Hamid Ismailov

Hamid Ismailov is an Uzbek journalist and writer who has worked in various genres including poetry, prose, and translation. He is known for his works that often explore themes of exile and cultural identity.

Books

Ranked Books All 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.

  1. 1. Of Strangers And Bees

    A Hayy Ibn Yaqzan Tale
    Cover of 'Of Strangers And Bees' by Hamid Ismailov

    "Of Strangers And Bees" is a captivating novel that delves into the life of a young woman named Nafisa, who finds herself torn between her traditional Uzbek upbringing and her desire for independence and self-discovery. Set against the backdrop of the Soviet Union's collapse, Nafisa's journey takes her through a series of encounters with strangers who challenge her perceptions and push her to question societal norms. With lyrical prose and vivid storytelling, the book explores themes of identity, love, and the complexities of navigating a rapidly changing world.

    The 9078th Greatest Book of All Time
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  2. 2. We Computers

    Cover of 'We Computers' by Hamid Ismailov, Shelley Fairweather-Vega

    In late-1980s France, poet–psychologist Jon-Perse acquires an early computer and, with his Uzbek translation partner Abdulhamid Ismail, feeds it fragments of Persian poetry. The resulting program that both analyzes and generates text becomes the catalyst for a multilingual, postmodern meditation on authorship, translation, and how history, philosophy and longing are refracted through human and digital minds.

    The 12589th Greatest Book of All Time
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  3. 3. The Dead Lake

    Cover of 'The Dead Lake' by Hamid Ismailov

    Set against the haunting backdrop of the Kazakh steppe, this poignant tale follows the life of Yerzhan, a young boy whose life is irrevocably altered by the fallout from nuclear testing in the region. As he navigates the complexities of growing up in a world overshadowed by the specter of radiation, Yerzhan's story unfolds with a blend of magical realism and stark reality, exploring themes of innocence lost, the impact of environmental devastation, and the enduring human spirit. Through his journey, the narrative delves into the profound effects of political decisions on individual lives, painting a vivid portrait of resilience and the quest for identity amidst adversity.