Books Written by Muhsin Al-Ramli
Muhsin Al-Ramli
https://riyadhrb.com/book-author/muhsin-al-ramli/
Muhsin Al-Ramli, an accomplished Iraqi writer, poet, academic, and
translator, was born on March 7, 1967, in the village of Sudara in northern
Iraq. Since 1995. He has been residing in Madrid, Spain, where he made
significant contributions to the field of literature, both as a writer and a
translator. He is notably recognized for his translation of the iconic Spanish
classic “Don Quixote” into Arabic, demonstrating his profound expertise in
languages and literature.
Muhsin Al-Ramli’s academic journey
marked by his profound interest in the intersection of cultures. In 2003, he
completed his Doctorate in Philosophy and Letters and Spanish Philology at the
Autonomous University of Madrid, focusing his thesis on the influences of
Islamic culture in “Don Quixote.” This scholarly work showcases his deep
engagement with cross-cultural studies and his dedication to exploring the
connections between diverse literary traditions.
As an educator, Al-Ramli imparts
his knowledge and passion for literature at the Saint Louis University Madrid
Campus. He is also a pivotal figure in Arabic literary circles, serving as the
editor of Alwah, a magazine dedicated to Arabic literature and thought, which
he co-founded. This platform reflects his commitment to promoting Arabic
literature and fostering intellectual discourse.
Al-Ramli’s literary contributions
encompass a wide array of genres, including novels, short stories, poetry, and
theatrical works.
Muhsin
Al-Ramli’s Works:
- “Gift from the Century to
Come” (Short stories, 1995)
- “In Search of a Live
Heart” (Theater, 1997)
- “Papers far from the
Tigris” (Short stories, 1998)
- “Scattered Crumbs” (Novel,
2000)
- “The Happy Nights of the
Bombing” (Narrative, 2003)
- “We Are All Widowers of
the Answers” (Poetry, 2005)
- “Dates on My Fingers”
(Novel, 2008)
- “Asleep among the
Soldiers” (Poetry, 2011)
- “The Oranges Of Baghdad
and Chinese Love” (Short stories, 2011)
- “The President’s Gardens”
(Novel, 2012), which was longlisted for the International Prize for Arabic
Fiction (IPAF)
- “The Wolf of Love and
Books” (Novel, 2015)
- “Children and Shoes”
(Novel, 2018)
- “Daughter of the Tigris”
(Novel, 2019)
Additionally, he has contributed to
the world of translation, notably with the Portuguese translation of “Laranjas
e giletes em Bagdá/Naranjas y cuchillas en Bagdad” by Fedra Rodríguez Hinojosa.
His diverse body of work reflects a deep engagement with themes of cultural
identity, history, and the human condition, making him a prominent voice in
contemporary Arabic literature.
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The President’s Gardens
https://riyadhrb.com/book/the-presidents-gardens/
“The
President’s Gardens”
by Muhsin
Al-Ramli is a sweeping and profound narrative set in Saddam Hussein’s
Iraq, encompassing the tumultuous period from the Iran-Iraq War through to the
aftermath of the American invasion. This epic tale intricately weaves the lives
of three friends, each uniquely impacted by the wars and the oppressive regime
they live under.
Abdullah, one of the central characters, endures two decades
of captivity in Iran. Upon his return, confronted with a shattering revelation
about his origins. Tariq, another protagonist, is the offspring of a local
Sheikh. He skillfully evades military service, instead ascending the ladder of
power and influence. While he offers aid to his friends, Tariq’s actions are
predominantly guided by self-interest, revealing the complex interplay of
loyalty and personal ambition in times of conflict.
Ibrahim, the third key figure, suffers a personal loss of a
different nature. He loses a foot during the first Gulf War and his wife to the
ravages of cancer. His life takes an unexpected turn when he secures a
seemingly humble job in the gardens of one of the president’s palaces. However,
this role soon expands in scope and responsibility, leading him down a path he
could never have imagined.
Al-Ramli’s novel is rich with a diverse and vividly
portrayed ensemble of characters. Their interwoven stories echo the narrative
style and thematic depth found in acclaimed works such as “The Kite Runner,”
“The Yellow Birds,” and “One Hundred Years of Solitude.” “The President’s
Gardens” is not just a story about war and its aftermath; it delves deeply into
themes of oppression, love, marriage, familial bonds, and the human condition
under a brutal, dictatorial regime.
Spanning over 400 pages, the novel is both an epic
historical account and a philosophical exploration, offering profound insights
into the complexities of life during a period of extreme turmoil. Al-Ramli’s
masterful storytelling captures the essence of human resilience and the
enduring spirit in the face of adversity, making “The President’s Gardens” an
impactful and enduring work of literature.
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Daughter of the Tigris
https://riyadhrb.com/book/daughter-of-the-tigris/
“Daughter
of the Tigris” by Muhsin
Al-Ramli is a compelling narrative set in the backdrop of a tumultuous
period in Iraq, following the critically acclaimed novel “The President’s
Gardens.” The story unfolds during the Ramadan in a war-stricken Iraq, a land
described metaphorically as ‘without bananas’, symbolizing a place stripped of
its simplicity and joy. Amidst this chaos, the protagonist, Qisma, embarks on a
poignant journey to Baghdad alongside her soon-to-be husband, with a mission to
unearth the remains of her father amidst the countless casualties of a brutal
war.
