the_silence_of_mohammed
2012 Longlist

The Silence of Mohammed

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ABOUT
THE BOOK

Before becoming the prophet of Islam, Mohammed was a simple man of flesh and blood who started life as a poor orphan in the Arabian city of Mecca. Through his union with Khadija, he became a prosperous merchant and caravaneer. He was visited by God at the age of forty to become a prophet and visionary statesman. The Silence of Mohammed is the story of “this exceptional man” (Bachi). Based on historical facts and legends, the novel presents a fictionalised account of the life of Mohammed told by four key characters: his first wife, Khadija; his closest friend, Caliph Abu Bakr; the fiery warrior, General Khalid; and his last love Aisha, who became his wife at the age of nine. (From Publisher)

ABOUT
THE AUTHOR Salim
Bachi

Salim Bachi (b. 1971) is one of the most remarkable new voices of North Africa writing in French. He was born in Algeria and studied literature in Paris and now lives in France. His first book Le Chien d’Ulysse(2001) was awarded the Goncourt du Premier Roman; his fourth book, Le Silence de Mahomet (2008), a fictionalised biography of the prophet Mohammed, was shortlisted for the Prix Goncourt and the Prix Renaudot. (Pushkin Press)

Salim Bachi (b. 1971) is one of the most remarkable new voices of North Africa writing in French. He was born in Algeria and studied literature in Paris and now lives in France. His first book Le Chien d’Ulysse(2001) was awarded the Goncourt du Premier Roman; his fourth book, Le Silence de Mahomet (2008), a fictionalised biography of the prophet Mohammed, was shortlisted for the Prix Goncourt and the Prix Renaudot. (Pushkin Press)

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NOMINATING LIBRARY COMMENTS

Bachi tells in a simple, poetic and beguiling style, of Mohammed, the prophet of Islam. He draws a subtle portrait of him, as seen by those closest to him. The story is based on historical facts and legends, and the novel presents a fictionalised account of his life told by four characters: his first wife, Khadija; his closest friend, Caliph Abu Bakr; the fiery warrior, general Khalid, and his last love, Aisha who became his wife at the age of nine. Bachi’s language, with the grace of ancient tales, gives the perfume of great Arabic poetry and classic chronicles.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Country
Algeria
Original Language
French
Author
Publisher
Pushkin Press

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