“The Djinn’s Apple” by Djamila Morani takes readers on a captivating journey through the golden age of Baghdad, set a thousand years ago. Winner of the English PEN Translates Award in 2021, this historical crime fiction novel follows the story of Nardeen, a young girl grappling with the horrors of the time, including slavery and family tragedy.
Translated from Arabic by Sawad Hussain, the book offers a lyrical and fast-paced narrative that sheds light on the Abbasid period in Islamic history. Through Nardeen’s perspective, readers witness her struggle to navigate a male-dominated society while pursuing her dreams of becoming a doctor.
“The Djinn’s Apple”, peppered with wisdom and set prominently in the medical field, sometimes reads like a love letter to the profession of healing
Nardeen’s quest for justice leads her on a path of revenge and self-discovery, challenging societal norms along the way. As she uncovers the truth behind her family’s murder, unexpected twists and betrayals keep the story gripping and unpredictable.
With elements of magic, murder mystery, and romance, this novel captivates readers from the start. As Nardeen delves into the complexities of society and power dynamics, she emerges as a strong and resilient character, defying expectations and carving her place in history.
For a mesmerizing tale of vengeance, empowerment, and societal change, “The Djinn’s Apple” is a must-read that promises to keep you hooked until the very end.
About the author: Sumaiyya Naseem is a media professional and literary content creator with a passion for novels by Arab, South Asian, and Muslim authors. Follow her work on @sumaiyya.books