Zainab

Translator’s Introduction

Translator’s Introduction“Zainab” was written in the year 1910–11 while the author, Mohammed Hussein Haikal, was studying law in Paris. Published in 1913 by Al-Jarida, an Egyptian newspaper, it was the first authentic Arabic novel to appear in Egypt. Because the new genre was itself a ‘revolutionary’ concept in some circles, and perhaps also for the criticisms levelled at some of the traditions and institutions of Egyptian life, the work first appeared without being ascribed to the author. Haikal chose instead to use the title ‘Misri Fallah’, meaning ‘a village Egyptian’, by which he was able to conceal his identity, while at the same time expressing his sympathy with the village people of his country.

Apart from the historical significance, Haikal’s book is also a highly creative achievement in its own right. The portrayal of Egyptian rural life and customs is both realistic and perceptive, set against the perennial backdrop of the Egyptian countryside. The often beautiful descriptions of nature help the narrative to flow at a natural pace and give the reader the feeling that he or she is actually experiencing some of the day to day events with which the story is inextricably interwoven. The result is an appealing story which can only rouse one’s sympathy for the ‘heroine’ of the book, Zainab. In fact, it is a poignant attack on the tradition of arranged marriage, which still exists in Egypt today.

In translating this work I have found it necessary to make a few omissions and some revision in order to assist the flow of the English text. Otherwise it is faithful to the original and I would like to thank Dr. Mohammed Enani, Professor of English literature at Cairo University, for checking and commenting on the draft of my translation.

My appreciation also goes to Ahmed Haikal, for his encouragement and cooperation in the publication in English of the first truly Arabic novel. I hope that it will be as enjoyable and rewarding an experience for the reader as it has been for the translator.

John Mohammed Grinsted

PART ONEThe farmlands spread out before his eyes, covered with green clover and the new shoots of cereal crops, tender but full of life so that when the wind passed over they bowed before it as one body.