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Messages Behind Naguib Mahfouz’ Nobel Speech

November 8, 2019

Weeks ago, Austria novelist Peter Handke was awarded the 2019 Nobel Prize for literature “for an influential work that with linguistic ingenuity has explored the periphery and the specificity of human experience.” The news, controversial as it was, served as a reminder that the prestigious award is not that far off from Egypt. Thirty-one years ago, exactly on the 13th of October 1988, Naguib Mahfouz became the first Egyptian to win Nobel Prize in literature. This prize came with full merit after a long journey replete with creativity and transmitted knowledge in the field of literature. Hailed as Egypt’s iconic and most famous writer, Mahfouz’s craft has been highlighted in the last decade as his works carries the reputation of conveying the reality of Cairo’s streets. His work was influential as it also framed some of the struggles which plagued Egyptian society through time. Several novels by Mahfouz gained popularity and achieved high success. One his most elegant and simple works, which is often overlooked, is undeniably his Nobel prize speech. The latter was not delivered by Mahfouz himself. The great novelist had a well-known fear of flying, prompting Mohamed…


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