Hakawati

The Hakawati is a novel by Rabih Alameddine that combines classic Middle Eastern stories with contemporary Lebanese tales of war, identity, and survival. It is a snapshot of our current crisis and a story for the ages, told through the eyes of Osama, a hakawati, or storyteller. The book is praised for its sharp, seductive storytelling and its ability to transport readers to another world.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 528 pages
Publication date: 06 June 2019
Publisher: Little, Brown Book Group

The Hakawati, a captivating novel by Rabih Alameddine, transports readers to a realm of enchantment and storytelling. This extraordinary book, hailed as the book of the year, unfolds on a magical carpet, making it feel incredibly significant and lovingly enchanted. It serves as a poignant reflection of our current crisis while also weaving a timeless tale that will resonate for generations.

In 2003, Osama al-Kharrat returns to Beirut after spending many years in America, where he takes up a vigil at his father's deathbed. As the family gathers, a tapestry of stories unfolds, intertwining Osama's grandfather's hakawati tales with classic Middle Eastern narratives. These tales feature iconic figures such as Abraham, Isaac, Ishmael, Fatima, Baybars, and a host of mischievous imps. Through Osama's perspective, we also delve into the lives of contemporary Lebanese men and women, whose stories paint a broader, heartbreaking portrait of war, identity conflicts, and survival.

The Hakawati is a masterpiece of storytelling, with its sharp and seductive narrative. Rabih Alameddine has crafted an Arabian Nights for this century, offering readers a captivating journey through a rich tapestry of history, culture, and human resilience. This book is a must-read for anyone seeking an immersive and thought-provoking literary experience.

Weight: 358g
Dimension: 127 x 197 x 33 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781472154804