An English Edition of Sanaa Shalan's "Melodies of the Palestinian

USPA NEWS - Translated by Shahira Zarnaji..

Tampere, Finland: The Finnish-Arab Cultural Center "Al-Tnoor, led by Iraqi writer Abbas Dakhla Hassan, has released the first English edition of "Melodies of the Palestinian," a collection of short stories by Dr. Sanaa Shalan (Bint Naima). The translation, by Algerian academic Dr. Chahira Zarnadji, encompasses 342 pages.
This English edition follows multiple Arabic publications of the book, which has become a wellspring for those studying the Palestinian cause. The book chronicles the Palestinian people's struggle against the occupying Israeli forces and has been the subject of numerous studies, research papers, and critical discussions around the world. "Melodies of the Palestinian" not only holds historical and literary significance but also sheds light on the complex situation surrounding the Palestinian issue.

Dr. Al-Shalan's collection features 174 short stories divided into seven sections: Homeland Melodies, Captivity Melodies, Refugee Camp Melodies, Diaspora Melodies, Arabs Melodies, Enemy Melodies, Last Stand Melodies
These stories paint a vivid picture of the Palestinian people's unwavering determination in their fight for liberation and dignity over nearly six decades. They delve into the hopes, dreams, and struggles.
The book chronicles the Palestinian people's struggle for liberation to achieve victory and cling to their homeland. It captures the details, thoughts, visions, feelings, emotions, hardships, dreams, and aspirations of a people determined to fulfill their sacred dream of reclaiming their homeland. It also portrays the human, historical, political, social, religious, and intellectual scenes surrounding this dream, which has become an undisputed symbol of revolutionaries, heroes, and martyrs in modern human history.

The book is characterized by its concise short story format that adheres to the unity of the subject matter throughout the collection within major themes that organize it to shed light on aspects of the experience with all its diversity, uniqueness, and distinction. On the other hand, it records an experience with personal shades drawn from the unique features of the creative writer Sanaa Shalaan herself, and benefits from her personal experience as a daughter of her cause, having witnessed many realities of her cause, and even lived them in reality, and conveyed some of their details in this collection, whether intentionally or unintentionally

Translator: "The magic of (Melodies of the Palestinian) lies in its collective nature. Just as melodies intertwine in a beautiful conversation, Palestinian society itself is built on a solid foundation of steadfastness. Their unyielding spirit, a chorus that has echoed through time, carried by legions of hardship. Through our introduction to (Melodies of the Palestinian), we gain a deeper appreciation for the Palestinian experience. It is a testament to their enduring spirit, their boundless creativity, and their amazing ability to adapt. Their song, a powerful echo of resilience, continues to reverberate through the ages, a testament to a people and a land forever intertwined."

Dr. Sanaa Shalan, Author: "I am proud of this translation into English, as I am proud of the collection” Melodies of the Palestinian” which I consider a true representation of my Palestinian identity, as it is a scene from scenes of my pride in the justice of my homeland's cause, and a confirmation of its inevitable victory no matter how long the conflict lasts and sacrifices are made, as long as this cause is one of the most just causes of humanity, freedom, and justice in this world, no matter how long the full victory is delayed and Palestine is liberated from the yoke of its occupation."

Abbas Dakhla Hassan, Publisher: "This translation comes out of the belief of the writer, the translator, and the Al- TNOOR Cultural Center in the importance of conveying the justice of the Palestinian cause to all the peoples of the earth through multiple translations that provide a fair opportunity to introduce the entire world to the Palestinian cause and expose its injustice and convey the suffering of the people, as well as exposing the crimes of the occupation and refuting all its lies, especially in this critical time in which The world is witnessing an unparalleled struggle for liberation by the Palestinian people, especially in Gaza and the occupied territories. This epic fight is against the occupying forces and the colonial powers that often support their occupation.
The English edition of "Melodies of the Palestinian" serves as a vital bridge between cultures, offering a poignant and insightful perspective on the Palestinian experience. It is a must-read for anyone seeking to understand the complexities of the Palestinian issue and the unwavering spirit of its people.