An Old Carriage with Curtains

An Old Carriage with Curtains is the third and final book in a trilogy that explores the history of the Palestinian village of Zakariyya, tracing the wandering trajectories and inner lives of characters across decades. It delivers a powerful depiction of personal and collective experience in the face of historical change.

Format: Hardback
Length: 144 pages
Publication date: 05 November 2023
Publisher: Seagull Books London Ltd

An Old Carriage with Curtains is the captivating third and final installment in a remarkable trilogy that has established itself as a landmark in Palestinian fiction. This masterful trilogy delves into the rich history of the people of the Palestinian village of Zakariyya, spanning decades and capturing the intricate journeys of characters intertwined with this community. Through the lens of historical change and displacement, the novels intricately weave the stories of these characters, exploring their inner lives and the challenges they face.

At the heart of the narrative lies the return of a middle-aged man to the site of an ancient monastery in the hills near Jericho, a place he visited as a boy. This nostalgic journey serves as a catalyst for the unfolding of a series of captivating and surprising stories. Among them is the tale of Hind, a stage actress and masterful storyteller, whose life unfolds against the backdrop of the tumultuous political landscape. The novels vividly depict the arduous routes of checkpoints and bureaucratic blockages, as well as the decades-long Occupation that has left a lasting impact on the lives of the villagers.

Zaqtan weaves a tapestry of personal reckoning and reflection through these narratives, creating a dreamlike narrative that intertwines the vectors of memory and historical reflection. The author delivers a singularly powerful depiction of subjective and collective experience in the face of devastating and sweeping historical change. An Old Carriage with Curtains is a testament to the resilience and creativity of the human spirit, offering a profound exploration of the human condition and the enduring power of storytelling.

In conclusion, this trilogy has left an indelible mark on Palestinian literature, offering a profound and nuanced portrayal of the lives and struggles of the people of Zakariyya. An Old Carriage with Curtains, as the final installment, concludes this remarkable journey with a sense of closure and introspection, leaving readers with a lasting impression of the human spirit's enduring strength and resilience.

Weight: 288g
Dimension: 135 x 210 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781803092348