"In that moment, I wanted to defy the forbidden just because I could, or to touch it when the courtyard gatekeeper closed the neighborhood gate, allowing a small part of me to conquer the fortress in which we lived."
Departure in the Depths of Madinah is the debut novel by Sara Al Abdali, a researcher in the history of the Hejaz region. It is a story about the tales hidden behind the walls of Madinah, the story of the Abdul Jabbar family and the strange events and changes they witnessed. The novel weaves the narratives of homes that intertwine with the heart and light of the city—the Holy Mosque—where the history of Madinah has shifted, altering the lives of its residents.
Through the author’s eyes, we discover the shape of the city and its neighborhoods, the houses and their inhabitants, their lives behind doors filled with traditions and customs, joys, sorrows, and secrets. Here is the story of Rafeeq, who came from another land, Fawzia of Turkish descent, her children and grandchildren, the curses that haunt the women of the Abdul Jabbar family, and the shadows that pursue its men. The novel portrays what life was like for this family before the war and the siege, and what happened afterwards... when faces were revealed and truths uncovered.
This novel blends history and fiction in a breathtaking narrative, documenting forgotten events through intricately crafted characters who experience them vividly.
Publication Year: 2024
Language: Arabic
Cover: Soft cover
ISBN: 5418005603978
Page Count: 448 pages
Dimensions: 14 x 22 cm
Approximate Weight: 400 g
Publisher: Mauzoun
Shipments are dispatched every Wednesday, except on public holidays when shipping couriers are closed. We appreciate your patience and understanding.