Traces of Enayat

Enayat al-Zayyat's suicide in 1963 leads to her novel Love and Silence being forgotten for three decades. Poet Iman Mersal discovers the novel and investigates Enayat's life, reconstructing her afterlife in the media and exploring her experiences of domestic abuse and antidepressants. The result is a remarkable portrait of a woman artist striving to live on her own terms.

Format: Paperback / softback
Publication date: 03 August 2023
Publisher: And Other Stories

In 1963, the untimely demise of Enayat al-Zayyat became a poignant symbol of a talent tragically lost. Despite the brilliance of her only novel, Love and Silence, it remained unpublished for four years after her passing. However, destiny had other plans. Four years after al-Zayyat's death, the novel was finally brought to life, adapted into a film and radio drama, celebrated for its artistic merits, and then swiftly forgotten. It seemed as if al-Zayyat's existence had been erased from the annals of literary history for the next three decades. Yet, in the nineties, the journey of poet Iman Mersal would unravel the mysteries surrounding Enayat's life, delve into the depths of her psyche, and shed light on the enigmatic disappearance of Love and Silence from the literary landscape.

Mersal embarked on a quest to uncover the truth, conducting extensive interviews with family members and friends, reconstructing Enayat's afterlife in the media, and tracing the footsteps of the various places that had shaped her existence. From the dubious realm of antidepressants to the harsh realities of domestic abuse and divorce law, from the desolate squats of the City of the Dead to the glamorous allure of golden-age Egyptian cinema, Mersal's novel encompasses a wide range of subjects. Through her meticulous research and imaginative storytelling, Mersal has crafted an unclassifiable masterpiece that offers a remarkable portrait of a woman artist striving to live on her own terms.

What sets this work apart is Mersal's ability to blend research with imagination, infusing her narrative with a profound sense of empathy. She delves into the complexities of Enayat's life, exploring the societal pressures and cultural norms that shaped her experiences and artistic choices. Mersal's portrayal of Enayat is nuanced and multifaceted, capturing her struggles, triumphs, and the indomitable spirit that drove her to pursue her passion despite the obstacles she faced.

Love and Silence, once lost to the annals of literary history, has been resurrected through Mersal's tireless efforts. This captivating masterpiece stands as a testament to the enduring power of storytelling and the resilience of the human spirit. It reminds us of the importance of preserving the legacy of artists who have left an indelible mark on the world, and of the need to recognize and celebrate the contributions of women artists who have been marginalized and overlooked throughout history.

In conclusion, Iman Mersal's Love and Silence is a literary triumph that transcends genre boundaries and offers a profound exploration of the human condition. Through her meticulous research, imaginative storytelling, and empathy, Mersal has breathed new life into the legacy of Enayat al-Zayyat and shed light on the struggles and triumphs of a woman artist striving to live on her own terms. This unclassifiable masterpiece is a testament to the power of literature to inspire, challenge, and transform our understanding of the world.

Weight: 272g
Dimension: 127 x 198 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781913505721