Rights Guide to Winning Titles Literature and Children’s Books / Translation Funding Spring 2018 “The book is a pot of science and civilization, culture and knowledge, literature and the arts, and nations are not measured by material wealth only, but by their cultural authenticity.”
— Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan (1971–2004) The Award
The Sheikh Zayed Book Award honours the outstanding achieve- ments of innovators and thinkers in literature, the arts and human- ities in Arabic and other languag- es. Launched in 2007 and cover- Selection Process 2017–18 Timeline ing nine categories, the award promotes creativity, advances ww The Award’s rigorous selection process is Arabic literature and culture, and May–October 2017 supervised by a Board of Trustees and a Nominations open provides new opportunities for Scientific Committee. Arabic-language writers. ww Every year, the Scientific Committee ap- October 2017 Authors writing about Arab cul- points a group of distinguished regional Judging begins and international literary figures as judg- ture and civilisation in English, es to serve on nine selection commit- French, German, Italian and Span- February 2018 tees, one for each award category. ish also are recognised by the Longlist announced award. In addition to honouring ww There are 3 to 5 judges per category, all writers and their publishers, the of whom remain anonymous to safe- March 2018 guard the independence and integrity award addresses the import- Shortlist announced of the selection process. ant role that translators play in helping bridge the cultural and ww Each committee reviews all nominated April 2018 literary gap between Arab and works in a category and submits its se- Winners announced non-Arab readers and authors. lection to the Scientific Committee. ww The Scientific Committee reviews and Open to any individual contrib- approves the committees’ selections, uting to the region’s cultural de- which are then officially endorsed by velopment, the award categories the Board of Trustees. Sheikh Zayed Bin Prizes include: Contribution to the De- Tahnoon Al Nayan, president of the Abu velopment of Nations, Children’s Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority, presides over the Board. Literature, Young Author, Transla- Each prize consists of a gold medal bearing tion, Literature, Literary and Art ww The winners are announced ahead of the Sheikh Zayed Book Award logo, a certifi- Criticism, Arabic Culture in Other the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair, cate of merit, and a cash reward, comprising culminating in a prestigious ceremony Languages, Publishing and Tech- a total prize value of AED 7 million (US$1.9 every year. nology, and Cultural Personality million). of the Year (individual and or- ganisation). Each award category The Cultural Personality of the Year receives has its own judging panel that is Learn more about the Sheikh Zayed Book a prize of AED 1 million (US$272,000), while comprised of three to five distin- Award online at: the winners of the other categories receive guished regional and internation- AED 750,000 (US$204,000) each. al literary figures.
www.zayedaward.ae NEWS FROM THE SHEIKH ZAYED BOOK AWARD
Sheikh Zayed Book Award Launches Translation Initiative
Abu Dhabi, 25 February 2018: The Sheikh Zayed Book Award announced open up new levels of excellence in the Sheikh Zayed Book Award.” the launch of a Translation Initiative in cooperation with the Frankfurt HE Dr. Ali Bin Tamim, Secretary General of the Award, said: “The part- Book Fair N.Y branch, aiming to support publishing houses in translating nership of Sheikh Zayed Book Award with the Frankfurt Book Fair stems the Award’s winning titles into English, French and German. The initiative from our overarching vision to consistently support the constructive cul- comes as part of the action plan in response to the recommendations ma- tural communication between Arabic and other languages, as well as to terialising out of the Translators’ Seminar held in London last year towards continue bolstering the developing translation activities within the Arab providing appropriate support and awareness of Arab authors and literary world. Representing the cherished values of the Award’s mission during works. the nation’s celebration of the Year of Zayed, this collaboration signifies the HE Saif Saeed Ghobash, Director General of the Department of Culture endeavours towards enriching cultures and arts, combining tradition and and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, said: “This year is witnessing the 12th edition of modernity, encouraging cultural openness, diversity, and acceptance of the the Sheikh Zayed Book Award, marking more than a decade of the hard other. From there springs our deep belief in the role of translation in pro- work and effort that has laid the foundation for a cultural and literary land- moting dialogue among civilisations and building the spirit of convergence mark that seeks to celebrate creative literary scholars and intellectuals. among nations, reflecting what we strive for in this strategic partnership, The Award has always been characterised by its openness to international which will be pivotal to realising the vision and objectives of the Award.” cultures and encouraging remarkable cultural activity at both Arab and in- From his side, Juergen Boos, President of the Frankfurt Book Fair, said: ternational levels. As part of the Department’s initiatives that celebrate the “This helps raise awareness internationally regarding the Sheikh Zayed Year of Zayed, I am delighted to be taking part today in signaling another Book Award, in addition to promoting the Award’s work and winners at the big step along the march of excellence, a strategic partnership with the cultural and literary international events, such as the Frankfurt Book Fair. We Frankfurt Book Fair Office in New York.” are very happy to enter into this partnership, as we look forward to continu- “This partnership is aimed at encouraging translations from Arabic into ing co-operation with the Sheikh Zayed Book Award.” other languages and spreading Arab culture in the West, thus strength- The agreement includes promoting the Award’s winning titles among ening the position of the Sheikh Zayed Book Award among international international publishing houses, with a special focus on the literature and awards as an incubator of Arab culture and promoter of dialogue among children’s literature categories. The agreement was signed during the meet- civilizations”, Ghobash added. ings of the Award’s Scientific Committee, which were held between 21-23 “There is no more active partner than the Frankfurt Book Fair, with a February to review the reports of the judging panels for the nominations of history going back five centuries. Therefore, I am honoured to launch this the Award’s 12th session in preparation for the announcement of short-lists initiative today, in the hope and expectation that it will achieve its goals and and the winners within the coming weeks.
