Ibtisam Azem

Ibtisam Azem was born in Tayibe, northern Jaffa, where she spent her formative years. Her academic endeavors brought her to Germany, where she pursued an M.A. in Islamic Studies, complemented by minors in German and English Literature from Freiburg University. Later, she graduated from New York University with an M.A. in Social Work. Now, Azem thrives as a Palestinian novelist, short story writer, and journalist, based in New York while closely covering developments in New York and the United Nations for Al-Araby Al-Jadeed newspaper.

Azem’s body of work is characterized by her insightful exploration of complex human and societal issues. She often interweaves cultural, historical, and personal elements into her narratives, which resonate with a broad audience. Her debut novel, »Sariq al-Nawm: Gharib Haifawi« (2010, tr: The Sleep Thief: Gharib Haifawi), illustrates her adeptness at molding intricate narratives, revealing her deep understanding of human emotions. This debut was followed by her widely acclaimed novel »Sifr al-Ikhtifa« (2014; Eng. »The Book of Disappearance«), translated also into Italian and German, showcasing her powerful storytelling on a global stage. The novel subtly blurs the boundaries between the visible and invisible, the remembered and forgotten, thus shedding light on the complex realities of human existence. Azem once stated, »Writing is a means of questioning and understanding my reality.«

Her unique literary style, abundant with dialogue-rich prose, colloquial phrases, and neologisms, extends to her short stories and essays, some of which are published in esteemed platforms like Evergreen Review, Journal of Palestine Studies, and World Literature Today. She is set to release her first short story collection in Fall 2023.

Beyond her authorship, Azem’s literary standing is recognized in the academic world. Having presented lectures at universities, she’s an active contributor to literary and intellectual communities. While her future projects remain highly anticipated, she continues her career as a senior correspondent, providing significant coverage of New York and the U.N.

The author lives in New York.

Sariq al-Nawm: Gharib Haifawi

Dar al-Jamal
Beirut, 2010

Das Buch vom Verschwinden

Lenos
Deutschland, 2023
[Ü: Joël László]