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Ali Bader

Musician in the Clouds

Musician in the Clouds

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  • Condition: Brand new
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Musician in the Clouds is an award-winning Iraqi novel translated into English, exploring global migration, extremism, and belonging in a postcolonial world. It follows the story of classical cellist Nabil, who emigrates to Europe to pursue his passion for music and art. The novel subtly critiques Iraqi and European societies and was published in Arabic in 2016 during the peak of migration from the Middle East to Europe.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 160 pages
Publication date: 01 July 2024
Publisher: Georgetown University Press


Musician in the Clouds: A Translation of an Award-Winning Iraqi Novelist's Story


Nabil, a talented classical cellist, always imagined a world where music and art governed everyday life. However, when he was attacked in his hometown in Iraq and unable to play music, he decided to emigrate to Europe, where he hoped to find a place where he could fit into society better. Along the way, he muses about music, the Utopian City as envisioned by philosopher al-Farabi, and whether there is any place that will meet his ideals. When Nabil meets Fanny and they become lovers, she tries to help him get back on his feet, but he struggles to accept it. Ali Bader uses Nabil's story to explore an artist's place in the world and to subtly critique both Iraqi and European societies. Originally published in Arabic in 2016 during the peak of migration from the Middle East to Europe, Musician in the Clouds explores global migration in a postcolonial world, the impacts of extremism, and what it means to belong somewhere. This translation includes the author's newly updated novel, published in 2023, and an original interview between the author and translator about the book.

Weight: 159g
Dimension: 203 x 127 x 10 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781647124434

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