Why people recommend it
The Queue by Basma Abdel Aziz is a provocative dystopian novel by an Egyptian writer that explores life under the rule of a surreal, authoritarian administrative apparatus known as the Gate, drawing sharp inspiration from the disillusionment following the Arab Spring. The book received prominent discussion on an episode of The Book Review titled Inside The New York Times Book Review: ‘Secondhand Time: The Last of the Soviets’ in July 2024. During the program, Alexander Alter shared his experience meeting the Egyptian novelist during her visit to New York to mark the English language publication of her novel by Melville House Press. Alter discussed the fascinating premise of the book with Pamela Paul, noting how it reflects the complicated aftermath of political uprisings. Paul and Alter confirmed the release timing and the title during their conversation. At the conclusion of the literary news segment, Pamela Paul reminded listeners of the title, ensuring the audience took note of the translated release. The discussion underscored the international significance of the novel, bringing vital attention to contemporary Middle Eastern literature and highlighting an imaginative critique of bureaucratic control and societal oppression.
Who recommended it
- Pamela Paul Recommended
- Alexander Alter Discussed
Pamela Paul — 2 mentions
“yes it's come out this week and what's the book called It's it's called the queue”
“all right well if you're eager to do so the book again is the Quee by basma abdulaziz thanks for saying that for me”
Alexander Alter — 1 mention
“I met a really interesting author basma abdulaziz who is an Egyptian novelist uh she was visiting New York because her novel The Q is being published in English this week by Melville House Press and it's a fascinating novel because she was inspired by the Arab Spring and kind of the disappointing aftermath of the Arab Spring”