Customer Reviews

Zabiba and the King

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Saddam Hussein's romantic fable 'Zabiba and the King' is a fascinating and moving work which provides a unique insight into the psyche of the former Iraqi dictator. (Two of Saddam's former interpreters have confirmed that he penned it himself.) The reader witnesses how the intimate friendship between a lonely, unhappy king and an unusually perceptive and spirited peasant girl paves the way for the abolition of a decadent monarchy and the establishment of a popular government. In the wide-ranging dialogues between the protagonists, ego-consciousness and soul-consciousness, man and woman, ruler and people are gradually reconciled. 'Zabiba and the King' appears to be a genuine attempt by Saddam Hussein to resolve some of the contradictions in his own nature and his political philosophy. While CIA analysts focused on the allegorical dimension of the novel, it is open to multiple interpretations like all genuine works of literature. Interestingly, the narrator is retelling an edifying tale which his grandmother once recited to a rapt audience of village youngsters huddled in a draughty mud hut - a reminder of Saddam's humble origins.

Why does if have to be stressed and re-stressed that the editor and publishers are pro-American? Obviously, they believe in a free market, since this is a thinly veiled attempt to make money. Look at the cover. It's Hussein's post-arrest photo. And the author attribution 'by the author Saddam Hussein' is pointlessly demeaning. Most importantly, why is a political/literary interpretation of the book in the synopsis? Shouldn't I decide for myself? As Americans, we should want the widest possible access to information, with the least amount of subjectivity. I've wanted to read one of Hussein's novels since I first heard about them. But this 'product' makes me skeptical. I think I'll wait. (Oh, and thanks for clarifying Hussein doesn't get any money from the book sales-- don't forget he already got millions of US tax dollars-- when he was a mass murderer, and the US government didn't particularly mind)

Edited by Robert Lawrence who owns all rights to the book (translation belongs to editor) according to the book's jacket...The allegory(with refers continually about philosophical thought & ideology) ends on Pg 147 with the death of the king* and Zabiba*,with the 3rd country beside Iraq*(Saddam & its people) and the USA being Russia and proceeds on other philosophical "essay"...Editors Notes are many(Pgs IX,X) as well as Pgs 1,2,5,10,16,20,30,31,66,87,122,123,124,127,132,133,134,143,148,154,155,174.