Novel
Leg over Leg
الساق على الساق
Faris al-Shidyaq · 1855
Synopsis
The book follows the life of the Fariyaq, a double of its author, from his birth in Mount Lebanon to maturity. The young man leaves his mountain for Egypt, Malta and Tunisia, then England and France; he falls in love, marries and observes everywhere the customs of those around him. The narrative is constantly interrupted by digressions on the ignorance and corruption of the religious and civil authorities of his country, on freedom of conscience, on women's rights and relations between the sexes, and on the richness of the Arabic language.
Context
The book appeared in Paris in 1855, during its author's stay in France. Its hero, the Fariyaq, takes his name from that of the author, whose life he follows, and the narrative mixes autobiography with fiction. His attacks on authority, his religious scepticism and what was taken for obscenity led to its being condemned on publication. René R. Khawam translated it into French at Phébus in 1991; the first English translation, by Humphrey Davies, appeared in the Library of Arabic Literature in four bilingual volumes, from 2013 to 2015.
Who it is for
A long book that advances through detours and digressions and celebrates the richness of classical Arabic; it can be read in French as well as in English.
Prizes and reception
Poorly received in its time; its English translation was shortlisted for the Best Translated Book Award in 2014 and the National Translation Award in 2016.
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