The Frightened Ones

Translated by Elisabeth Jaquette

Shortlisted for the International Prize for Arabic Fiction, this is an electrifying new novel from contemporary Syria on life in a climate of fear

In Damascus, Suleima and Naseem's relationship is torn apart by the outbreak of civil war. With Naseem now seeking refuge in Germany, he sends Suleima the unfinished manuscript of his novel — and what she reads will throw her entire identity into question.

Who is the unnamed woman in the book, and just what is Naseem trying to say? In search of answers, Suleima must confront what has happened to her family, to her country, and start to make sense of who she is.

Told with riveting immediacy, this is an intimate portrayal of living with fear from an electrifying new voice in international fiction.

'A complex tale of revolution, displacement, delusional love' — Guardian

'A shocking journey through the realities of life under the Assad regime' — TLS