Discover Saudi Arabia : Literature (Comics / News)
To enter Saudi literature, one must ignore the media, which offers a vision of the country that is undoubtedly accurate, but also fragmented. Indeed, in these lands that were the cradle of Islam and where the famous sex-religion-politics taboo persists, writers have been emerging for several decades who dare to bypass the prohibitions, even if it means publishing abroad, using digital means or risking a conviction for apostasy. More precisely, it is since the beginning of the 1990s that the novel genre, anecdotal until then, has started to spread, offering - under the guise of fiction - a greater freedom of expression. Another preconception is that Saudis do not read or read very little; it is more likely that they get their reading material from outside the official channels. In any case, the French readership benefits from an increasing number of translations.
See the top 10 associated with this file: Lecture
Top 10: Lecture
The literature of Saudi Arabia
If Saudi Arabia is the subject of much ink in the newspapers, it also inspires many books that often describe it or pierce its mysteries. Very committed to reality, this literature nevertheless allows for more fanciful escapes, whether it is about traditional tales or ancestral recipes.
Saudi Arabia from the origins to the 21st century
A set of historical, political, religious and sociological analyses, to understand how the country fits on the world scene. Jacques Bourgeois, Jocelyn Béjuis, Édouard Paul, éditions Maisonneuve et Larose.
The Jail of the Innocents
Having left to seek their fortune, Rachwan and Ram will find themselves imprisoned in a Saudi prison. A first novel inspired by a true story. Ensaf Haidar, published by Archipel.
Women of the sea
Three women, three stories, and a country that underwent many transformations between 1955 and 1990 due to the oil boom. Omaima al-Khaimis, published by L'Harmattan.
The city of Eve
An anthology that focuses on Jeddah in French iconography until 1940, and brings together many maps, prints, photos ... Louis Blin, Geuthner editions.
Wadja and the green bike
At 11 years old, Wadja dreams of the beautiful bike seen in a shop window, but here girls are not allowed to ride. So, she has to be clever. From 11 years old. Haifaa al-Mansour, published by Folio Junior.
The Fox and the Hyena
A fox who tries in vain to pass himself off as a hyena, or a traditional tale from the Najd region, in a bilingual version. Saad Bouri and Émilie Camatte, éditions du Jasmin.
The Beaver
He had to choose exile to Oregon to try to find his place, but the Saudi Ghâleb has not yet finished with his past. Mohammed Hasan Alwan, published by Seuil.
The Thousand and One Nights
A great classic in audio form to let yourself be carried away by Scheherazade's tales. Audiolib edition.
Flavors of Al-'Ula
French chefs were inspired by the recipes and history of the famous oasis to create this book that combines gastronomy and heritage. École Grégoire-Ferrandi, published by Rizzoli International Publications.
In the gallops of the sand
An anthology of contemporary Saudi poetry to discover the most representative voices. Collective, published by Les Presses du réel.