The Fiancee Rode In on a Donkey

The Fiancée Rode In on a Donkey is a lyrical novel with a poetic narrative about an overlooked individual in Arab African history. It tells the story of Yudah, who is chosen by a traveling rabbi to be his fiancée, but instead finds herself in an encampment of tents swaying in the wind. She is exiled to Ile Sainte-Marguerite, where she pursues a tireless quest for her future husband in France. Venus Khoury-Ghata's novel is hauntingly unforgettable and is one of the most respected French authors of our times.

Format: Hardback
Length: 184 pages
Publication date: 05 November 2023
Publisher: Seagull Books London Ltd

A captivating tale of an overlooked figure in Arab African history, The Fiancée Rode In on a Donkey weaves a poetic narrative that delves into the life of Yudah. For two days, the rabbi embarks on a journey on a donkey, seeking the perfect bride-to-be. With her legs and arms shaved, her hands adorned with henna, Yudah must exude a radiant beauty akin to a mirror. Every girl dreams of being the chosen one, embarking on a journey to the city, where dreams of grandeur and prosperity await. However, the desert, a realm dominated by men, presents a different perspective to women. They perceive only endless sand, while men envision oases and palm trees laden with fruit. A mere glance at the girls in the circle is enough for the traveling rabbi to discern the right one. He selects Yudah, captivated by her name, a shortened version of Yahuda, and the way her eyes lowered upon his gaze.

The Fiancée Rode In on a Donkey unfolds Yudah's story, diverging from her dream of being chosen and transported to a palace. Instead, she finds herself in an encampment of tents, buffeted by the wind. The Emir, engaged in battles on other fronts, soon surrenders, leaving Yudah and her followers exiled to Ile Sainte-Marguerite. There, she embarks on a relentless quest to find her future husband in France, a man she has never laid eyes on. Will Yudah's destiny, shaped by the desert winds, finally come to fruition?

In her remarkable literary prowess, Vénus Khoury-Ghata has a penchant for resurrecting forgotten individuals from history and weaving their stories into captivating narratives. The Fiancée Rode In on a Donkey stands as yet another testament to her poetic prowess, earning her a place among the most esteemed French authors of our time. Through her vivid prose, Khoury-Ghata invites readers to explore the depths of human resilience, love, and the pursuit of a better future, even in the face of adversity.

Weight: 386g
Dimension: 161 x 239 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781803092447