Al Majalla's book watch

We review the latest literary releases from Arab publishing houses on subjects covering philosophy, science, history, politics, translation, and others

Al Majalla

Al Majalla's book watch

The Arab world has a vibrant and rich literary scene. At Al Majalla, we highlight some of our favourite weekly picks—from philosophy and history to science, politics and literature.

Let's get right to it.


On Love and Language hardcover

Book: On Love and Language

Author: Etel Adnan/Fawaz Traboulsi

Publisher: Riad El-Rayyes Books & Publishing - Lebanon

The late writer Etel Adnan was one of the most celebrated Arab American authors before her death in 2021, but she never penned a work titled On Love and Language. Instead, this is a book prepared, translated, and presented by the Lebanese writer and translator Fawaz Traboulsi. It comprises a collection of texts that Adnan published in the quarterly magazine Bidayyat (2012-22), which Traboulsi edited. The book includes a final conversation Traboulsi had with Adnan in her final days.

Through this work, readers can explore Adnan’s multifaceted personality and gain insight into her approach to writing, art, and life. Her contributions—written mainly in French and English—span novels, poetry, theatre, biography, memoirs, correspondence, and art criticism. Adnan was also a visual artist and, as noted in the book, when she painted, she “painted in Arabic”.

Her passion for knowledge and deep contemplation never ebbed. Aged 96, she was still discussing topics such as ‘Nietzsche and the eternal lute’, and ‘matter and colour’, as she did during her last interview with Traboulsi. He interprets this as a gesture of gratitude toward the teacher Gaston Bachelard, under whom she studied philosophy in Paris at age 20.

Bachelard spent his life reconciling ‘science and poetry, matter and imagination,’ a pursuit Adnan shared in her quest to interweave philosophy, art, poetry, and human connection. She saw life as “a fabric”. A feminist activist, Adnan, believed that “woman is what man lost since Adam and the female represents the absence in the male, for which men spend ages striving to recover”.

She was also a staunch advocate for freedom, including for Palestinians, and was one of the first Arab poets to connect the plight of Native Americans with that of Palestinians. She also endorsed the Syrian revolution of 2011, famously saying Syria had “two rivers: the Euphrates and a river of blood”. It was a poignant reference to the massacres committed by the regime.

Likewise, Adnan protested French colonialism in Algeria by choosing to stop writing in French during the struggle for independence. This book stands as a testament to Traboulsi's deep love and evident respect for Adnan and dutifully honours her work.

Being and Meaning hardcover

Book: Being and Meaning: Approaches and Illuminations under the Microscope of Existential Philosophy

Author: Aws Hassan

Publisher: Mominoun Without Borders – Morocco

After a long time, existential philosophy makes its comeback into the Arab literary world with Iraqi author Aws Hassan's latest book. Once prominent and influential, existentialism still addresses enduring questions about human existence, and as Hassan shows, many people live by seeking balance, trying to maximise pleasure and minimise pain.

In contrast, existentialism says the purpose of life is not happiness but the creation of meaning—especially through experiencing tension and struggle. Humanity is the central value of existence, with each individual compelled to make choices, even in the most difficult and destructive circumstances. As such, existentialism is the philosophy of the courageous, requiring the confrontation of pain, fear, and uncertainty while embracing one’s raw emotions and a willingness to face danger.

Hassan’s book delves into key figures of existentialism, including Søren Kierkegaard, Fyodor Dostoevsky, Friedrich Nietzsche, Nikolai Berdyaev, and Albert Camus. Each has their own thoughts, with Nietzsche known for his concept of the Übermensch, Berdyaev exploring the idea of solitude, and Camus’ insight into the absurd.

The book focuses particularly on Martin Heidegger and Colin Wilson. Each gets their own chapter, reflecting a wide range of literary, philosophical, and intellectual perspectives. Hassan adopts a literary style in his discussions rather than the typical expository style often found in philosophical texts. This suits its purpose, which is less about formal instruction or critique and more about engaging the reader on a deep, spiritual, and human level.

Ajam's book Beautiful Alienation is a tribute to the Iraqi intellectuals who championed modernity and enlightenment amidst a populace driven by ideological fervour.

Book: Umayyad Memory

Author: Abdullah bin Mohammed Al-Rasheed

Publisher: Arab Journal – Saudi Arabia

The Umayyad dynasty (661-750) is often viewed as one of the most controversial periods in Arab-Islamic history. Saudi writer Abdullah bin Muhammad Al-Rasheed aims to clarify this by presenting a "cultural civilisation reading" of the Umayyad era based on the perspectives of four prominent contemporary historians and thinkers. Muhammad Kurd Ali, Ahmed Amin, Yusuf al-Esh, and Abdul Aziz al-Douri are good choices, noted for their scientific rigour, objectivity, and depth.

