Tue. Nov. 18, 2008
On the cold winter night of November 18th I found my hands clamming with anticipation for the world renowned Lebanese novelist Hanan Al-Shaykh. In the modest room at the Kelly Writers House, whispers of excitement rose as Roger Allen, professor of Arabic language and literature at the University of Pennsylvania, introduced Hanan’s newest novel, Hikayati Sharhun Yatool, and his enthusiasm to be working in translation with her. The praiseful introductions continued, giving credit to Writers without Borders, the Middle East Center and Al-Bustan Seeds of Culture for their supportive co-sponsorship.
Hanan Al-Shaykh
The room was filled with students, professors and community members each bringing their connections and histories with them. Backpacks, i-Pods and cell phones were put aside as Hanan took her rightful place behind the wooden podium. Her soft voice brought the energy of the room to a soothing hush as the story of her mother’s childhood unfolded. Voices laughed and sighed in agreement. Some mouthed along with the Arabic song, while others sat silently engulfing the culture through her words. My ears were holding on to each word, eagerly awaiting the next sentence. Was she going to be forced to get married? What about the love of her life, Mohammed? Questions continued to race through my head as Hanan flipped the last page of the chapter closed.
As I gathered my things and stepped back into Philadelphia’s cold abyss, I felt baffled by Hanan’s ability to capture this story and culture in time. Her humble voice resonated thoughts of home; this could have been my family story.
Weeks have gone by and I still find myself thinking of this rare day where I was inspired, touched and taken back to a moment so many have lived before me. I now await the release of Hikayati Sharhun Yatool in English so I can once again travel back.
