Alifa Rifaat
Alifa Rifaat (1930-1996) was the pen name of Fatimah Rifaat, an Egyptian writer known for her short stories that offer a candid portrayal of the lives of Arab women. Her work often challenged the social norms of her time, particularly regarding female sexuality and personal freedom. Rifaat's most famous collection of short stories, 'Distant View of a Minaret', delves into the inner lives of Muslim women, exploring themes of marriage, family, and desire within the constraints of a conservative society.
Books
This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.
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1. Distant View Of A Minaret
The book is a collection of short stories that delve into the lives of women in contemporary Egyptian society, offering a poignant and often stark portrayal of the challenges they face. Through the lens of various female protagonists, the stories explore themes of sexuality, marriage, fidelity, and the role of women within the constraints of a patriarchal culture. The narratives often highlight the inner lives and suppressed desires of these women, revealing the gap between personal aspirations and societal expectations. The title story epitomizes the collection's essence, presenting a woman's reflection on her unfulfilling marriage and her yearning for spiritual and emotional fulfillment, symbolized by the distant view of a minaret.
The 4497th Greatest Book of All Time