2018 Winners of the Sheikh Zayed Book Award Announced
Abu Dhabi, April, 2018: The Sheikh Zayed Book Award announced today The ‘Literature’ Award went to Syrian novelist Khalil Sweileh for his the winners of its 12th Edition (2017-2018). novel ‘Ikhtibar al-nadam’ (Remorse Test) published by Nofal-Hachette An- Marking the announcement, Dr. Ali Bin Tamim, the Secretary General of toine, Beirut (2017). Sheikh Zayed Book Award commented: “the nominations went through a The ‘Children’s Literature’ Award went to Emirati author Hessa Al Mu- rigorous assessment towards selecting the best of the entire body of works hairi for her story ‘’al-dinoraf” (The Dinoraf) published by Al Hudhud Publish- received this year, followed by a series of evaluations lasting for 3 months ing and Distribution, UAE (2017). by qualified judging panels, to be concluded by the reviews of the Scientific In the ‘Young Author’ category, the Egyptian writer Ahmad Al Qarma- committee and the final sign off by the Award’s Board of Trustees to name lawi won the title for his novel ‘Amtar Sayfiyyah’ Summer( Rains), published the winning titles of the 12th session.” by Maktabat al-Dar al-Arabiyah lil-Kitab, Cairo (2017). He added: “Throughout the past twelve years since its inception, the The ‘Translation’ Award went to Néji Elounelli from Tunisia for his Award has won a reputation of recognizing and celebrating the best text in Arabic translation from of the work of German author Theodor W. Adorno, the Arabic literary production, with a deeply rooted transparency engraved ‘natharayya ‘astiteeqyya’ (Ästhetische Theorie), published by Al-Jamal Publi- on a regional and an international level.” cations, Beirut 2017 From his side, HE Saif Saeed Ghobash, Director General of the De- The ‘Literary and Art Criticism’ Award went to Moroccan academic partment of Culture and Tourism–Abu Dhabi, congratulated the winners Mohammad Mishbal, for his work, ‘Fi Balaghat Al Hajjaj: nahwa balagha for their achievement, stressing that their works deserve the recognition, hajjajiyyah litahleel al khitab’ (The Rhetoric of Al Hajjaj: Towards a rhetoric and adding: “As we mark the Year of Zayed, this is fitting appreciation to inspired by Al Hajjaj in analyzing discourse), published by Kunouz Al Ma’refa the memory of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan; crowning this Publishers, Amman (2017). outstanding group of writers, intellectuals, publishers and young talent as The ‘Arab Culture in Other Languages’ Award went to German re- winners of an award in his name, and echoing his vision of fostering the searcher Dag Nikolaus Hasse for his work Success and Suppression: Arabic sciences to enrich the Arab cultural, literary and social life.” Sciences and Philosophy in the Renaissance, published by Harvard Press 2017. The ‘Publishing and Technology Award went to Dar Al-Tanweer (Bei- rut/Cairo/ Tunisia). Translation Funding for Winning Titles: Literature & Children’s Books
ELIGIBLE TITLES: TRANSLATION FUNDING
Literature: The aim of SZBA’s translation fund is to contribute to increasing the number of Arabic books that are ww Remorse Test (Ikhtibar al-nadam) by Khalil translated, published and distributed abroad. Funding is available for translation of all literary and chil- Sweileh (Syria) dren’s titles that have won the Sheikh Zayed Book Award. ww Summer Rains (Amtar Sayfiyyah) by Ahmad Al Qarmalawi (Egypt) ww The Autumn of Innocence (Khareef al Bara’a) by Abbas Beydoun (Lebanon) ww Beyond Writing (Ma Wara’a al-Kitaba) by DEADLINE: Ibrahim Abdelmeguid (Egypt) Applications are accepted all year round. Notification is made after 2-3 months of application date. ww The Madmen of Bethlehem (Majaneen bait lahem) by Osama Alaysa (Palestine) FORMAL REQUIREMENTS: ww After Coffee (Ba’d Al Qahwah) by Abdel ww The applicant must be a publisher in a country other than the Middle East Rasheed Mahmoudi (Egypt) ww The signed contract between the publisher and rights holder for the Arabic edition, and between ww Developed Concepts of a Poetic Theory: the publisher and translator must be included. Language, Music and Movement (Mafa- ww Funding will prioritize three languages; French, English and German. heem Muwasa’a Li Nazaryah Shi’ryah) by ww The translation shall normally be carried out directly from Arabic. An exception can be made in the Mohammad Miftah (Morocco) event of special circumstances, such as a lack of qualified translators from Arabic or that the book is ww Call of What Was Far () by Ibrahim al Kouni already translated to English. SZBA may in some cases review the quality of the translation before (Libya) the translation fund is paid. ww The Prince and the Passage of the Iron Doors ww The quality of the book must be of an acceptable calibre and a quality assessment will be carried out (Kitab al-Amir: masalik abwab al-hadid) by by SZBA Scientific committee. Wacini Laredj (Algeria) ww The applicant must submit a promotional plan to the translated work.
Children’s Literature: SUPPORT MATERIALS: ww The Dinoraf (al-dinoraf) by Hessa Al Mu- ww Brief profile of your press and publishing mandate hairi (UAE) ww Budget ww Hatless (Bila qubba’a) by Lateefa Buti ww Promotional plan (Kuwait) ww An up-to-date biography of the translator(s), including relevant translation and publication credits ww The Boy Who Saw the Color of Air (Al-Fata al-ladhi Absara Lawna al-Hawa’) by Abdo GRANT AMOUNT: Wazen (Lebanon) A maximum of approximately US$19,000 per title; plus a supplement, if applicable, to cover specific ww Gold Ring (Siwari Al-Dhahab) by Qais Sedki promotion and production costs: (UAE) ww The Journey of Birds to Qaf Mountain by ww Translation-related costs, up to a maximum of US$10,000 per title. Huda Al-Shawwa Qadoumi (Kuwait) ww For translations of literary works, the cost of promoting the translated book, up to a maximum of ww A Journey on Paper by Mohammed Ali US$5,000 per translated title Ahmad (Egypt) ww For translations of illustrated books containing at least 50% photos and/or illustrations (e.g. chil- dren’s books, graphic novels, illustrated books etc.), production costs per translated title of up to US$4,000 and promotion costs per translated title of up to US$4,000
HOW TO APPLY PAYMENTS If your application is approved, you will then need to register as a supplier with the Department of 1. Contact SZBA via email to Finance, Abu Dhabi (instructions will be provided to you). receive the application form and instructions: [email protected]. Payment will be provided upon the completion and submission of a final copy of the translated work to the Award’s Officer. 2. Email completed application form and all support materials DECISION PROCESS: to [email protected] with the The Scientific Committee of the Shiekh Zayed Book Award reviews all grant applications and makes subject line “Translation Funding”. the final decision about which applications to approve. LITERATURE: Memoir of a writer
Beyond Writing
One of Egypt’s leading literary voices offers a first-hand look at political, social, cultural events of the last 40 years and how they influenced his writing.
