جوردان تايمز - AMMAN — I have noticed that Arabic literature does not have enough readers. I cannot claim to be surprised for Arabic literature is undoubtedly, like Arabic culture in general, going through a crisis. Of every 10 novels I read, I enjoy one or two. The language is stuck in the romantic age with long dreamy images and very little action. The roles and situations are traditional and far from exciting. Direct preaching and clear moral messages are suffocating.

Naturally, I have my opinions about some of the reasons behind this crisis such as censorship, habit and the sanctity of the Arabic language. Censorship has become internalised for there is the socially shameful, the religiously haram and the politically dangerous. Between these three limitations very little space is left for creativity and self-expression.

We do not have the habit of reading. Reading is a skill that takes training. Reading a particular genre or in a particular language also requires training. If a reader only reads in English it will definitely be difficult to read in any other language even if it was the mother tongue. Also literature from different cultural and geographic backgrounds differs in styles, tools, structures, ideas and images from one language to another.

The sanctity of the Arabic language does not allow Arabs to use it. To write, one has to use the almost alien classical Arabic as the language to express feelings and emotions only felt or thought in the colloquial. Arabic has become two languages of which one is used to think and speak and the other to be glorified and to use for writing. Arabic language is not a tool, it is a target. If lucky and persistent there is a chance to produce a novel or a poem.

However, every once in a while there is an Arabic short story or novel that changes the world for me. I find a story that haunts me away from reality; a piece of literature that transports me in time and place. Every once in a while an Arab writer produces a piece of literature that proudly takes a place on the shelves of literature, locally and internationally.

Of course it is not easy to find these books for we do not have the structures foreign books enjoy, such as prizes and media. A Booker prize winner is printed internationally, sells millions and possibly becomes a feature film. Fame guaranteed, everyone who reads will read it. A great Arab novel could pass through history unnoticed. If it sees the light despite censorship, very few people are bound to read it. It is met with some literary critique or commentary in a few publications like a newspaper here or there but there are very few authority publications or critiques in the Arab world. Readers would like someone to do the job of selecting a novel for them, like the Pulitzer or Oprah Winfrey; we do not have them here.

Being a fiction addict myself, I enjoy reading novels and I read them in both English and Arabic. I wish I could read French and Japanese, I feel there is a lot of interesting literature there. But it is good that English is so popular, many literary works are translated if acclaimed. Many have spoken of the virtues of books and reading, everyone knows, and I just want to confirm that all of that is true. Reading a good book is just delicious.

I am certain that the following books would have been listed in Oprah Winfrey’s book club. These are some of my personal favourites. They are, in my opinion, excellent pieces of literature. They are landmarks in the modern Arabic literature.

Seasons of Migration to the North (Mawsimu Al Hijra Ila Al Shamal) by Sudanese Al Tayyeb Saleh became an internationally celebrated novel. Published in the 1971, if you have not read it go and get it. This story is a magical tale of love and betrayal and takes the reader on a journey between the East and the West.

Sultana by Jordanian Ghalib Halasa, published in 1987, is a classic. It is a thrill to read this book. Although banned for many years in Jordan, it is now part of an anthology of the writer’s works available in the market. Between village and city, this story is a depiction of life in Jordan where the different societies are trying to adjust to the shift in structure and norm. Also by Halasa is Blacks, Bedouins and Farmers (Zunuj wa-badw wa-fallahun).

Women of Sand and Myrrh (Misk Al Ghazal) is a novel by the Lebanese writer Hanan Al Shaikh, published in 1988. It is an involving narration that visits the lives of four women residing in the Arabian Gulf. It reveals the layers of truths and realities where everything happens even the least expected or allowed. It was the first contemporary Arabic novel I read which portrayed a sexual relationship between two women. Also to read by Shaikh are The Story of Zahra (Hikayat Zahra) and Mine, is a Long Story to Tell (Hikayati Sharhun Yatoul).

Cities of Salt (Mudun Al Malh) by Abdulrahman Munif is a series of novels completed in 1989. They have become a literary historic documentation of a rapidly changing Gulf. Powerful and insightful, these have become pillars in every collection of Arabic literature.

Stone of Laughter (Hajar Al Dahik), is a precious Arabic novel by Lebanese Huda Barakat published in 1990. It takes place during the Lebanese civil war where the absurd becomes daily life norm. The story takes us into the tormented life of Khalil, a gay person looking for mind-saving serenity in a war-torn city. Other novels to read by Barakat are (Bas Al Awadem) and The Tiller of Waters (Harithu Al Miyah).

Learning English (1998), To Hell with Meryl Streep (Tistifil Meryl Streep) (2001), Forget the Car (Insee Al Sayyarah) (2002) are all novels by Lebanese Rachid Al Daif. His sarcastic, absurd images and situations portray modern-day Lebanese society, with a particular focus on relationships between men and women. A prolific and dedicated writer, his works have introduced a new genre of writing.

The Yacoubian Building (Imarat Yaacoubian) by Egyptian Ala’ Al Aswani is officially the most sold Arabic novel, published in 2002. Now a three-hour feature film in the cinemas. It is about the life of a building, built early last century, the story of the building echoes the story of Egypt. It represents a cross section in the contemporary society of Cairo. The novel does not shy from baring the dark sides of the characters; it is enjoyable, smart and fresh.

Of course these are only a few examples of a large collection of works. There are great writers like Naguib Mahfouz and Emile Habibi whose works have enriched literature as a whole. Elias Khoury, Batoul Khudairi, Najwa Barakat, Sameeha Khreis, Najim Wali, Abduh Khal are all contemporary and writing, the list is long and getting longer. Arabic literature can be found in Amman in a number of places such as Dar Al Shorouq Book Store, Al Bustan and downtown kiosks (my favourite destination). Many of these books have been translated into English and other languages. Grab a book and enjoy.