Recommended 11 Notable English Literature Books penned by Arab Authors in 2025

In the realm of literature, a diverse array of new works has emerged, offering insightful perspectives on modern Middle Eastern history and identity. Here are some of the noteworthy titles that have recently graced the shelves.

On May 13, Mohamed Kheir's novel "Sleep Phase" was published. The story follows Warif, a translator who, after being released from prison, struggles to readapt to life in Cairo.

Laila Lalami's book "The Dream Hotel," published earlier this year, takes us to a near-distant future where even dreams are under surveillance. Lalami, a Moroccan-American author known for her compelling storytelling and insightful examinations of culture and identity, has crafted a thought-provoking narrative.

"Empty Cages," a new English translation of the 2022 winner of the Naguib Mahfouz Medal for Literature, offers a poignant portrayal of a young girl's childhood marred by the selfishness of her older brothers, her father's addiction, and her mother's illness.

Moving on to non-fiction, "The Eyes of Gaza: A Diary of Resilience," penned by Plestia Alaqad, presents a stirring, first-hand account of the war that erupted in Gaza in October 2023 when Alaqad was just 21 years old. The diary entries have been collected into a powerful memoir that serves as an intimate and unflinching testimony and love letter to a homeland under fire.

"One Day, Everyone Will Have Always Been Against," published on February 13, defies simple categorisation. Omar El Akkad's book is part memoir, part political meditation and reportage, and is a confrontation of the western world's complicity in Gaza's destruction.

In the realm of poetry, Yahya Al Hamarna's debut collection, "My Voice Cannot Be Bombed," was written amid Israel's continuing war on Gaza.

"The Dissenters," published on February 4, is a novel by Youssef Rakha that traces 70 years of Egyptian history through the fragmented portrait of a mother.

Lastly, "I'll Tell You When I'm Home," a memoir by Hala Alyan, traces years of miscarriages and the decision to entrust another woman to carry her child.

These works serve as a testament to the richness and diversity of Middle Eastern literature, offering a window into the complexities of modern Middle Eastern history and identity. Each book, in its unique way, invites readers to delve deeper into the experiences and perspectives of individuals living in these regions, fostering a greater understanding and appreciation of their stories.