TEHRAN- “The Italian” written by Tunisian critic and author Shukri Mabkhout has recently been published in Persian.

Translated by Maryam Nafisirad, the book has been published by Adeh Publications in Tehran.

"The Italian," winner of the 2015 International Prize for Arabic Fiction, is a poignant exploration of the tumultuous socio-political landscape of Tunisia during the late 1980s and early 1990s, a period marked by significant governmental repression and the rise of political Islam. The novel unfolds through the eyes of a childhood friend and narrator who recounts the life of Abdel Nasser, a young man whose journey embodies both the fervor of youthful idealism and the sobering disillusionment brought about by an oppressive society.

The story begins at the emotionally charged moment of Abdel Nasser’s father’s funeral, where he commits an act of defiance by assaulting a person, signaling his rebellion against established norms and authority. Through a series of flashbacks and narrative digressions, we follow Abdel Nasser from his early years as an outspoken adolescent to his emergence as a dynamic leader in the student activism scene and his eventual career as a journalist. The backdrop of these events is a Tunisia rife with societal upheavals, as the population grapples with the tensions between rising Islamism and governmental repression.

At the center of the narrative lies the poignant love story between Abdel Nasser and Zeina, a bright philosophy student filled with dreams of making a mark in academia. Their relationship encapsulates the clash between passionate aspirations and harsh realities as they navigate a world where systemic corruption and misogyny pervade. The ideals that first united them gradually become undermined by the brutal societal constraints, leading to their respective disillusionments.

As the tale progresses, the vibrant dreams of the protagonists reveal the stark truth of a society where individual aspirations are often stifled by broader socio-political forces. Abdel Nasser’s transformation—from an idealistic youth to a weary journalist—reflects the broader tragedy of a generation caught in a cycle of repression that crushes ambition. The novel masterfully weaves together personal anecdotes, societal critiques, and emotional depth, presenting a rich tapestry of life in Tunisia during this critical period.

Published in 2014, the book was translated into English by Karen McNeil and Miled Faiza and was published by Europa Editions in 2021. It was also translated into Italian by Barbara Teresi and published in 2017.

Shukri Mabkhout, born in 1962, is a distinguished Tunisian academic, critic, and novelist. Mabkhout earned his PhD in literature from Manouba University in Tunis, where he later served as a professor and Dean of the Faculty of Arts. He also held the presidency of Manouba University from 2011 to 2017. In addition to his academic roles, he has directed the Tunis International Book Fair and is involved with several literary journals, including “Ibla” and “Romano Arabica”. In 2016, Mabkhout was appointed by the Tunisian President to the Higher Committee for Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms, reflecting his commitment to promoting cultural and human rights issues in Tunisia.

SAB/