Meet the Author – Selma Dabbagh “Out of It”

Part of Other events

Wednesday 25th January, 2012, at 19:00
Hydra Books, 34 Old Market, Bristol

Gaza is being bombed. After spending the night getting stoned watching it happen, Rashid wakes to hear that he’s got the escape route he’s been waiting for: a scholarship to London. His sister, Iman – frustrated by atrocities and inaction around her – has spent the night at a meeting that offers her nothing but more frustration. Grabbing desperately at another opportunity, she finds herself followed by an unknown fighter. A gripping tale of dispossession and belonging, treachery and loyalty, endurance and bravery, Out of It follows the lives of Rashid and Iman as they try to forge places for themselves in the midst of occupation, the growing divide between Palestinian factions, and the rise of Islamic fundamentalism. Written with extraordinary humanity and sharp humour, this book re-defines Palestine and its people.

For more information about the event and tickets go to: <a href=”http://www.hydrabooks.org/”>http://www.hydrabooks.org/</a>

“An original and vivid voice. Full of energy, this is a new and welcome take on the Palestinian story.”
AHDAF SOUEIF

Selma Dabbagh is a British Palestinian writer of fiction based in London.

Her writing is mainly set in the contemporary Middle East. Recurring themes in her work are idealism (however futile), placelessness, political engagement (or lack thereof) and the impact of social conformity on individuals.

Selma’s first novel, Out of It, is being published by Bloomsbury (UK) on 5 December and Bloomsbury Qatar Foundation Press (BQFP) on 17 December 2011. The US edition is coming out with Bloomsbury USA in June 2012.