Listening to Voices with Hoda Barakat

Ursula traveled to Paris to talk to Lebanese novelist Hoda Barakat about writing in Arabic while living at a distance from home; listening to the voices of characters who are destined to defeat; and starting each of her books with a question. This podcast is produced in collaboration with the Sheikh Zayed Book Award. The Sheikh Zayed Book Award is one of the Arab world’s most prestigious literary prizes, showcasing the stimulating and ambitious work of writers, translators, researchers, academics and publishers advancing Arab literature and culture around the globe. Hoda Barakat was awarded the Sheikh Zayed Book Award in 2025 for her novel Hind, or the Most Beautiful Woman in the World. Barakat’s other award-winning novels include The Stone of Laughter, The Tiller of Waters and Disciples of Passion. The Sheikh Zayed Book Award Translation Grant is open all year round, with funding available for titles that have won or been shortlisted for an award in the Children’s Literature and L...