Sharjah: The Arab Spring was undoubtedly one of the most significant events in the Arab world and authors are not hesitating to narrate their views on how their countries achieved democracy — as they see it as a new wave of literature that will hit the market within the next few years.
Arab participants at the 30th Sharjah International Book Fair said although the recent turn of events has resulted in a state of flux that still continues, authors in countries affected by the Arab Spring have already discussed writing novels on the struggles of families and the common people, in addition to writing political books about the cause and the expected outcomes of the revolutions.
"The politics is changing and [those changes] cannot be properly documented unless writers come out together in full force and write detailed, analytical books about the Arab Spring," said Mohammad Abu Aggour, a member of the Cairo Foreign Press Association and General Manager of Dar Al Kalima Publishing in Egypt.
"By publishing such books, we are educating young readers and also re-enforcing the idea of how important it is to retain freedom now that we have fought for it. Several authors in Egypt are keen on covering the topic of the Arabic Spring and are working on it as we speak," Abu Aggour pointed out.
A Syrian publisher who did not want to be named explained that the movement of Syrian authors is more likely to be delayed than their counterparts in the rest of the Arab world.
"There are Syrian authors who are more willing to discuss politics and write about the recent events, but they are the ones who are living in the West or in the Gulf countries. The Arab Spring is a topic that has touched the lives of everyone, be it man, woman or child. I am afraid that Syrian authors would rather use an alias instead of their real names for fear that their relatives in Syria may get hurt."
Tony Daou, an author from Lebanon, added that he was contemplating the idea of writing a book on the importance of freedom but was waiting for civil unrest to end first.
Dearth of literature for teenagers
Sharjah: Local authorities are taking initiatives to continue promoting children's literature and reading during the 30th Sharjah International book Fair.
The UAE Board on Books for Young People (UAEBBY), in association with the Goethe Institut Gulf Region, conducted a workshop last Saturday, entitled, Emirati Authors Write for Emirati Children.
"Writing age-appropriate books that have a contemporary theme yet also respect Emirati cultural values seems to be a particularly challenging venture that not many authors undertake," said Shaikha Budoor Bint Sultan Al Qasimi, UAEBBY President.
Today's programmes
Seminar: Between Classic and Electronic Creative Writing, 6 to 7pm at Forum 1, Expo Centre Sharjah. Adel Maaty (Egypt), Dr Ebrahim Jrady (Syria) and Fadil Thamer (Iraq) will be participating. Chaired by: Hareb Al Zahri.
Meet the author: Chetan Bhagat will be available from 8pm at Conference Hall, Expo Centre Sharjah.
Seminar: Stars of Arabic novels, oriental dance, journalistic writing from 8pm at Forum 1, Expo Centre Sharjah. Khalid Albarry (Egypt), Farida Naqqash (Egypt) and Faten Murr (Lebanon) will be participating. Chaired by Bassima Youness.
