8 - 14 November 2001
Issue No.559
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Al-Ahram Weekly Online 8 - 14 November 2001 Issue No.559 |
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The time and the place
I am often asked about the source of inspiratio n for my novels. This is not an easy question to answer. Sometimes a certain place moves me. Al- Ghuri and Midaq Alley, for example, moved me in ways that influenced my writing. At other times, a situation will arise that compels me to write. Certain moments, instances of love and death, do that.
In three of my novels I think I managed to express myself truthfully and present my outlook on life and existence in general. Among my works, I am especially fond of the Trilogy, Al- Harafish, and The Thousand Nights. These have a unique place in my heart. My other novels deal with specific aspects of life.
Some people believe that the Trilogy is based on my personal life and that Kamal Abdel- Gawwad was a reflection of myself. This is not true. The Trilogy is more encompassing than the life of any particular individual. It is a panorama of an entire society. Still, Kamal's character mirrors mine in certain ways, especially in the intellectual sense: in the dilemmas he faced over such matters as Western and Oriental cultures, faith, and European philosophy. These are not Kamal's dilemmas alone, however; these are questions with which we all continue to grapple.
Based on an interview by Mohamed Salmawy.
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