Things I Left Behind (Arabic: شدة مصطفى) is a 2020 novel by Palestinian writer Shada Mustafa. It was shortlisted for the Sheikh Zayed Book Award for Literature 2021, Young Author category.
Publication Things I Left Behind was originally published in Arabic by Naufal in 2020 and subsequently in English by Banipal. The book was translated into English by Nancy Roberts.The International Prize for Arabic Fiction, Excerpts from the Shortlist 2022, Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre
It was written by Palestinian author Shada Mustafa. The book is fictional, although the author described it as a fictional autobiography.
Synopsis Things I Left Behind is about two Palestinian sisters with divorced parents. One sister falls in love with a man in Sweden. The book it set in 2000, and includes themes of Israeli occupation, women's rights, sexuality and family values.
Critical reception It was shortlisted for the Sheikh Zayed Book Award for Literature 2021, Young Author category.
Editions
Ma Taraktu Khalfi/شدة مصطفى, Naufal (Beirut), Things I Left Behind (English translation by Nancy Roberts), Banipal Book (UK),
References
External links
What I Left Behind, publishers official website (Arabic) What I Left Behind, publishers official website (English) Author interview with The Independent (Arabic)