You Can Be the Last Leaf: Selected Poems

You Can Be the Last Leaf is a collection of poetry by Palestinian poet Maya Abu Al-Hayyat, translated from the Arabic and introduced by Fady Joudah. It depicts life under Israeli occupation, exploring ordinary and profound moments through the lens of desire, loss, and violence. The book offers a nuanced portrait of Palestinian interiority, showcasing a wry and romantic, worried and tenacious spirit.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 88 pages
Publication date: 23 June 2022
Publisher: Milkweed Editions

Translated from the Arabic and introduced by Fady Joudah, You Can Be the Last Leaf presents the transcendent and timely US debut of Palestinian poet Maya Abu Al-Hayyat. Drawing on two decades of work, the book offers a glimpse into the ordinary and profound moments of life under Israeli occupation. Within the confines of the home, private and public domains intertwine, where desire, loss, and violence permeate the walls and borders of the mind. Despite the overwhelming presence of these forces, the mind is full of its own fierce and funny voice, preoccupations, and strangenesses. Abu Al-Hayyat's writing explores the complexities of survival, longing, and the search for solutions to the world's problems. Through her vivid and evocative prose, she paints a richly textured portrait of Palestinian interiority, showcasing its wry humor, romanticism, resilience, and unwavering voice. You Can Be the Last Leaf is a powerful testament to the human spirit and the enduring power of literature to capture the essence of human experience.

Translated from the Arabic and introduced by Fady Joudah, You Can Be the Last Leaf presents the transcendent and timely US debut of Palestinian poet Maya Abu Al-Hayyat. Drawing on two decades of work, the book offers a glimpse into the ordinary and profound moments of life under Israeli occupation. Within the confines of the home, private and public domains intertwine, where desire, loss, and violence permeate the walls and borders of the mind. Despite the overwhelming presence of these forces, the mind is full of its own fierce and funny voice, preoccupations, and strangenesses. Abu Al-Hayyat's writing explores the complexities of survival, longing, and the search for solutions to the world's problems. Through her vivid and evocative prose, she paints a richly textured portrait of Palestinian interiority, showcasing its wry humor, romanticism, resilience, and unwavering voice. You Can Be the Last Leaf is a powerful testament to the human spirit and the enduring power of literature to capture the essence of human experience.

Dimension: 215 x 139 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781571315403