Kuwaiti author Saud Alsanousi won the 2013 International Prize for Arabic Fiction to become the youngest writer to win the prize. Saud won the prize for his story “The Bamboo Stalk” which is about a character called Issa who is a son of a Kuwaiti father and a Filipino mother.
On returning to his father’s homeland as an adult, Issa finds himself in a difficult position. Rather than the mythical country his mother has described to him, he discovers he is caught between the natural, biological ties he shares with his father’s family and the prejudices of a traditional society, which views a child of Kuwaiti-Filipino heritage as socially unacceptable. Skilfully constructed, The Bamboo Stalk is a story of great strength and depth which questions identity in modern society.
You can find out more about Saud and the prize by following this [Link]
10 replies on “Kuwaiti writer wins International Prize for Arabic Fiction”
Mashallah that’s pretty impressive!
Well done. Congratulations! Looking forward to reading it once they translate and release the English language version.
Alf Mabrook!
I heard a lot of good things about the book from readers. Good for him!
Where is this book available in Kuwait?
The novel is really outstanding. The style, the events, the climax, everything… The novel can be found in That Al Salasil Avenues & Afaq Bookshop- Tilal Shweikh. It’s a highly recommended book.
Thanks a lot.. I would definitely like to read it.
there is so much talent in the gulf countries – it is always impressive to see it recognised on an international scale…
mabrook!
Mark! Awesome job at letting people know what’s going on in Kuwait, especially in giving exposure to positives that would otherwise have gone unnoticed. : )
Alf Mabrook!