyline ...future.I think sky is better than Jasmin , but I do not uderstand why it w..."

Wow Nile Daughter! It seems like it really would be better to read the book in its original. One really misses a lot in the translation! My Arabic reading level is kindergarten, so I forwarded the link of the article you posted to my Lebanese husband. In spite of the fact that I found this novel sad, I am really wanting to re-read because of all the symbolism I missed!

Jalilah wrote: "Nile daughter wrote: "Sorry for the late reply ...time is flying by !

The title refers to a country without sky ...without space ...skyline ...future.I think sky is better than Jasmin , but I do ..."

After reading Nile Daughter's post I realize more than ever so much was lost in translation. Oh how I wish I knew Arabic :(

Once thing for certain, it is a book I will not forget AND the author provided the reader with lots to contemplate long after the reader has finished the book.

Thanks , it seems that some issues were really lost in translation :(