221x142mm, 192 pages, Hardback
ISBN: 9781917045032 Price: £25.00 Available: July 2024 Launching in London, June 2024, but available for pre-order here:
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Anecdotes of an Arab Anglophile
by Faisal J Abbas Acclaimed journalist, Faisal J. Abbas, shares a witty and urbane insight into what it is like being an Arab in London – with entertaining anecdotes covering sex, politics, and even religion. In this ode to the nation’s capital, Abbas tells the story of a personal journey from Anglophobe to Anglophile.
Throughout a skilfully written voyage of discovery, we learn of the “Great Expectations” of a new immigrant. We understand the importance of avoiding “Les Misérables”, of coexisting with the “God Delusion’… and how the British went from the romance of “Romeo and Juliet” to becoming the villains of choice for Hollywood casting directors. It is a book that will leave you equally amused – and better informed – about both British and Arab cultures. “This book is an honest, funny look at ourselves that hits the mark and made me laugh out loud.” “Faisal Abbas is that rare breed: an Arab Anglophile with an eye for observing details of English-speaking peoples. If there was a Lawrence of Arabia, this writer is Abbas of the Anglosphere. The cultural and social contrasts that he draws are both witty and inspiring. Abbas holds up a mirror to Britain. He’s inquisitive and aghast, complimentary and critical in equal measure. In sum, this book will make you see Brits anew!” “This affectionate, but sometimes startlingly frank look at the city and its experiences, takes us from the light-hearted bemusement of our fascination for weather, television and phone kiosks, to the tougher reality of being a foreign Muslim on 7/7, as well as how the UK handles race, religion and history. “…a devastating portrayal of our foibles and curiosities... celebrates our differences whilst delighting in our idiosyncrasies. At a time when Britain is becoming all too self-absorbed, navel gazing, often even xenophobic, this is a powerful and welcome antidote. Contents: Foreword by Chris Doyle § Foreword by Othman Al-Omeir § Charlie and the Chocolate Factory § Great Expectations § “Les Misérables” § Alice in Wonderland § “The God Delusion” § Captain Hook § Belle de Jour § Romeo and Juliet § A Study in Scarlet § The Office § Absent in the Spring § Bye Bye London
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About the Author
Faisal J. Abbas is the Editor-in-Chief of the Middle East’s leading English language daily, Arab News, and is Deputy Chair of the Saudi Journalists’ Association. But before he returned to the Middle East to pursue his media career, it was in London that he cut his professional teeth. Abbas migrated to the UK in 2004 as a junior journalist with Asharq Al Awsat, a London-based daily. He worked his way up to become a regular commentator on BBC, Sky News and CNN. He also wrote for The Huffington Post, Newsweek and Foreign Policy. Abbas is recipient of a number of awards including the Next Century Foundation’s Cutting-Edge Award (2009) for efforts in bridging the communication gap between the West and the Arab World, and British Council’s UK alumni “Social Impact” award in Saudi Arabia (2017). He is a member of National Union of Journalists (NUJ), the British Society of Authors (SoA) and an honorary member of the Cambridge Union Society (CUS). He holds a master’s degree from the University of Westminster and a bachelor’s degree from the Lebanese American University. He also completed Executive Education courses at both Harvard Kennedy School and Judge Business School in Cambridge. |
CONTENTS
Foreword: A Powerful Antidote to our Xenophobia, by Chris Doyle § Foreword: Always In A League Of His Own by Othman Al-Omeir § Chapter I - Charlie and the Chocolate Factory § Chapter II - Great Expectations § Chapter III - Les Misérables § Chapter IV - Alice in Wonderland § Chapter V - The God Delusion § Chapter VI - Captain Hook § Chapter VII - Belle de Jour § Chapter VIII - Romeo and Juliet § Chapter IX - Mind Your Language § Chapter X - The Wolf of Shoreditch High Street § Chapter XI - Absent in the Spring § Epilogue - A Tale of Two Kingdoms
Foreword: A Powerful Antidote to our Xenophobia, by Chris Doyle § Foreword: Always In A League Of His Own by Othman Al-Omeir § Chapter I - Charlie and the Chocolate Factory § Chapter II - Great Expectations § Chapter III - Les Misérables § Chapter IV - Alice in Wonderland § Chapter V - The God Delusion § Chapter VI - Captain Hook § Chapter VII - Belle de Jour § Chapter VIII - Romeo and Juliet § Chapter IX - Mind Your Language § Chapter X - The Wolf of Shoreditch High Street § Chapter XI - Absent in the Spring § Epilogue - A Tale of Two Kingdoms