As befits such a large area of the world, there are many interesting and informative books about the Middle East, both fiction and non-fiction. Here we look at some of my favorites. (Click on any cover for a full review.)
- The first in a series of mystery novels set in early 19th Century Istanbul, Jason Goodwin's The Janissary Tree is the well deserved winner of the 2007 Edgar Allan Poe award winner for Best Novel. (Full Review)
- Yasmina Khadra's novel, The Attack, is a perceptive look at love, loyalty, grief, terrorism, and family in Israel and the Palestinian Territories.(Full Review)
- Librarian Alia Muhammad Baker saved the majority of the collection of the Basra Central Library, and much of the history of Basra, from the looting and destruction of war. Her actions inspired two fabulous children's books The Librarian of Basra and Alia's Mission.(Full Review)
- Dalya Cohen-Morīs collection An Arabian Mosaic: Short Stories by Arab Women Writers provides an interesting and enjoyable look at Arab womenīs lives through the eyes of Arab women writers. (Full Review)
- Fatima Mernissiīs Dreams of Trespass: Tales of a Harem Girlhood provides a glimpse of life in a 1940's harem in Fez, Morocco through the eyes of a young girl who grew up to become a writer and sociologist.
- Palestine Peace Not Apartheid by Jimmy Carter gives an extremely readable account of the Middle East, particularly Palestine, peace process by a man who experienced much of it first hand. No matter what your current level of knowledge of this issue, you will walk away with a through understanding of the people and issues involved. (Full Review)
You can read more of my reviews of Middle Eastern books and literature here.
