The haunting story of a woman’s troubled journey from South Lebanon, to West Africa, to Beirut in search of sanctuary from violence is “sure to change any simple preconceptions about the Muslim women of today.” (San Francisco Chronicle). Translated by Peter Ford.

The Story of Zahra is a classic by any standards.”—Village Voice Literary Supplement

“This rich tale mesmerizes with its frank sexuality and scenes of war-torn Beirut.”—Publishers Weekly
© Mick Lindberg
Hanan al-Shaykh, an award-winning journalist, novelist, and playwright, is the author of the short-story collections I Sweep the Sun Off Rooftops and One Thousand and One Nights; the novels The Story of Zahra, Women of Sand and Myrrh, Beirut Blues, and Only in London; and a memoir about her mother, The Locust and the Bird. She was raised in Beirut, educated in Cairo, and lives in London. View titles by Hanan al-Shaykh

About

The haunting story of a woman’s troubled journey from South Lebanon, to West Africa, to Beirut in search of sanctuary from violence is “sure to change any simple preconceptions about the Muslim women of today.” (San Francisco Chronicle). Translated by Peter Ford.

The Story of Zahra is a classic by any standards.”—Village Voice Literary Supplement

“This rich tale mesmerizes with its frank sexuality and scenes of war-torn Beirut.”—Publishers Weekly

Author

© Mick Lindberg
Hanan al-Shaykh, an award-winning journalist, novelist, and playwright, is the author of the short-story collections I Sweep the Sun Off Rooftops and One Thousand and One Nights; the novels The Story of Zahra, Women of Sand and Myrrh, Beirut Blues, and Only in London; and a memoir about her mother, The Locust and the Bird. She was raised in Beirut, educated in Cairo, and lives in London. View titles by Hanan al-Shaykh

Books for Asian American and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander Heritage Month

Every May we celebrate the rich history and culture of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders. Browse a curated selection of fiction and nonfiction books by AANHPI creators that we think your students will love. Find our full collection of titles for Higher Education here.

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