Abu Jmeel's Daughter & Other Stories: Arab Folk Tales from Palestine and Lebanon (International Folk Tales Series) [Paperback]

Jamal Sleem Nuweihed (Narrator), Christopher Tingley (Translator), Salma Khadra Jayyusi (Preface)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 2002 | Series: International Folk Tales

These 27 traditional folk stories were written down, shortly before her death, by Jamal Sleem Nuweihed, who had recounted them to the children of her extended family over many years. Authentically Arab in their themes, yet timelessly universal, they are sometimes magical, sometimes naturalistic, and combine a wealth of vivid detail with elements of pathos and humor. Translated by family members of various generations, then expertly edited, the book is a precious store of the kind of tale endlessly cherished but in danger of disappearing.

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

Women are at the center of these 27 lively traditional tales that have been told and retold in Lebanese, Palestinian, and Turkish families for generations. The stories were written down by Nuweihed when she was 83, and they are translated here by her children, grandchildren, nephews, and nieces for a contemporary audience. In a bright accessible paperback, the informal style has the immediacy and timelessness of family storytelling ("Do you think she'd accept me as a husband?") with lots of evil stepmothers, jealous sisters, and angry cousins who get their comeuppance with a vengeance, though some are forgiven, prompting tearful reunions. There are motifs from The Thousand and One Nights with kings, palaces, and powerful genii, and also from the Brothers' Grimm, including an Arabic version of Snow White. In one of the best stories, "The Fawwal's Daughter," the girl only agrees to marry the prince if he learns a trade--and she proves right. The tales are long, but storytellers will select the parts they want for family, school, and adult audiences. Hazel Rochman
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

About the Author

Jamal Sleem Nuweihed (1907-91) is the author of three published novels and many poems. The folktales are only a small part of the rich repertoire of tales she kept alive in her memory until her last days.

Product Details

• Paperback: 346 pages
• Publisher: Interlink Books (February 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1566564182
• ISBN-13: 978-1566564182
• Product Dimensions: 8 x 5.5 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,316,274 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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