
Waiting for the Past
A Novel
Hadiya Hussein(Author)
Syracuse University Press
Published on 30. October 2022
Book
Paperback/Softback
208 pages
978-0-8156-1151-6 (ISBN)
Description
Hadiya Hussein's poignant 2017 novel plunges readers into a haunting and powerful story of resilience. Set at the end of Saddam Hussein's brutal reign, the novel follows Narjis, a young Iraqi woman, on her quest to discover what has become of the man she loves. Yusef, suspected by the regime of being a dissident, has disappeared-presumably either imprisoned or executed.
On her journey, Narjis receives shelter from a Kurdish family who welcome her into their home and meets Umm Hani, an older woman who is searching for her long-lost son. Together they form a bond, and Narjis comes to understand the depth of loss and grief of those around her. At the same time, she is introduced to the warm hospitality of the Kurds, settling into their everyday lives, and embracing their customs. Barbara Romaine's translation skillfully renders this complex, layered story, giving readers a stark yet beautiful portrait of contemporary Iraq.
On her journey, Narjis receives shelter from a Kurdish family who welcome her into their home and meets Umm Hani, an older woman who is searching for her long-lost son. Together they form a bond, and Narjis comes to understand the depth of loss and grief of those around her. At the same time, she is introduced to the warm hospitality of the Kurds, settling into their everyday lives, and embracing their customs. Barbara Romaine's translation skillfully renders this complex, layered story, giving readers a stark yet beautiful portrait of contemporary Iraq.
More details
Series
Language
English
Place of publication
New York
United States
Target group
Professional and scholarly
Product notice
Paperback (trade)
Dimensions
Height: 203 mm
Width: 127 mm
Thickness: 12 mm
Weight
249 gr
ISBN-13
978-0-8156-1151-6 (9780815611516)
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Schweitzer Classification
Persons
Hadiya Hussein is an award-winning Iraqi writer. She has published several short story collections and novels, including the 2012 novel Beyond Love.
Barbara Romaine is an academic and literary translator. She has published translations of five novels, as well as numerous shorter works (poetry, short stories, and essays), which have appeared in various literary journals.
Barbara Romaine is an academic and literary translator. She has published translations of five novels, as well as numerous shorter works (poetry, short stories, and essays), which have appeared in various literary journals.