Ehkili | Books & Literature from the Arab World

Formerly afikra's Book Club, this podcast series calls on anyone who is interested in literature from the Arab world to spend time reading along with the entire afikra community and discover some of the best books and writers that came out of the region. We interview Arab authors about books they’ve written in Arabic or English (and sometimes French), and non-Arab authors who have written extensively about the region, delving into their literary journey until present day. We also invite bookworms to dissect some of the most noteworthy literary works from the region.

Ehkili | Books & Literature from the Arab World is a arts podcast hosted by afikra, with 24 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

afikra hosts Ehkili | Books & Literature from the Arab World, a arts show with 24 episodes published.

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  Episode #24

  What Will People Think? | Sara Hamdan on the Jimmy Fallon Book Club Shortlist

  Oct 14, 202554 minS0

  <p>Author Sara Hamdan discusses her journey to becoming a published writer and the nuanced storytelling behind her book, "What Will People Think?" from its unexpected appearance on Jimmy Fallon's Book Club shortlist to navigating the complexities of Palestinian heritage in her work. Hamdan delves into the importance of collaboration in creative fields, the value of allowing one's work time "to breathe", and her perspective on choosing to write a basic Palestinian love story that's loaded with humor. </p><p> </p><p>0:00 Introduction</p><p>2:16 The Opaque Publishing Industry</p><p>3:07 Life as an Author & the Overall Big Dream</p><p>...

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  Episode #23

  The Hollow Half: a Memoir of Bodies and Borders | Sarah Aziza

  Sep 3, 20251h 1mS0

  <p>The author discussed her multigenerational Palestinian family memoir "The Hollow Half: A Memoir of Bodies and Borders," which spans from mandate Palestine to the present day. Sarah Aziza reflects on her relationship with her Palestinian identity, the complexities of being "half" something, and her lifelong journey with the Arabic language. The conversation also touches upon the impact of the ongoing events in Gaza on her work and the ethical choices she made as a writer navigating a prejudiced industry.</p><p>This episode was recorded on July 22, 2025</p><p> </p><p>00:00 Introduction</p><p>01:34 On Family, Gaza & Personal Pain</p...

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  Episode #22

  Ihsan Abdel Quddous's Enduring 20th-Century Legacy | Jonathan Smolin

  Jul 24, 202556 minS0

  <p>Professor of Middle Eastern Studies at Dartmouth College, Jonathan Smolin, discusses his book "The Politics of Melodrama: The Cultural and Political Lives of Ihsan Abdel Kouddous and Gamal Abdel Nasser," which examines the life and work of Ihsan Abdel Quddous who played an immense role in shaping 20th-century Arab culture as a prolific writer, journalist, and political commentator. Smolin details Quddous' life, including his upbringing, the complex relationship with his mother – who was none other than Rose al Yusuf – and his significant influence in Egyptian and Arab society. The conversation also covers Quddous' involvement in the 1952 coup in Egypt, his...

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  Episode #21

  Author Selma Dabbagh | We Wrote In Symbols: Love and Lust By Arab Women Writers

  May 2, 20251 hourS0

  <p>In this episode of Ehkili, Palestinian writer Selma Dabbagh discusses the influence of her legal background on her storytelling and explores the complexities of her Palestinian identity, particularly in the context of political engagement and activism. The conversation also delves into Dabbagh's novel "Out of It" and her anthology "We Wrote In Symbols: Love and Lust By Arab Women Writers," highlighting the themes of erasure, representation, and self-inquiry through literature. Dabbagh shares her perspectives on the current political climate in the UK, the growing public support for Palestinian rights, and the challenges faced by academics and activists. The episode...

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  Episode #20

  Short Stories from Arab Cities | Exploring Urban Narratives With the Co-Editors of "Mudun" Reem Khorshid & Faris Bseiso

  Apr 4, 202549 minS0

  <p>In this episode of Ehkili, we speak with Reem Khorshid and Faris Bseiso about their literary project Mudun, published by Kaph Books and supported by the Barjeel Art Foundation. They trace the origins of this anthology of short stories about Arab cities, which began as a pandemic project and grew into a collection featuring narratives both in Arabic and English. Highlighting diverse and often underrepresented urban experiences, the co-editors delve into the themes, selection process, and unique visual elements of the book. They reflect on the significance (and often danger) of nostalgia, the representation of city life, and the...

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