Waiting for the Past

<p>Hadiya Hussein's poignant 2017 novel plunges readers into a haunting and powerful story of resilience. Set at the end of Saddam Hussein's brutal reign the novel follows Narjis a young Iraqi woman on her quest to discover what has become of the man she loves. Yusef suspected by the regime of being a dissident has disappeared-presumably either imprisoned or executed.</p><p><br></p><p>On her journey Narjis receives shelter from a Kurdish family who welcome her into their home and meets Umm Hani an older woman who is searching for her long-lost son. Together they form a bond and Narjis comes to understand the depth of loss and grief of those around her. At the same time she is introduced to the warm hospitality of the Kurds settling into their everyday lives and embracing their customs. Barbara Romaine's translation skillfully renders this complex layered story giving readers a stark yet beautiful portrait of contemporary Iraq.</p>