Belt, A Novel

Ahmed grows up in a small Saudi village steeped in traditional tribal culture, local legends, family ties, history, and tribal songs. As he becomes a man, the cataclysmic changes of modernity spring up around him. Islam is imposing itself more and more strongly on tribal beliefs; moreover, the city begins to seem strangely attractive to his young mind. Ahmed struggles to come to terms with this newly unfolding world without forsaking his village, family or Hizam, the old man who comes to epitomise the traditional life itself.

Review: `Simple and profound, often touching, and which brings to life through the story of his childhood the traditions, beliefs, songs and prayers of the most noble of Arabian tribes.' Le Monde 'A fabulous read ... a poetic, moving and utterly fascinating coming-of-age tale set in a Saudi Arabian village.' Claudia Roden 'Bravo et Merci!' Magazine Litteraire 'Full of mountain lore, strange and spicy smells, shining daggers and rifts between generations..."Why must this side of life be traded for the future?" the boy wonders, and we must as well.' The Los Angeles Times Book Review 'This powerful novel offers English readers a rare inside glimpse into tribal Saudi Arabia' Booklist 'This moving work seduces with its clarity of style. Abodehman writes with the strength and finesse of a poet.' Arabies 'This slim jewel of a book is beautiful, written with the startling and delicate hand of a poet.' Body & Soul