The American University in Cairo Press is hosting a special virtual book discussion on The Many Lives of Ibrahim Nagui: A Journey with My Grandfather, a compelling multigenerational memoir that offers a fresh perspective on one of the Arab world’s most celebrated Romantic poets. Written by Samia Mehrez, this memoir—winner of the Sawiris Cultural Award—examines the life and legacy of Ibrahim Nagui (1898–1953), renowned for his iconic poem al-Atlal (“The Ruins”), later sung by the legendary Umm Kulthum. Through her personal and scholarly lens, Mehrez, Nagui’s granddaughter, reinterprets his life and contributions, shedding new light on his impact on both literature and her own career as a literary critic.
The discussion will feature the author Samia Mehrez, Professor Emerita of Arabic Literature at the American University in Cairo, in conversation with Joy Amina Garnett, an artist and writer whose work explores memory and loss. The session will be moderated by Marcia Lynx Qualey, editor of ArabLit and a translator and literary critic.
The Many Lives of Ibrahim Nagui explores more than just the poetry of an iconic figure; it is a journey through multiple languages, family archives, and cultural histories. Through the eyes of his granddaughter, Mehrez reconciles with the shadow of a man she never met, uncovering the myths surrounding Nagui while reflecting on how he shaped her own literary path. This discussion promises to be a fascinating exploration of literature, family, and legacy in the Arab world.
A Q&A session will follow, where attendees can submit their questions in advance via email to auc.press@aucegypt.edu. This event will also be streamed live on the AUC Press Facebook page.
Date: Tuesday, 11 February 2025
Time: 7pm Cairo (GMT+2) | 5pm London | 12pm New York | 9am Los Angeles
Location: Zoom — register here
Buy a copy of The Many Lives of Ibrahim Nagui here!
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