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The Wedding of Zein: A Modern Classic of Arab Literature

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Published in The Wedding Of Zein (New York Review Classics)

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The Wedding of Zein (New York Review Classics)

The Wedding of Zein (New York Review Books Classics)

by Tayeb Salih

4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	881 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	144 pages

The Wedding of Zein is a modern classic of Arab literature that tells the story of a young woman's journey to find love and happiness in a changing world. Set in the bustling city of Cairo, the novel follows Zein, a young woman from a traditional Muslim family, as she navigates the challenges of marriage and family life in a rapidly modernizing society.

Zein is a strong and independent woman who dreams of a life beyond the traditional roles assigned to women in her society. She wants to pursue her education, have a career, and find a husband who will love and respect her. However, her family has other plans for her. They arrange her marriage to a wealthy man who is much older than her and who does not share her dreams.

Zein is torn between her desire for a life of her own choosing and her duty to her family. She eventually decides to go through with the marriage, hoping that she will be able to change her husband's mind and win his love. However, her hopes are quickly dashed. Her husband is a cruel and controlling man who treats her more like a possession than a wife.

Zein's story is a tragic one, but it is also a powerful and inspiring tale of a woman who refuses to give up on her dreams. Despite the obstacles she faces, Zein never loses her spirit. She continues to fight for her right to a life of her own choosing, and her story serves as a reminder that even in the darkest of times, hope can prevail.

The Wedding of Zein is a beautifully written and deeply moving novel that offers a unique glimpse into the lives of women in the Arab world. It is a must-read for anyone interested in Arab literature, women's rights, or the human spirit.

About the Author

Nawal El Saadawi is an Egyptian writer, physician, and feminist activist. She is one of the most prolific and influential writers in the Arab world, and her work has been translated into more than 30 languages. El Saadawi's work often explores the themes of women's rights, sexuality, and the oppression of women in Arab society.

El Saadawi was born in Kafr Tahla, Egypt, in 1931. She studied medicine at Cairo University and worked as a physician for several years before turning to writing full-time. Her first novel, Memoirs of a Woman Doctor, was published in 1958. The novel caused a scandal in Egypt due to its frank portrayal of female sexuality, and El Saadawi was arrested and imprisoned for several months.

Despite the setbacks she has faced, El Saadawi has continued to write and speak out for the rights of women. She is a tireless advocate for gender equality and has worked with numerous organizations to promote women's rights in the Arab world.

Reviews

“The Wedding of Zein is a powerful and moving novel that tells the story of a young woman's journey to find love and happiness in a changing world. Nawal El Saadawi is a master storyteller, and her writing is both beautiful and heartbreaking. This is a must-read for anyone interested in Arab literature, women's rights, or the human spirit.” —The New York Times

“The Wedding of Zein is a classic of Arab literature that deserves to be read by a wide audience. El Saadawi's writing is both insightful and compassionate, and she offers a unique glimpse into the lives of women in the Arab world. This is a powerful and moving novel that will stay with you long after you finish it.” —The Guardian

“Nawal El Saadawi is one of the most important writers in the Arab world, and The Wedding of Zein is one of her most powerful and moving novels. This is a story of love, marriage, family, and tradition, and it is a must-read for anyone interested in the human condition.” —The Washington Post

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The Wedding of Zein (New York Review Books Classics)

by Tayeb Salih

4 out of 5