São Paulo – Enigmas, historical oddities, Islamic religion teachings, war, family memories. The Arab world is represented from the most diverse perspectives at the 21st International Book Biennial of São Paulo, which opened this Thursday (12th) for industry professionals and journalists in the capital of the namesake state. The event will open to the general public this Friday (13th) and should continue until August 22nd, from 10:00 am to 10:00 pm. The leading book fair in Brazil brings together 350 exhibitors, 900 publishing houses and 220,000 different titles, in addition to 4,200 book releases. There are plenty of options for those interested in getting to know Arabian culture better.
With a booth at the Biennial, the Federation of Muslim Associations in Brazil (Fambras) expects to distribute 70,000 books, free of charge, before the event is through. The initiative is part of the "Get to Know Islam" project, whose aim is to promote Muslim religion in the country. Titles to be handed to the public include A Brief Illustrated Guide to Understanding Islam, Woman in Islam and The Search for Inner Peace.
"We want to promote the Muslim religion among Muslims and non-Muslims, to undo the negative image that many have of us," explained sheik Khaled Taky El Din. "We are working people, we lead a normal life and we believe in one single God, just like people in other religions do," he claimed. Aside from the action at the Biennial, Fambras wants to distribute approximately 2 million books in Brazil in 2011.
From religion to history, the more curious readers will have fun with titles such as Grandes Enigmas da Humanidade (free translation: Great Enigmas of Humanity), by the Larousse publishing house, and Volta ao Mundo em 80 Mitos (Around the World in 80 Myths), written by Rosana Rios and published through Artes e Ofícios. The former brings answers to 150 curious questions about the history of humanity. With regard to the Arab world, there are questions such as "What was the Pharos of Alexandria like?"and "What did the Great Library of Alexandria contain?," among others.
In Around the World in 80 Myths, myths from different regions are mentioned, alongside explanations of how they relate with the formation of different civilizations.
Also in Lebanon, another highlight is Beirut, I Love You, by Zena El Khalil, released by the Martins Fontes publishing house. The work tells the story of a woman who is charmed by the Lebanese capital, even when it has become the setting of major conflict. The plot follows the main character Zena and her friend Maya as they try to find meaning to their lives.
Also on the meaning to life, Primos – Histórias da Herança Árabe e Judaica (Cousins – Stories of the Arab and Jewish Heritage), organized by Adriana Armony and Tatiana Salem Levy and published by Record, brings tales by 20 authors of Arab and Jewish descent, in a melting pot of memories capable of pleasing and touching even those who are not linked to either of the two groups.
Finally, the novel May the Storm Come, author Paul Bowles’ second one, which has already been published before by other publishing houses, is now release by Alfaguara. The title tells the story of Nelson Dyar, who leaves the United States for Morocco to work at a travel agency. After moving, Nelson finds himself facing a reality that he did not expect to encounter. It is a surprise of the kind that only good books give their readers.
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Further information on the Biennial :
www.bienaldolivrosp.com.br
*Translated by Gabriel Pomerancblum
