Essayist, Poet Analyzes Culture of Narrative Fiction in Latest Book
AL AIN, United Arab Emirates (PRWEB) May 06, 2019 -- Acclaimed essayist Amr Muneer Dahab has released his compelling commentary on the state of modern literature that rebuts the notion that novels and narrative fiction are the zenith of creative expression and challenges readers and writers to explore other creative forms, such as poetry, short stories and nonfiction essays.
In “Damn the Novel: When a Privileged Genre Prevails Over All Forms of Creative Writing,” Dahab explains how other genres have been neglected and underestimated, not allowing them the same chance to shine and be appreciated in popular culture as novels so often are.
“If the Era of the Novel were not an expression of underestimation toward the other literary genres, I would take the lead in supporting a definition of our time anchored in literature,” Dahab wrote. “It would be honoring a craft that has been subject to much unfairness. In fact, literature has been resisting marginalization so audaciously that it merits homage for staying alive."
A challenging read that offers an objective view on literary trends, “Damn the Novel” unflinchingly asserts that it is illogical to apply the cultural standards for governing something ever-evolving, such as fashion trends, to lasting and meaningful glimpses into human life, like books. Ultimately, Dahab hopes to educate others about non-novel forms of expression and encourage them to embrace a fresh literary milieu in which all genres are granted equality.
“An interesting blend of Arabic literary history combined with social commentary is at the core of Amr Muneer Dahab’s provoking work titled ‘Damn the Novel,’” a reviewer wrote about the book in the Pacific Book Review. “Fiction has always had a prominent place on the altar of literary society. Critics, historians, and enthusiasts are constantly praising the great masters of literary fiction; indeed, it sometimes seems like we would be lost without it. But this view, according to Dahab, is not only incorrect, but also dangerous.”
“Damn the Novel: When a Privileged Genre Prevails Over All Forms of Creative Writing”
By Amr Muneer Dahab
ISBN: 978-1-5462-7130-7 (hardcover); 978-1-5462-7132-1 (softcover); 978-1-5462-7131-4 (e-book)
Available through AuthorHouse, Barnes & Noble and Amazon
About the author
Amr Muneer Dahab is a Sudanese essayist and poet best known for his critical essays tackling controversial cultural, literary, intellectual and political issues in the Arab world and internationally. Dahab began writing poetry in high school and further honed his craft while completing his bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering at Mansoura University in Egypt. After graduating from college, his focus shifted toward essay-style writing and journalism, and for the last two decades he has written for many Sudanese newspapers. Deftly twining his practical engineering knowledge and writing finesse, Dahab’s words skillfully depict reality with honesty, objectivity and creativity. Dahab has published 17 books in Arabic, and “Damn the Novel” is the first book he has written that has been translated into English. He currently resides in the United Arab Emirates. To learn more, please visit http://www.nasdahab.com and connect with the author on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.
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