Ibrahim Abdelmeguid, called “the quintessen- No One Sleeps in Alexandria, is set during tial writer about Alexandria” by The National World War II. Abdelmeguid visited numerous newspaper, looks back over his decades-long key sites in Alexandria and surrounding areas writing career this book, which what he calls and read every newspaper he could get his a “literary autobiography.” In it, he reflects on hands on. The result of his devotion to research the social, political, and cultural influences in is a vibrant portrayal of Alexandria that shines Egypt and elsewhere that have shaped him as throughout the epic novel. Of particular note a writer. is his successful communication of the cultural He shares his views on major political and religious diversity of the city and the im- events, such as the 1967 defeat after the Six- pact of that on the promotion of a culture of Winner of the 2016 Day War, and explanations of their profound tolerance. impact on his personal life and works of fiction. Beyond Writing is a rare and important Sheikh Zayed Book Abdelmeguid devotes a portion of his work to addition to the modern Arabic literary map. Award for Literature discussing the development of his views on Few Arab authors are willing to so transpar- Egypt’s second president, Gamal Abdel Nasser, ently share their writing process, preferring over the course of his turbulent tenure in office. to highlight the polished final product while The book is divided into a brief introduc- concealing the hard work that brought it into Statement from the Award: tion and four chapters. Abdelmeguid guides existence. Readers are lucky that it is a writer the reader through his literary career, moving as prominent, thoughtful, and engaging as Ab- The novel is a biography of a lit- masterfully between the factual and the med- delmeguid is willing to draw back the curtain. erary author or what is referred itative. He explores how each of his novels to as the Meta narrative. The au- and many of his short stories was conceived. thor narrates his life, experiences, He also describes cultural, political, and social IN THE PRESS: knowledge and relationships in contexts in which his writing evolved and was what seems to be a literary tes- received by literary critics and casual readers. “The book does not fail to enthral the reader timony. In his book, the author He spends considerable time describing with both Abdel Meguid’s capable storytelling seeks to expose the political, the creative process behind his Alexandria tril- and fluidity. It also sheds light on the untold or social and cultural contexts that ogy—No One Sleeps in Alexandria, Birds of Am- ‘under-told’ elements of the creative process.” accompanied his work as a liter- ber, and Clouds Over Alexandria. The first book, —The National ary writer, coined in the narrative building often dependent on “time”, along with celebration of the place, particularly the city of Alexandria his birthplace.
Title Information: Ibrahim Abdelmeguid (Egypt) Publisher: Ibrahim Abdelmeguid was born In Alexandria in 1946. He graduated from the faculty of Arts with Dar Al Masriah Al Lubnaniah a Philosophy degree before relocating to Cairo in 1974 where he began his writing career. (Cairo, Egypt) Abdelmaguid has written more than 15 novels, five collections of short stories, and several theatre plays. He wrote numerous novels including No One Sleeps in Alexandria, Birds of Amber, Original Title: Ma Wara’a Al-Kitaba and The House of Jasmine. Original language: Arabic Abdelmaguid’s works have been well received around the world and have been translated Publication Date: 2014 to English, German, Italian, Spanish and French. He has received numerous prizes and accolades ISBN: 9789774278884 including Naguib Mahfouz prize from AUC press in 1996 and the Prize of State in 2007 for his 334 Pages contributions to literature. His work has also been longlisted for the International Prize for Arabic Fiction. LITERATURE: Centuries of stories from Palestine
The Madmen of Bethlehem
Adopting the story-within-a-story structure of Arabian Nights, author Osama Alaysa weaves together a collection of intercon- nected stories portraying centuries of oppression endured by the Palestinian people.
This remarkable novel eloquently brings to- of the lives of the patients in a psychiatric hos- gether fictional characters alongside real-life pital in Bethlehem, the mad men and women historical figures in a complex portrayal of roaming the streets of the city, and those im- Bethlehem and the Dheisheh Refugee Camp in prisoned by the Israeli authorities. All suffer the West Bank. The common thread connecting abuse, but they also reaffirm their humanity each tale is madness, in all its manifestations. through the relationships, romantic and other- Psychological madness, in the sense of wise, that they form. clinical mental illnesses such as schizophrenia, The third and final section, “An Ephem- Winner of the 2015 finds expression alongside acts of social and eral Book,” follows individuals—Palestinian Sheikh Zayed Book political madness. Together, these accounts of and non-Palestinian—who are afflicted by Award for Literature individuals and communities provide a gate- madness following the Oslo Accords in 1993. way into the histories of the city of Bethlehem These stories give voice to the perspectives of and Palestine. They paint a picture of the cen- the long-marginalized Palestinian population, turies of political oppression that the Pales- narrating the loss of land and the accompa- Statement from the Award: tinian people have endured, from the days of nying loss of sanity in the decades of despair the Ottoman Empire to the years following the and violence that followed the Nakba, the 1948 The novel emerges as a unique Oslo Accords, and all the way to 2012 (when eviction of some 700,000 Palestinians from literary creation that narrates the novel was written). their homes. the history of the place, traces The novel is divided into three sections, The novel’s mad characters—politicians, the changes it went through by each containing multiple narratives. The first presidents, doctors, intellectuals, ordinary peo- using the motif of madness in a section, “The Book of a Genesis,” describes the ple and, yes, Dheisheh and Bethlehem them- way that reflects an entire intel- physical spaces and origins of Bethlehem and selves—burst out of their narrative threads, lectual period in the Arab World. Dheisheh Refugee Camp. These stories span flowing from one story into the next. Alaysa’s The work finds inspiration in the the 19th and 20th centuries, transitioning crisp, lucid prose and deft storytelling chart traditional narrative forms as such smoothly from one tale to another to offer an a clear path through the chaos with dark hu- as those of the Arabian Nights and intricate interpretation of the identity of these mor and wit. The result is an important contri- makes use of the more recent places. bution to fiction on the Palestinian crisis that narrative techniques, perceptive- The second section, “The Book of the Peo- approaches the Palestinians, madness, and ly linking history and reportage, ple Without a Book”, follows parallel narratives Palestinian spaces with compassion and depth. and mixing realistic presentation with magical realism. The wealth of character types and of subsid- iary tales harmonizes beautifully with the main narrative line.