Rasheed contends that the establishment of the Umayyad state was a monumental event that reshaped the world and left a lasting impact on human civilisation. Despite the Umayyads' significant achievements, their legacy has been marred by distortion, criticism, and ideological conflict. The historical narrative of this period is often overshadowed by sectarian disputes and controversies, which obscure the true contributions of the Umayyads.

According to Rasheed, Muawiyah bin Abi Sufyan, the founder of the Umayyad dynasty, played a crucial role in preserving and advancing the achievements of the Rightly Guided Caliphate. During a turbulent period marked by chaos and discord, Muawiyah established a new political system that unified the Arab-Islamic state and laid the foundation for a significant empire. His efforts in creating a cohesive state and culture were pivotal in shaping the future of the Islamic world.

The book offers insights from each of the four historians and thinkers, highlighting their perspectives on the Umayyad dynasty's impact on Arab and Muslim history.

Read more: Muawiyah: A first-class statesman and pioneer of civilisation

Beautiful Alienation Hardcover

Book: Beautiful Alienation: Untold Chapters from Baghdad's Cultural and Social Biography

Author: Ali Abdul-Amir Ajam

Publisher: Dar al-Rafidain – Iraq/Lebanon

Intellectuals have long explored the concept of alienation, whether social, political, cultural, or even related to work, as Karl Marx discussed. Despite its nature, Iraqi writer Ali Abdul Amir Ajam describes alienation as "beautiful." How can something that often has devastating effects be considered beautiful?

He highlights the experience of Iraqi writers, artists, and thinkers who have endured their own forms of alienation while creating and disseminating enlightening thought and art. They confronted tribalism, sectarianism, and religious extremism that emerged following the collapse of the middle class and urban bourgeoisie in Iraq—traditionally seen as the societal drivers of cultural and intellectual advancement.

This collapse led to a rise in fundamentalist values at cultural, political, and social levels, which in turn caused profound alienation among these writers. Yet it also provided them with a unique opportunity to challenge reactionary values and establish their own through literature, art, or music, leading to Ajam's description.

His book is a tribute to the Iraqi intellectuals who championed modernity and enlightenment amidst the turmoil, as well as avant-garde modernist thinkers who faced opposition from populist masses driven by ideological fervour, leading to their persecution. It also serves as a testament to the cultural and intellectual heritage of its time, capturing the era's essence through the lens of its witnesses and participants.

It includes personal memories, such as a poignant evening in Baghdad in 1991 when two artists discussed their experiences, with a memorable night at the Sheraton Hotel, where young musicians blended Iraqi and Arabic melodies with jazz. The writer was struck by their surprise upon discovering a nearby venue (the Tower of Life Hotel) where Samir Peter, a renowned Iraqi jazz musician, performed daily. This anecdote exemplifies the writer's affectionate reflection on art, literature, and music amidst the backdrop of a turbulent era.

Book: Living with Philosophy

Author: Hassan Ozal

Publisher: Oxygen Publishing Professional – Canada

Just as certain statements from specific historical or cultural periods have sparked controversy—such as 'art for art's sake'—philosophies have also emerged that engage in self-referential debates, creating a divide between everyday life and abstract concepts, perhaps best encapsulated by the notion that 'philosophy is philosophy'.

Moroccan writer Hassan Ozal rejects this notion outright. He argues that art, philosophy, and all forms of creative expression should be directed towards people, influencing their lives and providing tangible benefits.

He begins his book by questioning whether anyone has experienced "living an idea," saying "ideas are meant to be lived, not just read," for them to have a true impact. He is critical of some intellectuals' approach to philosophy as if it were an end in itself (as opposed to a means with which to engage with reality), likening this to the approach of some artists towards their art.

Likewise, Ozal challenges whether idealistic philosophies like those of Heidegger, Hegel, or Fichte can be lived or applied practically. He thinks that they are often abstract and disconnected from the sensory world in which we live. Instead of enhancing our experience of reality, they tend to create elaborate, abstract representations that can distance us from practical existence.

A book that starts from real-life experiences and seeks to connect with them aims to make philosophy accessible and relevant rather than positioning it as an esoteric concept detached from daily life. It promotes free thinking and a passionate engagement with ideas and life, fostering a sense of liberation and meaningful interaction with one's reality.

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