Women of Sand and Myrrh

Women of Sand and Myrrh

A Novel

About the Book

A modern classic of Arab women’s literature—and a poignant reminder of the enduring plight of oppressed women around the globe

“Brilliantly drawn . . . Al-Shaykh is one of the Arab world’s most distinguished writers.”—The Guardian
 
In an unnamed desert state, four very different women—Suha, Tamr, Suzanne, and Nur—struggle to cope in a society where they are treated to every luxury but freedom. Through their experiences, acclaimed Lebanese novelist Hanan al-Shaykh lays bare the unusual and highly charged relations that exist in a state that denies women their humanity.
 
First published in 1988, Women of Sand and Myrrh is not only an elegant, moving novel of lasting impact, but also a powerfully revealing insight into a long-cloistered world.
Read more
Close

Praise for Women of Sand and Myrrh

"A gifted and  courageous writer."--Middle Eastern  International
Read more
Close

About the Author

Hanan al-Shaykh
Hanan al-Shaykh, an award-winning journalist, novelist, and playwright, is the author of the short-story collections I Sweep the Sun Off Rooftops and One Thousand and One Nights; the novels The Story of Zahra, Women of Sand and Myrrh, Beirut Blues, and Only in London; and a memoir about her mother, The Locust and the Bird. She was raised in Beirut, educated in Cairo, and lives in London. More by Hanan al-Shaykh
Decorative Carat

By clicking submit, I acknowledge that I have read and agree to Penguin Random House's Privacy Policy and Terms of Use and understand that Penguin Random House collects certain categories of personal information for the purposes listed in that policy, discloses, sells, or shares certain personal information and retains personal information in accordance with the policy. You can opt-out of the sale or sharing of personal information anytime.

Random House Publishing Group