The Mosaic Rooms and The Banipal Trust for Arab Literature invites you to celebrate the winning translator and author of the 2012 Saif Ghobash Banipal Prize for Arabic Literary Translation. Roger Allen will be in conversation with Bensalem Himmich, and the event will be chaired by Paul Starkey, Chair of the Banipal Trust for Arab Literature.

Roger Allen is the winner of the 2012 Saif Ghobash Banipal Prize for his translation of A Muslim Suicide by Bensalem Himmich, published by Syracuse University Press.

A Muslim Suicide is a highly ambitious and erudite work that opens up remarkable historical, cultural and religious perspectives on the Islamic heritage. It is a highly challenging, yet deeply enriching read in its English Translation. Allen succeeded with his wonderful style not only in turning Himmich’s text into brilliant English prose, but also in creating a real piece of literature.

The Banipal Trust for Arab Literature was founded in September 2004 by the publisher of Banipal magazine to support and celebrate the publication of Arab authors in English translation and the production of live literature events in the UK with Arab authors.

The Saif Ghobash Banipal Prize aims to raise the profile of contemporary Arabic literature as well as honouring the important work of individual translators in bringing the work of established and emerging Arab writers to the attention of the wider world. It was established by Banipal, the magazine of modern Arab literature in English translation, and the Banipal Trust for Arab Literature.

FREE, rsvp@mosaicrooms.org

Don’t forget to check our screenings page for forthcoming films at The Mosaic Rooms.