Title: Finding Nouf
Author: Zoë Ferraris
First published January 1, 2007
305 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9780618873883 (ISBN10: 0618873880)
Rating: 3.8
Overview
Discover the secrets of Saudi Arabia and the lives of its people in Zoë Ferraris’s gripping novel, Finding Nouf. When sixteen-year-old Nouf goes missing along with her favorite camel and a truck, her family calls on desert guide Nayir al-Sharqi to lead the search.
But when Nouf’s body is discovered, her death is ruled a drowning, and her family seems uninterested in finding the truth. Nayir takes it upon himself to solve the mystery, but to do so, he must navigate the rigidly gender-segregated society.
Join Nayir and lab worker Katya Hijazi as they delve into the hidden world of women and uncover shocking revelations. Fast-paced and utterly transporting, Finding Nouf offers an unprecedented window into Saudi Arabia and a riveting literary mystery.
About the Author
Zoë Ferraris made the move to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia after the conclusion of the first Gulf War. She resided in a conservative Muslim community alongside her former spouse and his family, a Saudi-Palestinian group.
Her initial novel, Finding Nouf, also known as Night of the Mi’raj in the UK, achieved national and international acclaim. It won the LA Times Book Award for First Fiction, was selected for the B&N Discover program, was honored with an ALE Alex Award, and was translated and published in 45 countries.
Two subsequent novels, City of Veils and Kingdom of Strangers, have been published in over 35 countries. The trio of books has been picked up for a potential television series.
She received her MFA from Columbia University and is currently residing in San Francisco.
Editoral Review
Finding Nouf by Zoë Ferraris is a gripping mystery novel that explores the complexities of Arabian society through the eyes of its two main characters, Nayir and Katya. Published in 2007, the book provides a unique perspective on the Middle East, shedding light on the cultural and social norms that shape the lives of its people.
Ferraris, an American writer of Saudi Arabian descent, has a keen eye for detail and an impressive ability to weave a compelling narrative. Her writing style is crisp and evocative, perfectly capturing the sights, sounds, and smells of the Arabian desert.
She also displays a deep understanding of the region’s history and culture, skillfully integrating these elements into the story.
The plot revolves around the disappearance of Nouf, a young woman from a wealthy Saudi Arabian family, and the subsequent investigation by Nayir, a conservative Bedouin, and Katya, a modern and independent woman. The two characters are an unlikely pair, but their contrasting perspectives offer a fascinating glimpse into the tensions that exist within Saudi Arabian society.
Nayir, a devout Muslim, is initially reluctant to take on the case, but his sense of duty and loyalty to Nouf’s family compel him to investigate. Katya, on the other hand, is an outsider who is determined to prove herself as a competent investigator, despite facing sexism and discrimination from her male colleagues.
As they delve deeper into the case, Nayir and Katya are forced to confront their own prejudices and biases, and to navigate the complex web of relationships and power dynamics that surround Nouf’s disappearance. Along the way, they encounter a cast of intriguing characters, including Nouf’s family members, her friends, and the Bedouin community.
One of the strengths of Finding Nouf is its richly drawn characters. Nayir and Katya are both complex and nuanced, with their own unique perspectives on the world.
Ferraris does an excellent job of exploring their inner lives and motivations, and of showing how they evolve over the course of the novel.
Another strong point is the book’s pacing. The mystery unfolds at a steady, measured pace, with just enough twists and turns to keep the reader engaged.
Ferraris also does an excellent job of balancing the mystery with the social commentary, creating a story that is both entertaining and thought-provoking.
However, there are some limitations to the book. Some readers may find the ending to be somewhat predictable, and the resolution of the mystery is not as satisfying as it could be.
Additionally, some of the secondary characters are not as well-developed as they could be, which can make it difficult to keep track of all the different relationships and subplots.
Overall, Finding Nouf is an excellent book that offers a fascinating glimpse into Saudi Arabian society. It is a well-written and engaging mystery novel that will appeal to fans of the genre, as well as anyone interested in Middle Eastern culture and history.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a compelling mystery novel that offers a unique perspective on the world. It is a thought-provoking and entertaining read that will stay with you long after you finish it.
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars.
