Set in an unnamed Persian Gulf kingdom in the 1930s, this remarkable novel tells the story of the disruption and diaspora of a poor oasis community following the discovery of oil there. The meeting of Arabs and the Americans who, in essence, colonized the remote region is a cultural confrontation in which religion, history, superstition, and mutual incomprehension all play a part.

This novel, the first volume in a trilogy, has been translated from the Arabic to English by Peter Theroux.


“The only serious work of fiction that tries to show the effect of oil, Americans and the local oligarchy on a Gulf country.” —Edward W. Said

“A powerful, untold story, done with humor, grace, and a resonant depth of feeling.”—Kirkus

“Brings to life many of the political issues that have plagued the Mideast for most of this century. . . Munif writes from a unique vantage point: English-language readers have been given few opportunities before now to look at this situation through native eyes. . . . Theroux’s sensitive translation conveys ths subtleties of ambiguity and nuance inherent to the Arab language and culture.” —Publishers Weekly
Abdul Rahman Munif was a Saudi novelist. His novels included strong political elements as well as mockeries of the Middle Eastern elite classes. His work so offended the rulers of Saudi Arabia that many of his books were banned and his Saudi citizenship revoked. His books included Cities of Salt, The Trench, and Variations on Night and Day. Munif died in 2004. View titles by Abdelrahman Munif

About

Set in an unnamed Persian Gulf kingdom in the 1930s, this remarkable novel tells the story of the disruption and diaspora of a poor oasis community following the discovery of oil there. The meeting of Arabs and the Americans who, in essence, colonized the remote region is a cultural confrontation in which religion, history, superstition, and mutual incomprehension all play a part.

This novel, the first volume in a trilogy, has been translated from the Arabic to English by Peter Theroux.


“The only serious work of fiction that tries to show the effect of oil, Americans and the local oligarchy on a Gulf country.” —Edward W. Said

“A powerful, untold story, done with humor, grace, and a resonant depth of feeling.”—Kirkus

“Brings to life many of the political issues that have plagued the Mideast for most of this century. . . Munif writes from a unique vantage point: English-language readers have been given few opportunities before now to look at this situation through native eyes. . . . Theroux’s sensitive translation conveys ths subtleties of ambiguity and nuance inherent to the Arab language and culture.” —Publishers Weekly

Author

Abdul Rahman Munif was a Saudi novelist. His novels included strong political elements as well as mockeries of the Middle Eastern elite classes. His work so offended the rulers of Saudi Arabia that many of his books were banned and his Saudi citizenship revoked. His books included Cities of Salt, The Trench, and Variations on Night and Day. Munif died in 2004. View titles by Abdelrahman Munif

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