What We Are Reading Today: ‘Azazeel’

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Updated 09 September 2024
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What We Are Reading Today: ‘Azazeel’

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  • Ziedan addresses the historical context of early Christianity, highlighting the schisms and debates that shaped the faith

Author: Youssef Ziedan

“Azazeel” by Youssef Ziedan, winner of the 2009 International Prize for Arabic Fiction, is a profound exploration of faith, doubt and the complexities of the human spirit. The novel is set against the backdrop of the early Christian era and unfolds through the eyes of Hypa, a young monk navigating the tumultuous world around him.  

Ziedan’s storytelling, translated by Jonathan Wright, is rich and immersive, transporting readers to the deserts of Egypt in the fifth century. His ability to weave together historical facts and fictional elements creates a vivid tapestry that illustrates the conflicts between different religious ideologies.

Hypa’s journey of self discovery, particularly his encounters with the enigmatic figure of Azazeel, invites readers to reflect on the nature of temptation and the struggle within us all.

One of the most compelling aspects of the novel for me was its exploration of the tension between science and religion. As a scholar and healer, Hypa embodies this struggle, grappling with rational thought and blind faith.

Ziedan addresses the historical context of early Christianity, highlighting the schisms and debates that shaped the faith. This was not just a personal journey for Hypa; it mirrored broader existential crises that resonate even today.

The philosophical musings and theological discussions sprinkled throughout the narrative invited me to ponder my own convictions and the nature of belief.

The lyrical quality of Ziedan’s prose brings the ancient world to life, with evocative descriptions that lingered in my mind. The characters are richly developed, each representing different facets of faith and morality.

Hypa’s internal struggles also reflect the external conflicts of a society grappling with change, a theme that resonates with many of us in today’s world.

I found some sections of the novel a bit slow, particularly where philosophical discussions took precedence over action. However, these moments are essential for the thematic depth Ziedan aims to achieve, prompting reflection and contemplation.   

“Azazeel” is a thought-provoking novel that challenges readers to confront the complexities of faith, reason, and the human experience. Ziedan’s masterful storytelling and rich historical detail make it a compelling read, especially for those interested in the intersections of religion and philosophy.

This book is not merely a journey through history, it invites us to contemplate the timeless questions that define our existence, making it a profoundly rewarding experience.

 


Book Review: ‘Shdad’ by Ibrahim Sarhan

Book Review: ‘Shdad’ by Ibrahim Sarhan
Updated 27 October 2024
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Book Review: ‘Shdad’ by Ibrahim Sarhan

Book Review: ‘Shdad’ by Ibrahim Sarhan

“Shdad” by Ibrahim Sarhan is a compelling visual exploration of Tabuk, blending history, culture, and photography into an immersive experience.

Released this year, designated the Year of the Camel in Saudi Arabia, the book’s timing amplifies its impact, showcasing the enduring connection between camels and the people of Tabuk — a connection that has shaped their identity for centuries.

Over three years, Sarhan meticulously documented every corner of Tabuk, capturing the essence of the region through his lens.

The book features a stunning collection of visuals, selected from tens of thousands of photographs, each image illustrating the grandeur of Tabuk’s deserts, mountains, and valleys.

Sarhan’s eye for detail transports readers into the heart of the landscape, revealing not just the physical beauty but the deep cultural stories embedded within it.

At the heart of “Shdad” is the Midian people’s pivotal role in the first historical conflict over camels, a fascinating discovery that bridges the gap between past and present.

Sarhan’s commentary offers context, guiding readers through this ancient narrative and its relevance to the people of Tabuk today.

The book highlights how camel racing and other traditions remain vital to the community, preserving a heritage that continues to thrive in a modernizing world.

What sets “Shdad” apart is its ability to connect readers with the spirit of society in Tabuk. Sarhan captures moments of community and celebration, illustrating how camels remain central to the identity and pride of the region.

His photographs are more than aesthetic captures; they serve as a tribute to the resilience and unity of the people who honor these traditions.

For those in Riyadh, the book can be explored at Alwaal Albari while enjoying a coffee, offering an opportunity to delve into the cultural richness of Tabuk in a relaxed and inviting atmosphere.

Overall, “Shdad” is an essential read for anyone interested in Saudi Arabia’s heritage.

Sarhan’s work not only showcases the stunning landscapes of Tabuk but also highlights the profound cultural significance of camels in the region, making it a visually and culturally enriching experience.