Osama Alaysa (Palestine) Title Information:
Osama Alaysa is an author and journalist from Bethlehem, Palestine. He has worked for nu- Publisher: merous Arab and regional newspapers. He has published three novels, two collections of short Hachette Antoine / Nofal stories, and seven research studies on Palestinian history. (Beirut, Lebanon) He was imprisoned a number of times in various Israeli prisons in the periods 1978–1982 and 1989–1991, as well as having been prevented from traveling. Although he sees his personal Original Title: Majanin Bayt Lahm experience as insignificant in comparison to the suffering of many Palestinians, he nonetheless Original language: Arabic perceives it as having a profound impact upon his life, and this he reflects in many of his short Publication Date: 2013 stories and novels.” ISBN: 9789953269641 253 Pages LITERATURE: Father-son novel
The Autumn of Innocence
Prominent Lebanese poet and novelist Abbas Beydoun artfully weaves a tragic story of a father-son relationship that unfolds along with the Arab Spring movement and explores religious extremism and cultural constructs of masculinity.
The novel opens with a letter from Ghassan to brings with him a group of men. Together they his cousin, describing how his father Massoud seize control of the village and terrorize its strangled his mother to death when Ghassan inhabitants. After killing the dogs, they begin was just three years old. Afterward, Massoud murdering the villagers in the name of religion. flees the village in southern Lebanon. For 18 One of Ghassan’s friends is among the victims, years, no one hears from him, and Ghassan and Massoud also threatens his family. Ghas- grows up stigmatized by his father’s violent san decides that he must kill his father, aveng- crime. ing the death of his friend and the deaths of In time, Ghassan’s aunt Bushra-Massoud’s the other villagers. In the end, he fails and is Winner of the 2017 sister-makes a confession: She encouraged beheaded by Bushra’s son, his cousin, who is Sheikh Zayed Book Massoud to kill his wife, believing that his wife’s has joined Massoud’s thugs. Award for Literature low socioeconomic status would bring embar- Beydoun captures the shifting points of rassment to their wealthy family. Bushra also view in a family shattered by the tyranny of reveals that Massoud was driven to kill his wife normative masculinity and the resulting vio- because he feared that she would tell someone lence. The victims are women, of course, but that he was impotent, undermining his sense also the men like Ghassan who reject these Statement from the Award: of manhood and social status. social and cultural expectations. The novel also Meanwhile, Massoud has moved to south- portrays the rise of religious extremism and the The novel deals with the conflict ern Syria, where he remarried and had two terrorism it can inspire, which wreaks havoc on between a tyrannical father who more sons. During the Arab Spring, the militant the lives of ordinary people. Beydoun’s engag- terrorizes a certain village and groups fighting the Syrian regime transform ing language imbues the characters and the his son, who looks for a life of him into a religious extremist. places they inhabit with a vibrancy and vitality love and enjoyment. ... The novel In the second half of the novel, Massoud that transcends the difficult subject matter. utilizes excellent narrative tech- return to the village in southern Lebanon. He niques such as its shifting use of pronouns. Its symbolic structure is also distinguished, for the vil- lage stands for the majority of the Arab countries. The symbolic use of names in the novel contributes to its wealth. It embodies the con- flict between those who stand for love and freedom and those who stand for tyranny and terror.
Title Information: Abbas Beydoun (Lebanon)
Abbas Beydoun is well known in the Arab world as a poet, journalist, and literary critic. He was Publisher: born in the village of Sur in southern Lebanon in 1945 to a family passionate about literature. He Dar Al Saqi studied Arabic Literature at Beirut Arabic University and received his master’s degree in literature (Beirut, Lebanon) in Sorbonne, France. Beydoun started his writing career as a poet and has published numerous poetry collections, Original Title: Kharif al-Bara’ah including Critique of Pain, Overdose of Time, Glass Graveyards, Chambers, A Ticket for Two, and The Original language: Arabic Metaphysics of the Fox. Publication Date: 2016 His poetry has been translated into Italian, German, French, and English. His narrative style ISBN: 9786144258811 blends the volatile reality with a hint of fantasy. In 2002, Beydoun published his first novel, Blood 190 Pages Test, which was translated into English and published by Syracuse University Press. His second novel, The Album of Loss, was inspired by his own life story. LITERATURE: Music as a path to past and present
Summer Rains
Using music as a thread that connects the past to the present, his novel explores what happens when traditional and cultural heritage clash with modernity.
