The Philosopher's Dance

Anwar Al-Khatib

The protagonist of "The Philosopher's Dance" is a controversial strategic thinker who has worked and continues to work as an advisor to an Arab leader. He took up his post after fleeing Palestine, having been accused of collaborating with the enemy during wartime, namely Hezbollah.
This thinker, or philosopher, engaged in political dancing. He theorized about democracy and secularism while working for an undemocratic, non-secular leader who supported extremism. He also believed in Arab nationalism and did not recognize Palestinian nationalism. He became entangled in a sexual relationship with his Israeli colleague (Tzipora), then indulged in it, justifying his actions and describing them as resistance. He claimed to love his wife, Layal, while simultaneously cohabiting with a Moroccan woman of Jewish origin during his stay in Britain. This woman plays a significant role in the novel as a plastic artist with a remarkable ability to listen and remain silent.
The philosopher moves to Britain and uncovers an assassination attempt by a Druze soldier who had served in the Israeli army. Here, the novel sheds light on the reality of the Druze, simultaneously accusing and trying to vindicate them. The thwarted assassination attempt is credited to a man from southern Lebanon who runs a restaurant in London.
The philosopher receives a letter from a Palestinian deportee who sought refuge in Lebanon, ending with the question: How do you feel in your homeland? The letter deeply affects him, and he searches for an answer whenever he has the opportunity, which is often, but he fails to answer. The question also forms a fundamental pillar of the novel.
Although the novel is realistic, its events do not follow a linear progression, and its underlying themes are far more profound than the events described. While the novel is one of action and events, it is also an intellectual novel, which makes it challenging to discuss.