Radwa Ashour Granada Pdf 16
Radwa Ashour Granada PDF 16 - A Review of the Novel
Radwa Ashours Granada is a historical novel that tells the story of a Muslim family living in Granada, Spain, during the fall of the last Islamic kingdom in Europe. The novel follows the family of Abu Jaafar, a bookbinder, his wife, widowed daughter-in-law, two grandchildren, and two apprentices, as they witness the changes and challenges brought by the Christian conquest of Granada in 1492.
radwa ashour granada pdf 16
The novel is divided into 16 chapters, each one focusing on a different aspect of life in Granada under the new rulers. The chapters are interwoven with parallel scenes of the preparation for the marriage of Saad, one of the apprentices, and Saleema, Abu Jaafars granddaughter. The novel also depicts the cultural and religious diversity of Granada, as well as the resistance and resilience of its Muslim inhabitants.
Granada is a novel that evokes the history and culture of Al-Andalus, the Arabic name for the Muslim-ruled territories in Spain and Portugal. It also explores the themes of loss, identity, memory, and survival in the face of oppression and persecution. Radwa Ashour skillfully weaves historical facts and fictional characters into a compelling narrative that captures the spirit and tragedy of Granada.
If you are interested in reading Granada by Radwa Ashour, you can download a PDF version of the novel from this link: Granada: A Novel - Radwa Ashour - Google Books. You can also find more information about the author and her other works on her Goodreads page.
One of the most striking features of Granada is the role of books and libraries in the novel. Abu Jaafar is a passionate bookbinder and collector, who owns a rich library of Arabic books on various subjects. He cherishes his books as a source of knowledge and wisdom, and as a link to his heritage and identity. He also teaches his apprentices and grandchildren the art and craft of bookbinding, as well as the importance of preserving and reading books.
However, under the Christian rule, books become a target of censorship and destruction. The new authorities confiscate and burn many Arabic books, especially those related to Islam and science. They also impose restrictions on the printing and circulation of books in Arabic. Abu Jaafar tries to save his library by secretly moving it out of town, but he faces many difficulties and dangers along the way. He also witnesses the loss of many other valuable books and manuscripts that are part of the cultural legacy of Al-Andalus.
Another prominent theme in Granada is the struggle of the Muslims to maintain their faith and identity in a hostile environment. The novel shows how the Muslims of Granada face discrimination, harassment, and violence from the Christian authorities and population. They are forced to convert to Christianity or leave their homes and lands. They are also forbidden to practice their religion openly or speak their language. Many Muslims resist these pressures and try to preserve their traditions and beliefs, but they also face internal divisions and conflicts among themselves. c481cea774