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Literary Fiction· United Arab Emirates

The Occasional Virgin

by Hanan Al-Shaykh
Aggregate Editorial Score30/100
Published 2018Arabic
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About This Book

Hanan Al-Shaykh's The Occasional Virgin (2018) stands as one of the most significant works of literary fiction of its era. Hanan Al-Shaykh's 'The Occasional Virgin' is a witty and provocative exploration of love, religion, and identity. The novel follows two women, Yvonne and Huda, as they navigate the complexities of modern life and their own personal histories. Al-Shaykh's work is celebrated for its humor and its bold examination of the intersections between personal freedom and cultural tradition. Themes of love, religion, identity run through the work.

Book Details

AuthorHanan Al-Shaykh
Published2018
Country of Origin🇦🇪 United Arab Emirates
LanguageArabic
Category📖 Literary Fiction
ISBN9781408895743
Editorial Score30/100
About the Category

📖 Literary Fiction

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

Explore all Literary Fiction books →
Country of Origin

🇦🇪 United Arab Emirates

This book is part of United Arab Emirates's rich literary tradition.

Explore books from United Arab Emirates →

Editorial Assessment

In "The Occasional Virgin," Hanan Al-Shaykh deftly navigates the complexities of modern Arab womanhood, weaving a narrative rich in themes of identity, cultural conflict, and the quest for autonomy. Through her protagonist's journey of self-discovery amid societal expectations, Al-Shaykh challenges traditional notions of morality and freedom, offering a poignant exploration of desire and the nuanced tapestry of contemporary life in the Middle East. This novel is a compelling testament to the resilience of women seeking their own paths.
About this assessment: Editorial scores are aggregated from 1 independent sources including major literary prizes, critical surveys, and leading publications. Our editorial team reviews and contextualises this data. Rankings reflect critical consensus, not personal opinion or popularity metrics. Learn about our methodology.

Awards & Recognition

Guardian 100 Best Novels
notable · global
20180
✍️
About the Author
Hanan Al-Shaykh
United Arab Emirates
View Author →

Hanan Al-Shaykh is a United Arab Emirates author whose work in literary fiction has earned recognition from readers and critics alike.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is The Occasional Virgin about?

Hanan Al-Shaykh's 'The Occasional Virgin' is a witty and provocative exploration of love, religion, and identity. The novel follows two women, Yvonne and Huda, as they navigate the complexities of modern life and their own personal histories. Al-Shaykh's work is celebrated for its humor and its bold examination of the intersections between personal freedom and cultural tradition.

Who wrote The Occasional Virgin?

The Occasional Virgin was written by Hanan Al-Shaykh, from United Arab Emirates. First published in 2018.

What awards has The Occasional Virgin won?

The Occasional Virgin has received the following recognition: notable critical recognition.

Is The Occasional Virgin worth reading?

The Occasional Virgin 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 love, religion, identity.

Where can I buy The Occasional Virgin?

You can buy The Occasional Virgin on Amazon. Click the Buy on Amazon button above to find the best edition.

What category is The Occasional Virgin?

The Occasional Virgin is classified as Literary Fiction. Character-driven fiction that prioritises style, theme, and psychological depth.

What country is The Occasional Virgin from?

The Occasional Virgin originates from United Arab Emirates's literary tradition. Explore more books from United Arab Emirates on our country page.

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