We talk about two festivals (one long-established, one brand new) that celebrate Palestinian literature; an author who was penalized for supporting BDS; and a book that asks the question: What would happen if Palestinians simply disappeared? (And once again we recorded this episode in the studio of the wonderful Sowt platform in Amman).

Show Notes

• Jayne Cortez’s poem “There It Is” was performed by Sapphire at Palfest 2014. 

•  Palfest was re-launched this year with a focus on knowledge production and an emphasis on how Palestine fits within larger struggles against imperialism, racism and economic exploitation. 

•  The first-of-its kind literary festival Palestine Writes will be held in New York in March 2020. 

•  Kamila Shamsie was de-awarded the Nellie Sachs literary prize over her support of the Palestinian BDS (Boycott Divestment and Sanctions) movement. Hundreds of writers signed a statement of solidarity with her. 

•  Benjamin Netanyahu promised further annexations in the West Bank during his last electoral campaign. The details of the Trump administration’s “deal of the century” have yet to emerge. 

•  As the New York Times reported recently, Israel bans Arabic-language books from entering the country.

• Ibtisem Azem’s The Book of Disappearance was translated from the Arabic by Sinan Antoon. 

The Book of Disappearance: A Novel (Middle East Literature In Translation) By Ibtisam Azem

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