Things I Left Behind

Shada Mustafas debut novel is a free-flowing narrative that interrogates the memories of growing up, falling in love, and the pain of a childhood in an occupied and divided land. Through questioning and the revisiting of four "things" left behind, the narrator redeems her life from pain and finds her true self. The novel has been shortlisted for the 2021 Sheikh Zayed Book Award for Young Authors.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 144 pages
Publication date: 09 May 2022
Publisher: Banipal Books

Shada Mustafas debut novel is a captivating exploration of memories, growing up, falling in love, and the indelible impact of a childhood in an occupied and divided land. Through a series of direct and relentless questions, the narrator confronts the pain and anguish of her past, seeking redemption and healing. Through the seemingly random revisiting of four significant "things" she has left behind, she reclaims her life from the depths of inexplicable sorrow.

In this process, Mustafa develops a unique writing style that allows the narrative to retain its original cathartic function while also liberating herself from her past. The novel is a testament to her resilience and determination, as she navigates the complexities of love, politics, and identity.

The questions that plague the narrator become even more urgent as she embarks on her journey as a student and falls in love. The novel's originality lies not only in its subject matter but also in its narrative technique, which employs a free-flowing and introspective style. It has already garnered recognition, being shortlisted for the 2021 Sheikh Zayed Book Award for Young Authors.

Through her powerful storytelling, Shada Mustafas has created a profound and relatable portrait of a young woman's journey to self-discovery. This debut novel is a testament to the power of literature to heal, inspire, and transform lives.

Weight: 142g
Dimension: 198 x 129 x 12 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781913043261