Review: Ghassan Zaqtan’s ‘Describing the Past’
The Electronic Intifada, 3rd October 2016 The theme of the unstable balance between myth and memory recurs constantly throughout the novella. “Things evaporate and die if they don’t find someone … Continue reading
New review: Susan Muaddi Darraj’s ‘A Curious Land’
The Electronic Intifada, 13th June 2016 A Curious Land begins in 1916 with a group of Bedouin refugees fleeing the violence and famine which wreaked havoc across the Levant during … Continue reading
New review: Speed Sisters
Electronic Intifada, 23rd March 2016 Marah, with whom Betty maintains a sometimes bitter rivalry, comes from Jenin refugee camp but, contrary to the camp’s conservative image, is backed by her … Continue reading
Reviewed: Hisham Bustani, “The Perception of Meaning”
Electronic Intifada, 16th February 2016 This collection of Bustani’s stories has been translated into English by Palestinian-Canadian translator Thoraya El-Rayyes, giving English-language readers their first opportunity to encounter Bustani’s work. … Continue reading
New article: ‘I Exist’ photo exhibition reviewed
Electronic Intifada, 19th June 2013 In a very different set of images, Jerusalem-based photographer Tanya Habjouqa documents the 2009 Arab Bodybuilding Championships in Amman, Jordan: dubbed the “Gaza Martyrs Tournament” … Continue reading
New article: ‘When I Saw You’ reviewed
Electronic Intifada, 3rd June 2013 Jacir’s portrayal of daily life is full of precise details which make it a joy to watch. Copies of Mao’s Little Red Book sit in … Continue reading
Figs
I ate what are probably, possibly, definitely the last two apricots from the tree here in Eden today – so warm and ripe they tasted more like mango. On the … Continue reading
Knowledge, bitter and sweet
What I know about ceramics could be written on the back of a small exhibition label. But I do know that there is something about the solidity and heft and … Continue reading
New article: exhibition review – Darat al-Funun
Electronic Intifada, 9th July 2012 In the picturesque surroundings of the Darat al Funun gallery in downtown Amman, Jordan, artist Jumana Abboud stands squeezing lemon after lemon by hand, using … Continue reading
New article: Rebuilding Jordan's desert castles
The Arab Review, 27th June 2012 With reconstruction work in full swing, the setting inside the palace is as strange as the view from outside. The elegant green marble pillars … Continue reading
UK Immigration vs art, sanity (again)
Disappointed to receive this message this morning, from the wonderful ‘ud player Khyam Allami: Due to some very unfortunate circumstances beyond our control, we’ve had to start the Double Duo … Continue reading
Conserving the Ain Ghazal statues
From the Visit Madaba twitter feed, this is an intriguing (if you have archaeology geek tendencies) video on the conservation of the Ain Ghazal statues from Jordan. These wonderful, spooky, … Continue reading
Gaza at Readings
This evening, I faced what I sincerely hope will be my last Gaza: Beneath the Bombs book event in Australia. Those in Sydney and Newcastle were fairly gentle affairs, with … Continue reading
New article: Jordanian Environmentalists To Fight Ajloun Forest Construction
Green Prophet, 15th January 2011: Jordanian environmentalists have launched a new campaign against plans to build a military academy at Bergish, in the Ajloun Forest nature reserve in north-western Jordan. … Continue reading
Sarah Irving 