Selma Dabbagh Recommends Authors & Works To Read
Palestinian writer Selma Dabbagh joined us on Ehkili and reflected on her legal background, political engagement, and literary work, including her novel Out of It and anthology We Wrote In Symbols. She shared thoughts on identity, activism, and her upcoming novel set in 1938 Jerusalem, and recommended a list of authors and books we should check out.
Fiction & Essays
Samar Yazbek
Fig Milk - short story featured in Dabbagh’s anthology; Yazbek’s other work largely untranslated
Via National Book
Soraya Antonius
Novels from the 1980s - written in English; out of print, now being republished by New York Review of Books
Ahdaf Soueif
For personal and political essays reflecting on identity and microaggressions.
Via Antoine
Isabella Hammad
Noted for sweeping, epic narratives about Palestinian history and experience.
Via Pengiun
Suad Amiry
A humorous and poignant email memoirs during the invasion of Ramallah.
Via Buecher
Ahmed Masoud
Exploring the destroyed yet vibrant culture of Gaza.
Via Barnes & Noble
Nonfiction & History:
Accessible introductory political analysis
Via Abe Books
Rashid Khalidi
Foundational historical and political texts on Palestine
Raja Shehadeh
Blending memoir and history through the metaphor of walking the land
Via Simon & Schuster
Salim Tamari
Scholarly work on the social history of Palestine
Additional Influences Behind Her Anthology:
Wessam Elmeligi
Editor of classical Arab women's writings
Via Google Books
Abdullah al-Udhari
Compiler of bold, classical Arabic poetry by women
Via Liberty Books
Plays:
Amir Nizar Zuabi – Palestinian playwright from Nazareth, known for powerful, emotionally resonant theatre
Listen to a talk by Amir about his work:
