I’jaam: An Iraqi Rhapsody

A review.I’jaam:  An Iraqi Rhapsody by Sinan Antoon

“An inventory of the general security headquarters in central Baghdad reveals on obscure manuscript.  Written by a young man held in security detention, the prose moves from prison life, to adolescent memories, to frightening hallucinations and what emerges is a portrait of life in Saddam’s Iraq.”     from the book jacket

Thank you, Softdrink, for this gift of a book. 

What strikes me the MOST interesting thing about this book is not just the words and the story but how the story is FRAMED.   There’s a ’setup’; one might even call it a gimick.

The story begins with an explanation of a particular characteristic of the Arabic alphabet and language:  the use of dots.    And how this use of dots, or the lack there of, is a challenge to translators because a dot on a letter, a stroke or mark can change the meaning entirely of a word.

Then, we are introduced to the manuscript.    It is explained that a manuscript was found in a prison and because the author – unknown – has left off all the dots on his letters, a skilled translator is needed.

Then we are thrust right into the playful and honest stories of how the author remembers life outside of prison, before prison.   Drastically contrasting that, he describes prison torture and what is going on in his mind.   We read his poetry and songs of love for the woman he meets in college and how their flirty romance blossoms.  We are introduced to his grandmother who raised him in the Christian faith.   He discusses religion but with a  detachment.    We learn how the government and the Leader (may God preserve him) [as used in the book!   He is never named...]  slowly and effectively erode rights and privileges of its citizens, assuming compliance and suspecting all of treason.   Maybe it wasn’t so slow, but the story telling is so sharp, his own warnings to be careful unheeded, his sense of sarcasm right on, that the reader is reminded that the feeling of dread is a heavy heavy blanket that gently enfolds upon you.   It doesn’t crash and break you; it smothers you.   

The art of the human spirit will inspire you.

I found this to be a powerful book.    And the laying out of the manuscript being in need of translation as  “book ends” to the story is extremely well done.   It adds greatly to the entirety.    It is actually a funny book with great humor.    And the sadness and terror is not an opposite but a look in a totally different scary direction.    The power of corrupt governments is one to be feared and not ignored;  I actually want to embrace all those annoying lawyers and stupid reporters asking silly stuff and/or screaming about rights over what can seem to be common sense.   It can start so simple; we need to question everything.   

I recommend this book.  Five stars.

I read this as part of the novella challenge.

Read Softdrink’s Review at FizzyBeverage here.