A Map of Absence presents the finest poetry and prose by Palestinian writers over the last seventy years. Featuring writers in the diaspora and those living under occupation, these striking entries pay testament to one of the most pivotal events in modern history – the 1948 Nakba. This unique, landmark anthology includes translated excerpts of works by major authors such as A Map of Absence presents the finest poetry and prose by Palestinian writers over the last seventy years. Featuring writers in the diaspora and those living under occupation, these striking entries pay testament to one of the most pivotal events in modern history – the 1948 Nakba. This unique, landmark anthology includes translated excerpts of works by major authors such as Mahmoud Darwish, Ghassan Kanafani and Fadwa Tuqan alongside those of emerging writers, published here in English for the first time. Depicting the varied aspects of Palestinian life both before and after 1948, their writings highlight the ongoing resonances of the Nakba. An intimate companion for all lovers of world literature, A Map of Absence reveals the depth and breadth of Palestinian writing.
A Map of Absence: An Anthology of Palestinian Writing on the Nakba
A Map of Absence presents the finest poetry and prose by Palestinian writers over the last seventy years. Featuring writers in the diaspora and those living under occupation, these striking entries pay testament to one of the most pivotal events in modern history – the 1948 Nakba. This unique, landmark anthology includes translated excerpts of works by major authors such as A Map of Absence presents the finest poetry and prose by Palestinian writers over the last seventy years. Featuring writers in the diaspora and those living under occupation, these striking entries pay testament to one of the most pivotal events in modern history – the 1948 Nakba. This unique, landmark anthology includes translated excerpts of works by major authors such as Mahmoud Darwish, Ghassan Kanafani and Fadwa Tuqan alongside those of emerging writers, published here in English for the first time. Depicting the varied aspects of Palestinian life both before and after 1948, their writings highlight the ongoing resonances of the Nakba. An intimate companion for all lovers of world literature, A Map of Absence reveals the depth and breadth of Palestinian writing.
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Amal Bedhyefi –
Today we commemorate Ghassan Kanafani's memory as he died/ was killed this day 47 years ago . So I figured this would make the perfect opportunity for me to review this book that gathers some of the finest palestenian writers and poets. I have always loved anthologies . I have always been fond of that beautiful mixture of prose and poetry keeping me intrigued from start to finish . A map of absence is no different as I enjoyed reading every single poem , short story and essay . Darwich , E.Said and Today we commemorate Ghassan Kanafani's memory as he died/ was killed this day 47 years ago . So I figured this would make the perfect opportunity for me to review this book that gathers some of the finest palestenian writers and poets. I have always loved anthologies . I have always been fond of that beautiful mixture of prose and poetry keeping me intrigued from start to finish . A map of absence is no different as I enjoyed reading every single poem , short story and essay . Darwich , E.Said and Fadwa Tuqan are my absolute favourites and I loved reading Darwich's translated poems in particular since i only know the original ones in arabic. Great poems , outstanding short stories and engaging essays that will leave you with a bittersweet feeling : sweet for the delicacy of the writing and bitter for their sad memories.
Tasnim (Reads.and.Reveries) –
Nakba Day (Arabic: Yawm an-Nakba, meaning ‘Day of the Catastrophe’) is observed annually on 15th May and commemorates the mass displacement of some 700,000 Palestinians who were expelled or forced to flee their homes following (and preceding) the Israeli declaration of independence in 1948. 'A Map of Absence' is comprised of poetry, prose and essays written by Palestinians over the last seventy years; writers living in the diaspora and those living under occupation. Yes, this book depicts sufferi Nakba Day (Arabic: Yawm an-Nakba, meaning ‘Day of the Catastrophe’) is observed annually on 15th May and commemorates the mass displacement of some 700,000 Palestinians who were expelled or forced to flee their homes following (and preceding) the Israeli declaration of independence in 1948. 'A Map of Absence' is comprised of poetry, prose and essays written by Palestinians over the last seventy years; writers living in the diaspora and those living under occupation. Yes, this book depicts suffering, but it is also about the beauty in the mundane, the everyday- the sounds, smells and sights that make our home, home. It is about the things we are never prepared to lose, the loss hitting harder still because there is no knowing when, if ever, you might get them back. I think it's rare that an anthology hits the mark completely and there were definitely some contributions that I was able to read more easily than others. At the same time, one reading isn’t enough to grasp all that is contained within this book but the richness of language that runs throughout is easily appreciated. Mostly translated, the descriptions and depictions of both prose and poetry remained palpable. I could quote many of the entries endlessly in all of their heart-wrenching beauty but they also serves to remind the reader that, as hard as it is to imagine the reality, these are lives that are still being lived. Thank you so much to the publisher for the gifted copy of this book. It’s one I see myself returning to time and time again.
PS –
Quite a mixed bag. Unfortunately, some of the younger authors’ writings felt like Instagram poetry and angry tweets - which is not my cup of tea. The selection of older authors was a lot better. Also: Jabra Ibhrahin Jabra’s short story was so beautiful, so evocative.
B. Asma –
The stories in this book are ones of human interest. Organized by three successive eras, it has many descriptive poems and excerpts of fiction and nonfiction. Palestinian literature is a bonanza of good writing. Often, it is realistic. Even so, some horrendous situations must psychologically affect the characters. There, an author may turn to magical realism because the occurrences become too intense or inescapable. At the same time, a reader wonders why. International organizations did not exer The stories in this book are ones of human interest. Organized by three successive eras, it has many descriptive poems and excerpts of fiction and nonfiction. Palestinian literature is a bonanza of good writing. Often, it is realistic. Even so, some horrendous situations must psychologically affect the characters. There, an author may turn to magical realism because the occurrences become too intense or inescapable. At the same time, a reader wonders why. International organizations did not exercise enough authority and oversight.
sameera –
I can’t fully explain how much I loved this anthology and how deeply it hit me. It is by far the best anthology I have read, although I know I will definitely have to go back to it sometime and re-read it all over again.
Noor –
so good - glad i got to end the year w/ an amazing, forever memorable read !!
Ahrrr Kayyy –
The line that stood out: “ Mankind has been given long enough to prove it has a conscience on the question of Palestine, but unfortunately so far it’s proved that it doesn’t have a conscience”
Kristen –
Ariella –
safiyareads –
Nyla –
Kirti –
Salma Moustafa –
James F –
Paschalena –
Joanna Norton –
A –
Carla Prado –
Saqi Books –
Tine Lavent –
Tasnim –
Tamara Barakat –
Jumana Husary –
Diana –
Artemis –
Natalie Tannous –
Mariam –
Hiba –
Liy –
Sarah –
Luke –
Mujtaba Moosavi –
Shalinder Ragnar –
Aamina –
Ayesha –
Louise –
Mehwish –
Sara - thelookingglassreads –
Yousser –
Quin Rich –
Armen –
Mnar Abu-Shlieba –
Renée –
Heli Miranda ahumada –
Eya Chafroud –