What We Are Reading Today: ‘Sensuous Seas’ by Eugene H. Kaplan

What We Are Reading Today: ‘Sensuous Seas’ by Eugene H. Kaplan
Updated 27 October 2024
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What We Are Reading Today: ‘Sensuous Seas’ by Eugene H. Kaplan

What We Are Reading Today: ‘Sensuous Seas’ by Eugene H. Kaplan

Learning marine biology from a textbook is one thing. But take readers to the bottom of the sea in a submarine to discover living fossils or to coral reefs to observe a day in the life of an octopus, and the sea and its splendors come into focus, in brilliant colors and with immediacy. 

A marine biologist who has built fish farms in Africa and established a marine laboratory in Jamaica, Kaplan takes us to oceans across the world to experience the lives of their inhabitants, from the horribly grotesque to the exquisitely beautiful.


What We Are Reading Today: ‘The Man Who Saved Geometry’ by Siobhan Roberts

What We Are Reading Today: ‘The Man Who Saved Geometry’ by Siobhan Roberts
Updated 26 October 2024
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What We Are Reading Today: ‘The Man Who Saved Geometry’ by Siobhan Roberts

What We Are Reading Today: ‘The Man Who Saved Geometry’ by Siobhan Roberts

Driven by a profound love of shapes and symmetries, Donald Coxeter (1907–2003) preserved the tradition of classical geometry when it was under attack by influential mathematicians who promoted a more algebraic and austere approach. 

His essential contributions include the famed Coxeter groups and Coxeter diagrams, tools developed through his deep understanding of mathematical symmetry.


Book Review: ‘Behave’ by Robert Sapolsky

Book Review: ‘Behave’ by Robert Sapolsky
Updated 27 October 2024
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Book Review: ‘Behave’ by Robert Sapolsky

Book Review: ‘Behave’ by Robert Sapolsky
  • Sapolsky makes the reader eat their vegetables, so to speak, with the science, but the resounding feeling they are left with comes from the dessert

Robert Sapolsky is a Stanford neuroscientist who has spent much of his adult life studying the behavior of baboons in Africa.

Reflecting on the similarities between the savannah-dwelling primates and our own species, Sapolsky rose to YouTube fame with a series of Stanford lectures on human behavior in the early 2010s.

His 2017 New York Times bestseller “Behave” is the product of a lifetime of research, capitalizing on his internet popularity.

Structured into sections that attempt to explain human behavior over different spans of time — starting with studies of brain chemistry moments before an action takes place, and ranging all the way through to the history of human evolution — the book mixes in-depth scientific fact with broader views of culture and society.

If the reader can wade through the technical descriptions of dendrites, axons, and action potentials, they are rewarded with Sapolsky’s profound observations on what exactly it means to be human.

Without giving too much away, the scientific studies presented in the first half of the book are later revealed to be evidence for some of Sapolsky’s more unorthodox theories on free will, society, and the justice system which, if presented without the preceding pages of argument, might not be quite as digestible.

Sapolsky makes the reader eat their vegetables, so to speak, with the science, but the resounding feeling they are left with comes from the dessert: his heartfelt take on compassion, morality, and the progress that humankind is making in becoming kinder despite the darker aspects of our nature.
 


What We Are Reading Today: Urban Power by Benjamin H. Bradlow

What We Are Reading Today: Urban Power by Benjamin H. Bradlow
Updated 25 October 2024
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What We Are Reading Today: Urban Power by Benjamin H. Bradlow

What We Are Reading Today: Urban Power by Benjamin H. Bradlow

For the first time in history, most people live in cities. One in seven are living in slums, the most excluded parts of cities, in which the basics of urban life—including adequate housing, accessible sanitation, and reliable transportation—are largely unavailable. Why are some cities more successful than others in reducing inequalities in the built environment? In Urban Power, Benjamin Bradlow explores this question, examining the effectiveness of urban governance in two “megacities” in young democracies: Sao Paulo, Brazil, and Johannesburg, South Africa.
Both cities came out of periods of authoritarian rule with similarly high inequalities and similar policy priorities to lower them. And yet Sao Paulo has been far more successful than Johannesburg in improving access to basic urban goods.
Bradlow examines the relationships between local government bureaucracies and urban social movements that have shaped these outcomes.