BOOKS FROM SUDANGhost Season : A Novel
by Fatin Abbas
Tags:
Set in Sudan
Female author
Description:
A dynamic, beautifully orchestrated debut novel connecting five characters caught in the crosshairs of conflict on the Sudanese border. A mysterious burnt corpse appears one morning in Saraaya, a remote border town between northern and southern Sudan. For five strangers on an NGO compound, the discovery foreshadows trouble to come. South Sudanese translator William connects the corpse to the sudden disappearance of cook Layla, a northern nomad with whom he’s fallen in love. Meanwhile, Sudanese American filmmaker Dena struggles to connect to her unfamiliar homeland, and white midwestern aid worker Alex finds his plans thwarted by a changing climate and looming civil war. Dancing between the adults is Mustafa, a clever, endearing twelve-year-old, whose schemes to rise out of poverty set off cataclysmic events on the compound. Amid the paradoxes of identity, art, humanitarian aid, and a territory riven by conflict, William, Layla, Dena, Alex, and Mustafa must forge bonds stronger than blood or identity. Weaving a sweeping history of the breakup of Sudan into the lives of these captivating characters, Fatin Abbas explores the porous and perilous nature of borders—whether they be national, ethnic, or religious—and the profound consequences for those who cross them. Ghost Season is a gripping, vivid debut that announces Abbas as a powerful new voice in fiction.
Reviews:
(5 months ago) |
18 Apr, 2025
3.5⭐️ I was surprised to learn that this is a debut novel for the author, Fatin Abbas, because it is so beautifully written that it seems like the work of a much more experienced author. The style certainly is worth 5 stars. Where the book fell short, in my opinion, was in its rather unbelievable idea that so many people would be as accepting of certain differences.
*****SPOILERS AHEAD***** That both William and Layla are so quickly accepting of Dena’s revelation or that the Imam would so easily offer conversion to someone who was just doing so to please the bride’s family - these sorts of things seemed far fetched. I’d like to say that the stereotypical portrayal of Alex as an arrogant and ignorant American were also far fetched, but on further reflection they were probably closer to reality. The ending was a bit abrupt although fitting. I would have liked to have had a brief ending by each of the narrators, but with the same openness Abbas used for Layla and Mustafa. Overall I would recommend this book and look forward to more from this author. |