The novel addresses the current Arab youth tronic musical arts and modern technologies. crisis, in which young people find themselves The story offers the choice between traditions torn between fundamentalism and modernity. and modern sciences, material consumption Author Ahmad Al Qarmalawi infuses his and spiritual elevation. The novel highlights latest book with music, both traditional and the interrelations between the music and the new. The characters in his novel must choose soul, and the sublimity of the spirit versus cov- between the pursuit of materialism versus spir- etousness. Al Qarmalawi displays an extensive itual balance. They face the impact of modern- knowledge in music that creates a tangible ization on heritage and arts versus the need to setting in which to explore the paradoxes of protect and preserve their traditional culture. modern life. Giving readers a true sense of Islamic cul- ture, Qarmalawi writes about the history of (An extended English-language report on this music from Sufism to the present era of elec- book will be available soon.)
Winner of the 2018 Sheikh Zayed Book Award for Young Author
Statement from the Award:
The novel tackles the interrela- Ahmad Al Qarmalawi tions between the music and the soul, and the sublimity of the spir- (Egypt) it versus covetousness. The work showed an extensive knowledge Ahmand Al Qarmalawi was born in Cairo in in music that creates a tangible 1978 and moved with his family to Kuwait setting of melodic notes tran- in his early childhood, where he received scending to that of the Sufism his elementary and secondary education. station (Maqaam). He graduated from the International Amer- ican School in 1996, then moved back to Egypt to study Architecture at the American University in Cairo, and later continued his Title Information: post-graduate studies in University of Edin- burgh, Scotland. Publisher: He has been active in creative writ- Maktabat al-Dar al-Arabiyah ing since 2012, when he published his first lil-Kitab work, a collection of short stories called The (Cairo, Egypt) First of Abbas. He followed it with his first novel, The Last Post, published in 2014 by Al Original Title: Amtar Sayfiyyah Dar Al Masriah Al Lubnaniah. Al Qarmalawi Original language: Arabic published two more novels to date: Destiny Publication Date: 2017 in 2015 and Summer Rains in 2017, which ISBN: 9789772937370 won him the Sheikh Zayed Book Award. 220 Pages Besides writing, he is an avid painter and a musician. He is married and has three sons. LITERATURE: Syria from the inside
Remorse Test
In this semi-autobiographical novel, a writer takes us through the streets of Damascus and offers a first-hand look at life and loss during the Syrian civil war.
The novel offers an intimate view of the Syrian This work is an important addition to the civil war tragedy and takes the reader on a trip Syrian literature, both for its subject matter and through Damascus and down memory lane. a unique use of narrative tools and vocabulary. Drawing on his experience as a journalist, poet It’s written in a reversed biographical and novelist, Sweileh writes about the psycho- manner, shedding light on specific historical logical conflicts amid the shattered reality of periods from the current age of its author to place and society using language that is full of his childhood years. The novel presents de- imagery. scriptions of the narrator, and the names of his The protagonist is a brilliant writer who is friends, the places he used to visit in an extraor- navigating a new, war-torn reality. While rem- dinary descriptive style. iniscing about his past, he shows us what ev- eryday life is like in Damascus—at once brutal and boring—and laments the missed opportu- (An extended English-language report on this nities and destruction the conflict has caused book will be available soon.) Winner of the 2018 in his country. Sheikh Zayed Book Award for Literature
Statement from the Award:
The novel portrays an inward view of the Syrian Civil War trage- dy; the author takes the reader on a trip around Damascus, trudging down the memory lanes and pre- senting the psychological con- flicts amid the shattered reality of place and society – marking an important addition to the Syrian Khalil Sweileh Literature, with a unique use of narrative tools and vocabulary (Syria) construction. Khalil Sweileh was born in 1959, in the city of Hasaka, Syria. In addition to writing, he is renowned journalist. Sweileh’s portfolio includes multiple works in poetry including Title Information: Prefaces, That Was the Scene, and Tracing the Marks. He has also written numerous novels Publisher: including Stationer of Love, Express Mail, The Hachette Antoine / Nofal Gazelle Will Come to You, and The Barbarians’ (Beirut, Lebanon Paradise. Sweileh has won a number of literary Original Title: Ikhtibar al-nadam and journalism awards, including The Na- Original language: Arabic guib Mahfouz Medal for Literature for his Publication Date: 2017 novel Stationer of Love (2009)—which was ISBN: 9786144386712 translated into English and published by the 248 Pages American University in Cairo Press—and the Arab Journalism Award (2010). CHILDREN’S LITERATURE: Empowering picture book
Hatless
Kuwaiti children’s book author Lateefa Buti’s well-crafted and beautifully illustrated children’s book, Hatless, encourages children (ages 6-9) to think independently and challenge rigid traditions and fixed rituals with innovation and creativity.
