The Woman from Tantoura
- 376 pages
- 14 hours of reading
A powerful human story, following the life of a young girl from her days in the village of al-Tantoura in Palestine to the mature observations of an adult woman.
Radwa Ashour was an Egyptian writer and scholar whose works delved into the complexities of identity and history. Her prose is noted for its poetic quality and profound psychological insight. Ashour often explored themes of migration, exile, and the search for roots, employing rich language and evocative imagery. Her literary contribution lies in enriching Arabic literature with deeply personal yet socially relevant perspectives that resonate with readers globally.



A powerful human story, following the life of a young girl from her days in the village of al-Tantoura in Palestine to the mature observations of an adult woman.
Set in 1492, the narrative unfolds in Granada as the last Muslim stronghold in Spain falls to Christian rule, leading to the destruction of Islamic culture. Abu Jaafar, a bookseller, attempts to preserve his library while preparing for his granddaughter Saleema's marriage. The story chronicles the struggles of his family and community against forced conversions and expulsions, highlighting their efforts to maintain their identity amidst oppression. Radwa Ashour's trilogy poignantly captures the resilience and hope of those who remained in Andalusia during this tumultuous period.
"A memoir of Egyptian-American activist and writer Radwa Ashour's years as a graduate student in the W.E.B. Du Bois Department of African American Studies at the University of Massachusetts Amherst"-- Provided by publisher