The Funambulists: Women Poets of the Arab Diaspora

The Funambulists is a collection of poetry by six contemporary Arab diasporic women poets, exploring themes of injustice, spirituality, gender, race, and class. Despite their varying geographical and political backgrounds, the poets find common ground in their artistic voice and political relevance.

Format: Hardback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 01 July 2022
Publisher: Syracuse University Press

The Funambulists is a captivating anthology that brings together the diverse poetry collections of six contemporary Arab diasporic women poets. Spanning multiple languages and regions, this volume showcases the unique artistic voice of each poet while also highlighting the aesthetic and political relevance that unites their work.

In her exploration, Marchi delves into the rich tapestry of the works of Naomi Shihab Nye, a celebrated American poet of Palestinian descent. Nye's poetry weaves together themes of identity, displacement, and the complexities of cultural heritage. Iman Mersal, an Egyptian poet living in Edmonton, Canada, writes in Arabic, capturing the essence of her homeland and the challenges of exile. Nadine Ltaif, a Lebanese poet who resides in Quebec and has adopted French as her language, explores the intersection of language, culture, and personal identity. Maram al-Massri, a Syrian poet writing in Arabic and living in France, brings forth the struggles and resilience of her people in the face of adversity. Suheir Hammad, an American poet of Palestinian origin, weaves poetic narratives that explore the complexities of belonging and the search for a sense of home. Mina Boulhanna, a Moroccan poet living in Italy and writing in Italian, offers a fresh perspective on the experiences of immigrants and the complexities of cultural assimilation.

Despite their varying geographical and political backgrounds, these poets find common ground in themes of injustice, spirituality, gender, race, and class. Marchi examines both the breaking points and the creative energies that traverse the poetic works of these writers, using the concept of tension as a lens through which to understand their artistic journeys.

These celebrated funambulists use their art of balance and flexibility, bolstered by their courage and transgression, to walk a tightrope stretched out across cultures, faiths, and nations. Their poetry serves as a testament to the power of language and the ability of art to transcend boundaries and bridge gaps. Through their words, they invite us to explore the complexities of the human experience, challenge our preconceptions, and celebrate the beauty of diversity.

The Funambulists is a remarkable anthology that showcases the talent and resilience of these contemporary Arab diasporic women poets. It is a testament to the power of poetry to inspire, challenge, and unite people across cultures and generations.

Weight: 536g
Dimension: 158 x 237 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780815637554