Mona Prince – Writer, Activist, Contrarian. But Always ‘Herself’
ALEXIA UNDERWOOD, ARABLIT: She was a presidential candidate so it’s not surprising that Mona Prince has much to say about today’s Egypt
‘If Only’: A Young, Syrian Poet’s Searing Words
M. LYNX-QUALEY: A young Syrian poet writes about the horror that she has witnessed in her homeland.
The Arab Women Writers To Read: A Personal Choice
M. LYNX-QUALEY: I’m a less than enthusiastic participant in the ‘Women to Read’ movement but here are some writers worth spending time with.
Five Books To Get You Started on Arabic Literature
M. LYNX-QUALEY: ‘There’s far too much to choose from. Where do I start is?’ a common complaint. So here are a few primers.
‘Translating for Bigots’: One Author’s How-To Guide
M. LYNX-QUALEY: If you’re looking to communicate with an audience that is, let’s call it, less sympathetic to your views how should you go about it?
A Matter of Translation: Aswany Endures Fierce Attack
M. LYNX-QUALEY: He’s arguably Egypt’s best-known novelist but Alaa Aswany has come under ferocious criticism from his ex-translator
Tawfiq al-Hakim: Let’s Celebrate The ‘First’ Arab Novelist
M. LYNX-QUALEY: Naguib Mahfouz himself saw him as the originator of the modern Arab novel. His work and his life are deserving of celebration
‘Thug’,’Infiltrator’: ‘What Do These Words Mean To You?’
M. LYNX-QUALEY: Amira Hanafi, an Egyptian-American poet, is about to embark on a novel initiative inspired by her experiences in Tahrir Square during 25th January revolution
Is the Divide Between ‘High’ and ‘Low-Brow’ A Myth?
M. LYNX-QUALEY: I confess – I read from both sides of the so-called ‘great divide’ in Egyptian literature. Should we even talk in these terms anymore?
An Arab Nobel Prize Winner? Don’t Bet On It!
M. LYNX-QUALEY: It’s the same old names who are allegedly in contention for the Nobel Literature Prize according to the oddsmakers.
Reel Iraq: Poets Make Waves at Edinburgh Festival
M. LYNX-QUALEY: Ryan Van Winkle, a Scottish poet, has been a key figure in an initiative called ‘Reel Iraq’ which has helped to give wider recognition to the country’s leading writers
Arab Writers Are Stuck In A Cultural Cul-De-Sac – Dabbagh
M. LYNX-QUALEY: Unlike, say South American writers such as Gabriel Garcia Marquez, Arab writers appear to be defined by their geography and politics
Rare Interview With Rawi Hage: ‘I’m Free To Be Difficult’
M. LYNX-QUALEY: He came to writing late and he writes in his third language but Rawi Hage has developed a compelling, distinctive voice
Children’s Puppet Show: A Threat to Israeli Public Security
M. LYNX-QUALEY: Children’s puppets represent a new target for the Israeli authorities.
‘Forza Arabia’: Italians Show Growing Interest in Arabic Literature
M. LYNX-QUALEY: Diving in the Red Sea is not the only pleasure from this region that is proving appealing to Italians. There is a growing interest in its literature.
So What Exactly Is The Brotherhood’s Definition of Culture?
M. LYNX-QUALEY: Egypt’s new culture minister has been spelling out what fits the ruling party’s view of where arts and culture fit within society in a series of interviews
Banned Sites: Jordan’s New Legislation Takes Effect
M. LYNX-QUALEY: As of June 2nd a published list of news websites have been formally banned in Jordan. What next?
PalFest 2013: Beyond ‘the Crisis Narrative’ To Art & Experiment
M. LYNX-QUALEY: The organisers of this year’s Palestine Lit Fest have decided to ignore, as much as possible, the physical barriers separating Palestinians
Arab Writers at PEN: It’s Not Just About Politics
M. LYNX-QUALEY: At major international writer events there seems to be an overwhelming focus on the politics of the region. Understandable but we’re neglecting a fuller picture
The UAE and ‘Big Culture’: What Role For Expats?
M. LYNX-QUALEY: My visit to the Abu Dhabi Book Fair caused me to muse on the issues of ‘localisation’ and the role that expats play in such a heavily skewed population
