An Unnecessary Woman by Rabih Alameddine
The novel centers on the life of a reclusive, elderly woman in Beirut who has dedicated her life to translating her favorite books into Arabic, despite never having them published. Living alone in her apartment, she reflects on her personal history, the Lebanese Civil War, and the complexities of love, memory, and the power of literature. As she contemplates her existence, the narrative weaves through her past and present, revealing the rich inner world of a character who has chosen to live on the margins of society, finding solace and meaning in her literary pursuits amidst the backdrop of a city marked by conflict.
The 4844th greatest book of all time
- Published
- 2013
- Nationality
- Lebanese
- Length
- Medium
- Pages
- 291
- Words
- Unknown
- Original Language
- English
- Alternate Titles
- None
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This book is on the following 2 lists:
- 27th on The 20 Best Novels of the Decade (2010s) (Literary Hub)
- Not the NYT list: 100 fine books from around the world (and not just the USA) of the 21st century (The Bookshop Inc)