The Calligrapher's Secret - Softcover

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1906697299 ISBN 13: 9781906697297

Synopsis

Even as a young man, Hamid Farsi is acclaimed as a master of the art of calligraphy. But as time goes by, he sees that weaknesses in the Arabic language and its script limit its uses in the modern world. In a secret society, he works out schemes for radical reform, never guessing what risks he is running. His beautiful wife, Nura, is ignorant of the great plans on her husband's mind. She knows only his cold, avaricious side and so it is no wonder she feels flattered by the attentions of his amusing, lively young apprentice. And so begins a passionate love story - the love of a Muslim woman and a Christian man.

About this title

Review

'Warmly observed, richly detailed, and often bold and exciting, Schami's fine portrait of life in Damascus, Syria, in the middle of the 20th century is filled with a compelling set of characters. Noura is a Muslim girl who looks like Audrey Hepburn. Rami Arabi, her father, a noted sheikh, is frustrated that those who attend his mosque 'treat God like a waiter in a restaurant.' Salman is a Christian boy, hated by his drunkard father and devoted to his dog, and to Noura. Nasri Abbani is a wealthy man from an important family, but also a hopeless playboy, his business kept afloat only because of his clever clerk, Tawfiq. When Nasri sets foot in the studio of Hamid Farsi, the leading calligrapher in all of Syria, tragic and wondrous events are set in motion that will affect all in the most emphatic ways. Schami, born in Damascus, is one of Germany's most respected writers, bridging Arab and Western culture with his exquisite storytelling. A novel to be savored.' (Publishers Weekly 20101025)

About the Author

Born in Damascus in 1946 and has lived in political exile in Germany since 1970. Today he is one of the most successful Arab writers in Europe and writes in his adopted language of German. His novels have been translated into 21 languages and received numerous international awards.

Anthea Bell is a freelance translator from German and French, specialising in Fiction. She has translated, amongst others, W.G. Sebald and Stefan Zweig, and has won a number of translation awards in the UK, USA and Europe. Anthea Bell was also the translator of Schami's highly acclaimed novel The Dark Side of Love (Arabia Book, 2009) which was shortlisted for the 2010 Independent Foreign Fiction Prize.

Edition details

• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1906697299
• ISBN 13: 9781906697297
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 500