The main character is a young girl named Hat- weaves a hat that covers her head but does not less who lives in the City of Hats. Here, all of prevent her from seeing the outside world. She the people are born with hats that cover their offers to loan the hat to the other inhabitants of heads and faces. The world inside of their hats the city. One by one, they try it on and are en- is dark, silent, and odorless. chanted by the beautiful world around them. Hatless feels trapped underneath her own Since then, no child has been born wearing a hat. She wants to take off her hat, but she is hat. The people celebrate by tossing their old afraid, until she realizes that whatever fright- hats in the air. ening things exist in the world around her are By bravely embracing these values, Hat- there whether or not she takes off her hat to less improves her own life and the lives of her see them. fellow citizens. So Hatless removes her hat. Buti’s language is eloquent and clear. She As Hatless takes in the beauty of her sur- strikes a skilled narrative balance between re- Winner of the 2017 roundings, she cannot help but talk about vealing Hatless’s inner thoughts and letting the what she sees, hears, and smells. The other in- story unfold through her interactions with oth- Sheikh Zayed Book habitants of the city ostracize her because she er characters. Careful descriptions are accom- Award for Children’s has become different from them. It is not long panied by beautiful illustrations that reward Literature before they ask her to leave the City of Hats. multiple readings of the book. Rather than giving up or getting angry, Hatless feels sad for her friends and neighbors who are afraid to experience the world outside Statement from the Award: of their hats. She comes up with an ingenious ADDITIONL AWARDS: solution: if given another chance, she will wear The book has an imaginative a hat as long it is one she makes herself. The Shortlisted for the 2015 Etisalat Award for and inspiring story line. It adopts people of the City of Hats agree, so Hatless Arabic Children’s Literature higher values of mutual coexis- tence and acceptance of differ- ences, with both other humans and the surrounding natural set- ting, in a way that unleashes the children’s thought process and ignites their creativity.
Title Information:
Lateefa Buti (Kuwait) Publisher: Seedan Media Lateefa Buti is a Kuwaiti author specialized in children’s literature. Her portfolio includes from (Kuwait) stand-alone novels, theatrical works, publications in magazines and periodicals, as well as works in radio and television. She has several independently published works including The Mermaid Original Title: Bila Qubba‘ah and My Country and Ininkayo, in addition to theatrical acts such as Juha’s Gate and Salma the Original language: Arabic Princess of the Sea. Publication Date: 2015 Buti is also a regular contributor to the well-known magazine Al Arabi Al Sagheer and worked ISBN: 9789996653186 on a number of radio-based programs and series targeting adolescents. He works in television 19 Pages were mainly with Al Jazeera Children Channel and Al Baraem Channel, focusing on the cultural heritage and folklore of the Arab region. Age Range: 6–9 years CHILDREN’S LITERATURE: Finding identity
The Dinoraf
A dinosaur looking for his family searches the animal kingdom for someone who looks like him and settles on the giraffe. This picture book explores identity, belonging, and acceptance.
