- Paperback: 184 pages
- Publisher: Polygon An Imprint of Birlinn Limited (Sep 1999)
- Language English
- ISBN-10: 074866257X
- ISBN-13: 978-0748662579
- Product Dimensions: 21.6 x 13.8 x 1.5 cm
- Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 535,084 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
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Product Description
Review
'a subtle investigation into the meaning of exile and home, doubt and faith, loss and love. Leila Aboulela's writing is always beautifully observed, her voice one of restrained lyricism: she is a writer of rare and original talent' - Duncan McLean ''A lyrical journey about exile, loss and love ... poetry in motion' - The Sunday Times
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
Product Description
Sammar is a young Sudanese widow who works as an Arabic translator in Aberdeen, grieving for her lost husband. Then things change when she falls in love with Rae, a Scottish academic. But he is very different from Sammar: a divorcee, self-proclaimed cynic and a non-Muslim.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
21 of 21 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Meeting a growing demand for cross-cultural perspectives.,
By A Customer
This review is from: The Translator (Paperback)
As an Egyptian woman who lived for a long time in Khartoum (Sudan) and sometime in Aberdeen, I read Aboulela's novel with great interest. The author did not describe the two cities and their people in a conventional style. Instead, she has exposed many complex hidden human feelings that are built inside people who live in a certain geographical location. She has also cleverly exposed differences in the way of thinking between followers of different religions and philosophies. This ability is very rare and should be encouraged in a world of growing cultural integration. I congratulate the publishers for their positive contribution to the growing demand for cross-cultural perspectives.
14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
captivating lyrical writing,
By
This review is from: The Translator (Paperback)
Sammar is a Sudanese woman, living in Aberdeen. She works as a translator, helping a professor named Rae. She is still suffering after the death of her husband, living in a shell, barely aware of the human world. Piece by piece, Rae draws her out and she begins to live again. But Rae is not a muslim, how can she follow her dreams to be with him?The story is touching, if a little soppy at times. Sammar's thoughts are very revealing, the very personification of islamic philosophy and ethos. Her faith is simply her way of life, without being drawn into life or death struggles or politics. Her comments and observations on people's way of life here and in Sudan fill the book. Rae is an intriguing figure, he captivates her and the reader. Both characters are quiet and yet irresistably draw your interest. An excellent introduction for what is to many readers, another world. The ending is a little too pat, but that is a small criticism.
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Overly intense, but well written,
By
This review is from: The Translator (Paperback)
In simplistic terms, 'The Translator' is a love story. The heroine, a Muslim widow working in Aberdeen as a translator, falls in love with a Scottish man, but is unable to have a relationship with him unless he converts to Islam. However, don't expect a fluffy, rom-com style novel - you won't get it.
The best way I can describe the writing in this novel is 'intense'. In parts it borders on being hard work to read. However, Aboulela is a good writer and I don't dislike her style - just sometimes find it a bit over the top. It's a good 'intellectual' story, not afraid of exploring complex issues in detail even sometimes slightly at the expense of the plot. One of the things I like best about Aboulela's novels is the way they make Islam accessible and appealing to Western readers. Her books are unashamedly Islamic - perhaps in a way that would be jarring if it were Christianity being 'talked up' in the same way - but in a world where Islam is subject to constant analysis and dry debate, it's good to read about it from the perspective of someone who simply believes, and who finds their religion a comfort and a joy. As a non-religious person myself, I like to be brought closer to understanding the feelings of those who truly believe in and find happiness with any faith. Overall, this is a good first novel from a talented writer. I would highly recommend it to anyone who has an interest in Islam or Muslim countries. Her second novel, which I preferred, is also good, and I'll be interested to read the third if it's forthcoming.
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