During its participation in the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair, the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation for Knowledge unveiled a new collection of diverse literary works, ranging from fiction to humanistic and emotional themes. This release is part of the outputs of the Dubai International Writing Program, a prominent initiative aimed at supporting and empowering young talents in literary creativity.
The new publications include three novels authored by alumni of the writing workshop held in Jordan. These works showcase both bold narratives and profound themes. The first novel, “The Memory of Salt,” by Walaa Abazeid, poignantly explores the psychological repercussions of war through the story of a young Syrian woman named Ayloul, who faces loss and displacement while enduring the harsh realities of seeking refuge with hope and courage.
The second story, “The Game of Chairs,” written by Raghad Zayed, delves into the world of emotional literature. It highlights the deep psychological scars left by painful childhood experiences and tells the tale of Fuad and the old wounds he carries from his past.
Finally, author Saif Al-Din Mohammed presents a psychological thriller in his novel “The Men of the Chess Club,” set in a fictional island ruled by a tyrannical regime. The protagonist finds himself in a mysterious asylum managed by a dubious doctor. The story raises philosophical questions about authority and freedom, as it blurs the lines between sanity and madness in a world marked by strict surveillance and political deception. The protagonist becomes ensnared in a much larger game orchestrated by the clandestine organization known as the “Chess Club.