Bird from the East

Author's name: Tawfiq Al-Hakim

With the publication of this novel in 1938, Tawfiq al-Hakim added a new dimension to his pioneering work, cementing his role as one of the fathers of the Arabic novel with his easy-going style, his astonishing ability to describe and depict, and his brilliant, contemplative dialogues. Like a bird, "Mohsen," the novel's protagonist—the narrative mask paralleling Tawfiq al-Hakim's character—moves from place to place throughout Paris, the capital of light and beauty and the "world's showcase," in his black hat, black coat, black tie, and black shoes. This oriental youth living in Paris roams its streets, cafes, and offices, pecking like a bird in search of philosophy. "Mohsen" aspires to rise above the harsh reality and rough material life in search of the soul that transcends the body, the heart that is loftier than the mind, and to overcome the "East/West" dichotomy, which he believes can save humanity from the calculations of profit and loss and the disasters of merciless conflicts and destructive wars. “A Bird from the East” sends an artistic message that says, the day the East and West meet will be the light that illuminates the world, and civilization will be on the right track.