How Love is Revolution: in conversation with novelist Rana Haddad, author of The Unexpected Love Objects of Dunya Noor

Speaker: Rana Haddad

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Rana Haddad's vivid and satirical novel captures life in Syria “during the fin de siècle era period of the last century when a moustachioed military dictator, with an abnormally large head, named Hafez al-Assad ruled Syria”. It’s also a playful yet profound coming-of-age narrative about Dunya Noor, a curly haired anti-establishment young photographer who does all the things a girl like her is not supposed to do and whose curious spirit and rebellious heart are pitted against her society’s expectations.

Join us for a conversation with the author, Rana Haddad, who will read from the novel and discuss the writing process and 'how love is a revolution' with Dr Itzea Goikolea-Amiano. This event is part of the Scheherezade Cultural Events series organised by MULOSIGE-SOAS and N4 Library (Islington), which was postponed due to the pandemic and is now being held virtually.

About the Author

Rana Haddad grew up in Latakia in Syria, moved to the UK as a teenager, and read English Literature at Cambridge University. She lived in London and worked as a journalist for the BBC, Channel 4, and other broadcasters. Rana has also published poetry and is currently mostly based in Athens. The Unexpected Love Objects of Dunya Noor , her first novel, was shortlisted for the Polari First Book Prize and selected as MTV Arabia Book of the Month. She is now working on a novel that will be set in London which will portray England in a way it has never been portrayed before.

Contact email: ig12@soas.ac.uk