Abu Jmeel's Daughter & Other Stories: Arab Folk Tales from Palestine and Lebanon (International Folk Tales Series) - Softcover

Nuweihed, Jamal Sleem

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1566564182 ISBN 13: 9781566564182

Publisher: Interlink Books, 2001

Synopsis

These 27 traditional folk stories were written down, shortly before her death, by Jamal Sleem Nuweihed, who had recounted them to the children of her extended family over many years. Authentically Arab in their themes, yet timelessly universal, they are sometimes magical, sometimes naturalistic, and combine a wealth of vivid detail with elements of pathos and humor. Translated by family members of various generations, then expertly edited, the book is a precious store of the kind of tale endlessly cherished but in danger of disappearing.

About this title

About the Author

Jamal Sleem Nuweihed (1907–1991) was born in Lebanon to a Lebanese doctor and a Turkish mother. She lived many decades in Palestine where she raised a family and spent all her free time quietly at home, either reading or writing her poetry and fiction. The author of three published novels and many poems, she was one of the most versatile creative people, enjoying writing a story as much as telling it. The folk tales are only a small part of the rich repertoire of tales she kept alive in her memory until her last days.

Reviews

Women are at the center of these 27 lively traditional tales that have been told and retold in Lebanese, Palestinian, and Turkish families for generations. The stories were written down by Nuweihed when she was 83, and they are translated here by her children, grandchildren, nephews, and nieces for a contemporary audience. In a bright accessible paperback, the informal style has the immediacy and timelessness of family storytelling ("Do you think she'd accept me as a husband?") with lots of evil stepmothers, jealous sisters, and angry cousins who get their comeuppance with a vengeance, though some are forgiven, prompting tearful reunions. There are motifs from The Thousand and One Nights with kings, palaces, and powerful genii, and also from the Brothers' Grimm, including an Arabic version of Snow White. In one of the best stories, "The Fawwal's Daughter," the girl only agrees to marry the prince if he learns a trade--and she proves right. The tales are long, but storytellers will select the parts they want for family, school, and adult audiences. Hazel Rochman
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Edition details

• Publisher: Interlink Books
• Publication date: 2001
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1566564182
• ISBN 13: 9781566564182
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 368