May the Tigris Grieve for You
Emilienne Malfatto author Lorna Scott Fox translator
Format:Paperback
Publisher:Les Fugitives
Published:25th Apr '23
Should be back in stock very soon
Set in rural Iraq during the conflict with the Islamic State, this novel explores a young woman's tragic fate amidst societal pressures, weaving in themes from the Gilgamesh legend and the Tigris River.
May the Tigris Grieve for You is set against the backdrop of rural Iraq during the conflict with the Islamic State. The story revolves around a young woman facing the harsh realities of an unwed pregnancy, fully aware of the dire consequences that await her. The narrative unfolds with a striking clarity, delving into the thoughts and emotions of various characters, both living and deceased. This exploration of consciousness is interwoven with elements from the ancient legend of Gilgamesh, a figure embodying the collective memory of Mesopotamia and its people.
The author, Malfatto, draws from her experiences in Iraq to offer an unflinching yet empathetic portrayal of a society deeply entrenched in patriarchal values. The characters grapple with the weight of honor and familial expectations, revealing a world where personal lives are often overshadowed by societal pressures. The voice of the Tigris River serves as a mythical presence throughout the narrative, reflecting on the events that unfold and the lives that are irrevocably changed.
Malfatto's prose is both lyrical and poignant, capturing the complexities of human emotions and relationships amid the turmoil of war. The novel not only sheds light on the struggles faced by individuals in a rigid society but also prompts readers to reflect on broader themes of honor, love, and loss. Winner of the Prix Goncourt du Premier Roman in 2021, May the Tigris Grieve for You stands as a powerful testament to resilience in the face of adversity.
'A chorus of a novel with a rare intensity... here honour rhymes with horror. Each page is dazzling.' - Le Figaro Litteraire;'With masterful lyricism and elegant language, Emilienne Malfatto gives an account of one of the intimate tragedies that so often pass unnoticed between falling bombs' - Liberation; 'Approaching the tragedy of femicide from the inside, Emilienne Malfatto brings a stripped back lyricism to these destinies of submission.' - Livres Hebdo; 'The writing is simple, the sentences often short and arresting. The story comes swift and powerful, a true literary achievement.' - France Info Culture; 'A long poem in prose, like a fable, or Greek tragedy. A beautiful book, and beautiful first novel.' - France bleue radio; 'A hard-hitting tale of many voices, that is strong, moving and painful in equal measure.' - Femmes ici et ailleurs; 'A first novel that reads raw, laid bare, short and hard-hitting. A taut tragedy, like a rope that we know is fragile, threatened by obscurantim, the weight of tradition and taboo. A deep dive into present day Iraq.' - Bernard Magnier, Le francais dans le monde
- Winner of Prix Goncourt du premier roman 2021
ISBN: 9781838490492
Dimensions: unknown
Weight: unknown
88 pages