International Prize for Arabic Fiction
The Dove's Necklace
Book Information
- Publisher
- Overlook Press
- Published
- 2016-06-02
- Pages
- 544 pages
- Language
- 英語
- Size
- 15.9 x 4.1 x 23.5 cm
- ISBN-13
- 9780715645864
- ISBN-10
- 0715645862
- Price
- 1685 JPY
- Category
- 洋書/Literature & Fiction/Literary
When a dead woman is discovered in Abu Al Roos, one of Mecca's many alleys, no one will claim the body because they are ashamed by her nakedness. As we follow the investigation of the case, the secret life of the holy city of Mecca is revealed. Tackling powerful issues with beautiful and evocative writing, Raja Alem reveals a city and a civilisation at once beholden to brutal customs, and reckoning (uneasily) with new traditions. Told from a variety of perspectives including that of Abu Al Roos itself The Dove's Necklace is a virtuosic work of literature, and an ambitious portrait of a changing city that deserves our attention.
Raja Alem is a writer of fiction, drama, biography, and criticism. She was born in Mecca and now lives in Paris.
Reviews
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Having a tough time getting into this book. May save I for a winter read when there isn't as much going on.
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Im probably not being fair here because I don't think I understood the culture enough to follow the storyline. I found it a hard go but did make it to the end. I think the prose is excellent and I think I am at fault here. If you don't have a clear grasp of Middle Eastern culture you won't follow this one.
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This book was the March selection for our book club. Not a single member, and we are a diverse group, finished reading The Dove's Necklace. Several of us used the book as a springboard to cultural research. The plot meanders, is unclear, and has irrelevant characters, locations, scenarios and premise. It really needs significant editing. All of us made a concerted effort to soldier on but ultimately found the book to be a disappointing waste of time.