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Huzama Habayeb

Before the Queen Falls Asleep: A powerful novel about exile, displacement and family by an iconic Palestinian writer

Before the Queen Falls Asleep: A powerful novel about exile, displacement and family by an iconic Palestinian writer

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  • More about Before the Queen Falls Asleep: A powerful novel about exile, displacement and family by an iconic Palestinian writer


A brilliant novel of the Palestinian diaspora, "Jihad" is a funny and gritty tale of a family displaced from their homeland. Written by Huzama Habayeb, the book explores love and betrayal through the experiences of Jihad and her family.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 288 pages
Publication date: 28 March 2024
Publisher: Quercus Publishing


A captivating novel that delves into the experiences of the Palestinian diaspora, "Jihad" has been acclaimed by various publications, including Radio Four's OPEN BOOK and the Guardian's books to look out for in 2024. Written by Ahdaf Soueif, the story follows Jihad, who was born as a girl but was raised as the eldest son, wearing boy's clothing and sharing the financial responsibilities of the household with her father. Now in her middle age, Jihad narrates her life experiences to her daughter, Maleka, as she prepares to leave home for university abroad.

Through her storytelling, Jihad revisits the past of her Palestinian family, describing their life in exile in Kuwait and her own experiences of love and loss as she grows up. Huzama Habayeb weaves a richly observed and affectionate portrait of the family, exploring the complexities of love and betrayal that they encounter as they move from Kuwait to Jordan to Dubai.

"Jihad" is a novel that leaves a lasting impact, with its powerful words resonating long after the final page. Translated from the Arabic by Kay Heikkinen, this captivating story offers a unique perspective on the experiences of the Palestinian diaspora and is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the complexities of the Middle East.

Weight: 208g
Dimension: 197 x 131 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781529415650

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