Editors’ Pick
Designed to Feel by Peter Burchardt
Designed to Feelby Peter Burchardt — on emotions, evolution & the science of feeling
View on Amazon →
Cover of Cities of Salt
Historical Fiction· Saudi Arabia

Cities of Salt

by Abdul Rahman Munif
Aggregate Editorial Score30/100
Published 1984Arabic
Buy on Amazon →

About This Book

Cities of Salt by Abdul Rahman Munif is a landmark work of historical fiction, first published in 1984. Cities of Salt is a seminal work that explores the transformation of a traditional society due to the discovery of oil. Set in an unnamed Gulf country, it delves into the cultural and environmental upheavals brought by modernization. The novel is a critical examination of the socio-political changes in the Arab world and is considered a cornerstone of modern Arabic literature. Themes of modernization, cultural change, colonialism run through the work.

Book Details

AuthorAbdul Rahman Munif
Published1984
Country of Origin🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia
LanguageArabic
Category🗺️ Historical Fiction
ISBN9780394755267
Editorial Score30/100
About the Category

🗺️ Historical Fiction

Novels set in the past, blending real events with fictional narratives.

Explore all Historical Fiction books →
Country of Origin

🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia

This book is part of Saudi Arabia's rich literary tradition.

Explore books from Saudi Arabia →

Awards & Recognition

Guardian 100 Best Novels
list · global
20030
✍️
About the Author
Abdul Rahman Munif
Saudi Arabia
View Author →
Happy Children
The Parenting Companion
Happy Children
What Evolution Actually Built Your Child’s Emotions For
Your child’s emotions are not the problem. They are the operating system.
Get It on Amazon →Paperback & Kindle

What to Read Next

Cover of Midnight's Children
literary-fiction

Midnight's Children

Salman Rushdie· 1981
★Nobel Prize in Literature★Booker Prize
Editorial Score100/100
Cover of The God of Small Things
literary-fiction

The God of Small Things

Arundhati Roy· 1997
★Nobel Prize in Literature★Booker Prize
Editorial Score100/100
Cover of Wolf Hall
historical-fiction

Wolf Hall

Hilary Mantel· 2009
★Booker Prize★Costa Book Award
Editorial Score100/100
Cover of The Tin Drum
literary-fiction

The Tin Drum

Günter Grass· 1999
★Nobel Prize in Literature
Editorial Score98/100
Cover of Celestial Bodies
literary-fiction

Celestial Bodies

Jokha Alharthi· 2010
★Booker Prize
Editorial Score93/100
Cover of A Brief History of Seven Killings
literary-fiction

A Brief History of Seven Killings

Marlon James· 2015
★Booker Prize
Editorial Score89/100

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Cities of Salt about?

Cities of Salt is a seminal work that explores the transformation of a traditional society due to the discovery of oil. Set in an unnamed Gulf country, it delves into the cultural and environmental upheavals brought by modernization. The novel is a critical examination of the socio-political changes in the Arab world and is considered a cornerstone of modern Arabic literature.

Who wrote Cities of Salt?

Cities of Salt was written by Abdul Rahman Munif, from Saudi Arabia. First published in 1984.

What awards has Cities of Salt won?

Cities of Salt has received the following recognition: notable critical recognition.

Is Cities of Salt worth reading?

Cities of Salt is a well-regarded book with an aggregate editorial score of 30/100 on 50 Best Books. It is particularly recommended for readers interested in modernization, cultural change, colonialism.

Where can I buy Cities of Salt?

You can buy Cities of Salt on Amazon. Click the Buy on Amazon button above to find the best edition.

What category is Cities of Salt?

Cities of Salt is classified as Historical Fiction. Novels set in the past, blending real events with fictional narratives.

What country is Cities of Salt from?

Cities of Salt originates from Saudi Arabia's literary tradition. Explore more books from Saudi Arabia on our country page.

Popular on 50 Best Books

Best Science Fiction Books of All TimeScience FictionBooker Prize Winners — Complete List & GuideLiterary PrizesNobel Prize in Literature — Every Winner Since 1901Literary PrizesClassic Literature Reading List — 50 Essential BooksReading GuidesBest Books for Beginners — 20 Easy Reads for New BookloversReading Guides

Explore More

🗺️More Historical FictionBrowse all Historical Fiction books🇸🇦Books from Saudi Arabia🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia literature📅1980s BooksPublished in the 1980s🏆Top 50 RankingsThe greatest books of all time