R
Rabih Alameddine
Rabih Alameddine is a painter and writer born in 1959. He is the author of several books including An Unnecessary Woman and The Hakawati. He currently splits his time between San Francisco and Beirut.
An Unnecessary Woman: A Novel
An Unnecessary Woman: A Novel
- Pages
- 306
- Published
- 2014
- Language
- English
Synopsis
Aaliya Sohbi, a reclusive woman in Beirut, lives surrounded by books, translating her favorites into Arabic for no one but herself. As she navigates the quiet solitude of her life, an accidental hair dye mishap and the chatter of her neighbors spark a late-life crisis. Her mind wanders through memories of past and present Beirut, blending musings on literature and philosophy with the lingering shadows of the Lebanese Civil War and her own turbulent history. Aaliya must confront her aging body and emotional turmoil when an unexpected disaster threatens her carefully constructed world.
Genres
Characters
Aaliya SohbiProtagonist
The Three WitchesSupporting
Frequently asked questions
Does this book contain a list of recommended reading?
The narrative is deeply embedded with references to a vast array of literary and philosophical works, effectively serving as an extensive, curated reading list for those interested in the authors and thinkers who shape the protagonist's worldview.
Is this book part of a series?
This is a standalone novel and does not require knowledge of any other works to follow the narrative.
What kind of structural experience should I expect?
The story is primarily an interior monologue that functions as a stream of consciousness, where the protagonist's memories and reflections on literature frequently interrupt the present-day timeline.