Waiting for the Past: A Novel

Hadiya Husseins novel "The Translator" is a powerful story of resilience set at the end of Saddam Husseins brutal reign. It follows Narjis, a young Iraqi woman, on her quest to discover what has become of her lover, Yusef, who is suspected of being a dissident. Narjis receives shelter from a Kurdish family and forms a bond with Umm Hani, an older woman searching for her long-lost son. The novel explores the depth of loss and grief of those around her and introduces readers to the warm hospitality of the Kurds. Barbara Romaines translation skillfully renders this complex, layered story, giving readers a stark yet beautiful portrait of contemporary Iraq.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 208 pages
Publication date: 30 October 2022
Publisher: Syracuse University Press

In her poignant 2017 novel, Hadiya Husseins takes readers on a haunting and powerful journey into the realm of resilience. Set at the tail end of Saddam Husseins brutal reign, the story follows Narjis, a young Iraqi woman, as she embarks on a quest to unravel the fate of the man she loves, Yusef, who has mysteriously disappeared under the regime's suspicion of being a dissident. As Narjis navigates her way through a world filled with uncertainty and danger, she finds solace and support in the welcoming arms of a Kurdish family. Through her interactions with Umm Hani, an older woman searching for her long-lost son, Narjis gains a deeper understanding of the profound pain and loss experienced by those around her. At the same time, she immerses herself in the warm and hospitable culture of the Kurds, embracing their customs and daily lives. Barbara Romaines masterful translation brings this intricate and layered story to life, offering readers a stark yet beautiful portrayal of contemporary Iraq.

Weight: 227g
Dimension: 203 x 127 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780815611516