Tariq, Qisma’s fiancé, sees their union as more than just a
marriage of convenience. Captivated by Qisma’s beauty and modernity, he yearns
for a deeper connection, both physical and emotional. However, Tariq, a sheikh
rooted in refined tradition, faces the challenge of harmonizing his life with
Qisma, an embodiment of contemporary Iraqi womanhood.
Set against the backdrop of political turmoil following the
overthrow of the President, Iraq transforms into a battleground for
power-hungry leaders, each vying to claim the vacant throne. Amidst this power
struggle, Qisma is engulfed by fear – fear for her son’s safety and the looming
threat of her father’s killers seeking vengeance. Her story is a vivid
portrayal of the relentless struggle for survival in a country ravaged by
conflict.
Qisma’s narrative is not just one of survival but also of
ambition. Her aspirations to carve out a piece of Iraq for herself depict the
human tendency to seek control in times of uncertainty. However, this ambition,
likened to a perilous drug, could potentially lead to her undoing. “Daughter of
the Tigris” is a tale of resilience, fear, and the consequences of ambition set
in a nation scarred by war, where survival is a daily battle, and the quest for
power is a double-edged sword.
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Dates on My Fingers
https://riyadhrb.com/book/dates-on-my-fingers/
“Dates
on My Fingers,” a
novel by Muhsin
Al-Ramli, intricately weaves the narrative of Saleem. He is a young man
from an Iraqi village who embarks on a transformative journey to Spain. Seeking
refuge from the violence and rigid societal norms of his homeland. Saleem’s
quest for a peaceful life is abruptly interrupted when he unexpectedly
encounters his father, Noah, in a Madrid nightclub. Noah’s presence, markedly
different in demeanor and appearance, ignites Saleem’s curiosity. Prompting him
to unravel the mysteries surrounding his father’s new life in Spain.
The novel deftly transitions between Saleem’s present in
Spain and his past in Iraq. Illuminating his deeply personal experiences of
familial love amidst the backdrop of war. A particularly poignant memory is the
haunting accidental death of his cousin Aliya, with whom Saleem shared
tentative steps towards understanding sexuality. These reflections are not only
personal reckonings but also a window into the broader societal challenges
faced in Iraq.
Saleem’s journey is marked by a tumultuous reconnection with
his father. Leading to a violent confrontation that compels him to reassess his
identity and the delicate balance of his newfound stability. Al-Ramli’s
narrative skillfully carries the reader between the contrasting worlds of Spain
and Iraq. Culminating in a surprising and thought-provoking resolution.
Critically acclaimed, “Dates on My Fingers” offers a vivid
portrayal of an Iraq under oppression, transforming recent historical events
into universal stories that allow readers to draw their own conclusions and
parallels. This fast-paced novel transcends geographical boundaries, delving
into themes of youthful love, the aftermath of conflict, and the enduring
significance of family honor.
Muhsin Al-Ramli, an Iraqi-born novelist, poet, translator,
and academic, writes in both Arabic and Spanish. Exiled in 1993 due to
governmental persecution, which included the execution of his brother, Al-Ramli
has made Madrid his home. He is a professor at Saint Louis University and has
translated several Spanish classics into Arabic. His literary works include
plays, poetry, short stories, and novels, with “Dates on My Fingers” being
longlisted for the prestigious International Prize for Arabic Fiction. The
English translation of this novel by Luke Leafgren, who learned Arabic during
his PhD studies at Harvard University, is his first foray into translation,
bringing Al-Ramli’s rich narrative to a broader audience.
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Scattered Crumbs
https://riyadhrb.com/book/scattered-crumbs/
“Scattered
Crumbs,” authored by
Muhsin Al-Ramli, is a poignant narrative set amidst the Iran-Iraq war in an
Iraqi village. The novel critiques life under oppressive rule, exploring the
impact of dictatorship and war on an Iraqi family. Al-Ramli vividly portrays
conflicts intensified by political turmoil through this impoverished peasant
family’s lens.
Central to the
story is a father, an ardent admirer of Saddam Hussein, known as “The Leader.”
His fervent support for the dictatorship starkly contrasts with his son’s, an
artist. The son’s love for his homeland is palpable, yet he faces a moral and
artistic quandary. He cannot bring himself to paint the Leader’s portrait, as
demanded by his father. The ideological clash mirrors broader societal
conflicts, symbolizing generational and intellectual rifts exacerbated by the
regime.
A Tale
of Identity, Exile, and Suffering in 1980s Iraq Amidst Dictatorship and
Conflict
The narrator, another crucial character, recounts the
gradual disintegration of his family. Departing in search of his cousin, he
reflects on the scant knowledge defined by his cousin’s absence. This journey
symbolizes a broader search for identity and belonging amidst the chaos of war
and dictatorship.
“Scattered Crumbs,” originally published in Arabic in Cairo
in 2000, has been masterfully translated to convey the original text’s subtle
sarcasm and elliptical rhythms. Translator Yasir Suleiman brings to the fore
the novel’s nuanced exploration of the deterioration of both the country and
its people, who are swept into the maelstrom of political and social upheaval.
Al-Ramli’s
narrative depicts exile’s harsh realities, driven by explosive forces. The pain
mirrors skin flaying for those trampled in their homeland. The novel stitches
memories – Azawi’s café, Basra’s winged bull. Older generations cling, while
younger ones, overwhelmed, seek refuge in succinct expressions. “Scattered
Crumbs,” set in 1980s Iraq, reflects profound suffering during dictatorship and
conflict.
