The Hakawati
The Hakawati by Rabih Alameddine, published by National Geographic Books on June 2, 2009, is a reprint edition comprising 528 pages in English. This novel follows Osama al-Kharrat as he returns to Beirut in 2003 to be with his family during his father’s final moments. As the family gathers, a tapestry of stories unfolds, blending Osama’s grandfather’s role as a hakawati, or storyteller, with classic tales from the Middle East.
Readers will encounter a rich narrative that interweaves personal and cultural histories, featuring figures such as Abraham, Isaac, and the legendary Baybars. The book delves into the lives of contemporary Lebanese individuals, exploring themes of family life, identity, and the impact of war. Through its intricate storytelling, The Hakawati presents a modern reflection on the enduring power of tales and their role in shaping identity and memory.
Official synopsis Publisher
In 2003, Osama al-Kharrat returns to Beirut after many years in America to stand vigil at his father’s deathbed. As the family gathers, stories begin to unfold: Osama’s grandfather was a hakawati, or storyteller, and his bewitching tales are interwoven with classic stories of the Middle East. Here are Abraham and Isaac; Ishmael, father of the Arab tribes; the beautiful Fatima; Baybars, the slave prince who vanquished the Crusaders; and a host of mischievous imps. Through Osama, we also enter the world of the contemporary Lebanese men and women whose stories tell a larger, heartbreaking tale of seemingly endless war, conflicted identity, and survival. With The Hakawati, Rabih Alameddine has given us an Arabian Nights for this century.
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