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Literary Fiction· Lebanon

An Unnecessary Woman

by Rabih Alameddine
Aggregate Editorial Score42/100
National Book Award
Published 2013English
Buy on Amazon →

About This Book

Published in 2013, An Unnecessary Woman established Rabih Alameddine as one of the defining voices in literary fiction. This novel tells the story of Aaliya, a reclusive elderly woman in Beirut who translates books into Arabic for her own pleasure. Through her reflections on literature, war, and her own life, the book explores themes of isolation, identity, and the power of storytelling. Alameddine's work is celebrated for its rich prose and its insightful portrayal of a woman's inner world amidst the backdrop of a turbulent city. Themes of isolation, identity, literature run through the work. The book has received recognition from National Book Award Finalist 2014.

Book Details

AuthorRabih Alameddine
Published2013
Country of Origin🇱🇧 Lebanon
LanguageEnglish
Category📖 Literary Fiction
ISBN978-0802122148
Editorial Score42/100
About the Category

📖 Literary Fiction

Character-driven fiction that prioritises style, theme, and psychological depth.

Explore all Literary Fiction books →
Country of Origin

🇱🇧 Lebanon

This book is part of Lebanon's rich literary tradition.

Explore books from Lebanon

Awards & Recognition

National Book Award
shortlist · national
20140
✍️
About the Author
Rabih Alameddine
Lebanon
View Author →
Designed to Feel
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Designed to Feel
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“The most eye-opening book on emotions I’ve ever read.”
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Frequently Asked Questions

What is An Unnecessary Woman about?

This novel tells the story of Aaliya, a reclusive elderly woman in Beirut who translates books into Arabic for her own pleasure. Through her reflections on literature, war, and her own life, the book explores themes of isolation, identity, and the power of storytelling. Alameddine's work is celebrated for its rich prose and its insightful portrayal of a woman's inner world amidst the backdrop of a turbulent city.

Who wrote An Unnecessary Woman?

An Unnecessary Woman was written by Rabih Alameddine, from Lebanon. First published in 2013.

What awards has An Unnecessary Woman won?

An Unnecessary Woman has received the following recognition: National Book Award Finalist 2014.

Is An Unnecessary Woman worth reading?

An Unnecessary Woman is a well-regarded book with an aggregate editorial score of 42/100 on 50 Best Books. It is particularly recommended for readers interested in isolation, identity, literature.

Where can I buy An Unnecessary Woman?

You can buy An Unnecessary Woman on Amazon. Click the Buy on Amazon button above to find the best edition.

What category is An Unnecessary Woman?

An Unnecessary Woman is classified as Literary Fiction. Character-driven fiction that prioritises style, theme, and psychological depth.

What country is An Unnecessary Woman from?

An Unnecessary Woman originates from Lebanon's literary tradition. Explore more books from Lebanon on our country page.

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