Seeking a Publisher
In The Light by Palestinian writer Israa Kalash, a captivating middle-grade fantasy adventure, we follow 14-year-old Tareq and his younger autistic sister Leen as they navigate family, disability, and the challenges of life under Israeli occupation in Nablus.
Nominated for the prestigious 2024 Shaykh Zayed Book Award, the novel seamlessly weaves humor and imagination into Tareq’s daily life, revealing his dreams of superpowers and encounters with school bullies. When Tareq’s uncle and his wife visit from Australia, a reluctant responsibility falls on his shoulders as he embarks on a perilous journey with his sister to their grandparents’ house in Jenin.
Through poignant flashbacks, Tareq reflects on his sister’s autism, exploring themes of love, defiance, and societal judgment. The narrative takes a fantastical turn when Tareq and his sister embark on a magical adventure, meeting extraordinary characters in a secret tunnel. Written in Kalash’s poetic prose, the novel not only delves into the depths of neurodivergence but also explores the bonds of bravery and siblinghood. ‘The Light’ is a heartfelt exploration of family dynamics and self-discovery in the face of adversity.
Drowned in Laughter is a 2019 collection of short stories by Palestinian writer Ziad Khaddash. He writes about real people he encountered and continues to encounter in his daily life. He writes about the everyman, the disenfranchised, and those driven outside the margins of their homeland. This collection encapsulates the rich tapestry of Palestinian storytelling, presenting universal themes through a culturally specific lens. A short story in my translation titled “They Were All My Father” will be featured in this year’s NCW’s anthology.
Translations
“Strange Things Happening Outside” by Palestinian writer Ziad Khaddash, published on Arablit. The story immerses readers in the unsettling world of an unborn child witnessing the turmoil of war in Gaza. Through the child’s newfound senses, the story poignantly explores the impact of conflict on a mother and her unborn child, capturing the essence of life, loss, and the haunting realities of displacement.
Dalia by Jordanian writer Sara Badawieh, translated from English into Arabic, 2023. In a society where a woman’s destiny is confined by tradition, Dalia, stained by scandal, escapes a lethal fate determined by her father. Hindered by societal norms that deny women access to education, she defies expectations, earning a PhD and emerging as a social-media influencer. Yet, her yearning for fulfillment leads her back to the very source of her trauma. Dalia’s journey challenges the limits imposed on women and explores the profound impact of words, resilience, and confronting one’s past.
Dream-Drenched Theft, a poem by Syrian poet and writer Anas al-Ghouri published on Arablit. Al-Ghouri’s work captures the unfiltered depth of human experience. His poetry often examines themes of displacement, longing, and the resilience of the human spirit. In “Dream-Drenched Theft,” he weaves a poignant narrative about a young boy torn between piety and desire, navigating the ache of longing, the weight of shame, and the tender rebellions of childhood. Through vivid imagery and a heartfelt tone, Anas explores universal struggles while rooting them in a deeply personal and cultural context.
Victoria Issa 