An egg has hatched, and what comes out of it? Ghazwan, a dinosaur sets out in search of an- A chicken? No. A turtle? No. It’s a dinosaur. But imals like him. He finds plenty of animals, but where is his family? none that look the same...until he meets the gi- In this picture book by educator and au- raffe. This story teaches children about accept- thor Hessa Al Muhairi, with illustrations by Sura ing differences in carefully crafted language. Winner of the 2018 Sheikh Zayed Book Award for Children’s Literature
Statement from the Award:
The story is set in the Animal Kingdom, where a dinosaur is out on a mission to find his par- allel among the rest of animals. Throughout his journey, he gets to know the differences between the animals, which finally lead him to find his connection with the giraffe, hence becoming the “Dinoraf”, in a unique portrayal of the contemporary case of peace- ful coexistence and mutual toler- ance of cultural differences within the global society. The story is written in an aesthetic language that is beautiful, artistic and care- fully crafted. Hessa Al Muhairi, author (UAE) Title Information: Hessa Al Muhairi holds a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education and two master’s de- grees from Deakin University in Australia, one in Science in Education Management and the other Publisher: in Policy. She has been working as a nursery teacher since her graduation. Al Muhairi participated Al Hudhud Publishing and in numerous children’s literature workshops and managed a number of training programs. She Distribution has two published books for children: Whose Footprints are These? and The Dinoraf. (UAE)
Original Title: al-dinoraf Original language: Arabic Sura Ghazwan, illustrator (Iraq) Publication Date: 2017 Iraqi children’s stories writer and illustrator Sura Ghazwan holds a bachelor’s degree in English ISBN: 9789948232728 Translation. She was born in 1989 and has been working as a professional book illustrator and 32 Pages comic artist for several years. She specializes in children’s book illustrations, cartoon and games drawings, and works as a freelancer for a number of magazines, institutions, publications and Age Range: companies in UAE, Iraq, Jordan and Saudi Arabia. Her work has been recognied in several exhibi- tions and awards, and she. CHILDREN’S LITERATURE: Inclusive YA novel
The Boy Who Saw the Color of Air
In his first YA novel, cultural journalist and author Abdo Wazen writes about a blind teenager in Lebanon who finds strength and friendship among an unlikely group.
Growing up in a small Lebanese village, Bas- Institute, a principle that overcomes religious sim’s blindness limits his engagement with differences. In the book, the Institute comes to the materials taught in his schools. Despite his symbolize the positive changes that tolerance family’s love and support, his opportunities can bring to the country and society at large. seem limited. The Boy Who Saw the Color of Air is also a So at thirteen years old, Bassim leaves his book about Lebanon and its treatment of peo- village to join the Institute for the Blind in a ple with disabilities. It offers insight into the Beirut suburb. There, he comes alive. He learns vital role of strong family support in individual Braille and discovers talents he didn’t know he success, the internal functioning of institutions had. Bassim is empowered by his newfound like the Institute, as well as the unique religious Winner of the 2012 abilities to read and write. and cultural environment of Beirut. Sheikh Zayed Book Thanks to his newly developed self-confi- Wazen’s lucid language and the linear dence, Bassim decides to take a risk and sub- structure he employs result in a coherent and Award for Children’s mit a short story to a competition sponsored easy-to- read narrative. The Boy Who Saw the Literature by the Ministry of Education. After winning the Color of Air is an important contribution to a competition, he is hired to work at the Institute literature in which people with disabilities are for the Blind. underrepresented. In addition to offering a sto- At the Institute, Bassim, a Sunni Muslim, ry of empowerment and friendship, this book Statement from the Award: forms a strong friendship with George, a Chris- also aims to educate readers about people with tian. Cooperation and collective support are disabilities and shed light on the indispensable The novel describes in a beautiful central to the success of each student at the roles played by institutions like the Institute. narrative language the life of peo- ple with special needs often ne- glected in young adult literature. The topic promotes fundamental ethical values amongst young readers and portrays strong will as a human value for Basem, the novel’s main character to achieve his goals. The author masterfully manages to construct the text in a smooth read for the younger readers.
Title Information:
Publisher: Abdo Wazen (Lebanon) Arab Scientific Publishers, Inc (Beirut, Lebanon) Abdo Wazen was born in Beirut, Lebanon in 1957. In addition to writing poetry and novels, he’s a French-to-Arabic translator and the well-known culture editor of Al-Hayat newspaper. Original Title: Al-Fata al-ladhi His first collection of poems, The Locked Forest, was published in 1982. Since then, Wazen Absara Lawna al-Hawa’ has published a number of other poetry collections, and a memoir, An Open Heart, after he had Original language: Arabic major heart surgery in 2010. The Lebanese Ministry of Interior seized copies of his 1993 book, Publication Date: 2011 The Garden of Sensation on accusations of licentiousness. He’s translated the poetry of Jacques ISBN: 9786140103412 Prevert and Nadia Twueni into Arabic. In 2005, he received the Culture Journalism Award from 119 Pages the Dubai Press Club. Age Range: Teen “As we mark the Year of Zayed, this is fitting appreciation to the memory of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan; crowning this outstanding group of writers, intellectuals, publishers and young talent as winners of an award in his name, and echoing his vision of fostering the sciences to enrich the Arab cultural, literary and social life.”
— HE Saif Saeed Ghobash, Director General of the Department of Culture and Tourism– Abu Dhabi, upon announcing the 2018 winners of the Sheikh Zayed Book Award. Buy Rights to SZBA-Winning Titles: Literature & Children’s Books
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