Description

A novel of Dubai, The Sand Fish by Maha Gargash offers readers a fascinating glimpse into another corner of the world. Set in the 1950s in what is now the United Arab Emirates, The Sand Fish tells the poignant and powerful story of a rebellious young woman trapped in a repressive society—as richly atmospheric a look at Middle Eastern life and culture as The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini and Alaa Al Aswany’s The Yacoubian Building.

About the Author

Maha Gargash, an Emirati born in Dubai to a prominent business family, has studied in Washington, D.C., and London. With her degree in radio/television, she joined Dubai Television to pursue her interest in documentaries. Through directing her television programs, which deal mainly with traditional Arab societies, she became involved in research and scriptwriting. Her first novel, The Sand Fish, was an international bestseller. 

Praise For…

“Unadorned, poetic language, filled with well-integrated cultural detail. . . . [A] terrific choice for bookclub discussions. . . . This may find appeal with fans of The Kite Runner.” — Booklist

“Gargash weaves an enticing tale of a fiery, independent woman. . . . Intimate, well-paced prose. . . . An exciting, passion-filled read that illuminates an intriguing culture through the eyes and experience of a fiesty heroine.” — Publishers Weekly

“A young woman’s story opens a window into Dubai on the verge of modernity. . . . Seaside and desert locales, along with the transitional time period, give a fresh twist to this standard tradition-versus-modernity plotline. . . . Her setting is original.” — Kirkus Reviews

“Gargash’s poignant plot will appeal to diehard fans of world literature.” — Library Journal