June: Ramallah Book Club Chapter (English)
We have been hosting chapters for our Book Club for the last year and are pleased to continue sharing English books. We hope to begin offering Arabic books so check back. Reading can be a wonderful experience but being able to share with others your excitement or disappointment can make it that much better!
If you would like to join a book club chapter, email us in advance and pick up a reading kit. There is no cost (except for a deposit that is returned to you) and we encourage you to use our copies of books (although you can buy your own).
Leila Aboulela "Lyrics Alley"
Discussion Date: June 2, 2012 (Saturday)
Time: 3:30 - 4:30 pm
Location: Cafe La Vie, Ramallah
About the Author: Leila Aboulela won the first Caine Prize for African Writing. Her new novel Lyrics Alley is set in 1950s Sudan and is inspired by the life of her uncle the poet Hassan Awad Aboulela who wrote the lyrics for many popular Sudanese songs. Leila is the author of two other novels: The Translator, one of The New York Times 100 Notable Books of the Year, and Minaret- both long-listed for the Orange Prize and the IMPAC Dublin Award. Her collection of short stories Coloured Lights was short-listed for the Macmillan Silver PEN Award.
Overview of the Book: Lyrics Alley is the story of an affluent, influential Sudanese family shaken by the shifting powers in their country and the near tragedy that threatens the legacy they’ve built for decades.
In 1950s Sudan, the powerful and sprawling Abuzeid dynasty has amassed a fortune with their trading firm, one of the only indigenous companies in a business dominated by their British occupiers. With Mahmoud Bey at its helm, they can do no wrong. But when Mahmoud’s son, Nur, the brilliant, handsome heir to his business empire, suffers a debilitating accident, his hopes of university and marriage to his beloved cousin, Soraya, are dashed.
For more information or to join the book club,
e-mail us at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call 0597 605 408.
