Description

Book Synopsis
At the close of the nineteenth century in Sudan, freed slave Bakhit is let out of prison with the overthrow of the Mahdist state. On the brink of death, the memory of his beloved Theodora is all that has sustained him through seven years of grim incarceration-that and his vow to avenge her killing.Set against a backdrop of war, religious fervor, and the massive social and political upheavals of the time, The Longing of the Dervish is a love story in the most unlikely of circumstances.Lyrical and evocative, Hammour Ziada's masterfully crafted novel confronts sorrow, hope, and the cruelty of fate.

Trade Review

"Neither starry-eyed nor cynical, Ziada constructs, in exquisitely lyrical language, the story of Bakheet's love for the white woman who finds solace in his company but cannot imagine marrying a slave. A rich and sensitive novel, Longing of the Dervish reflects on tolerance, prejudice and freedom in ways that transcend its historic setting."--Financial Times

"Explores a seminal moment in the region's history"--The Guardian

The Longing of the Dervish: A Novel

    Product form

    £12.00

    Includes FREE delivery

    Order before 4pm today for delivery by Wed 8 Jul 2026.

    A Paperback / softback by Hammour Ziada

    1 in stock

      Trusted by thousands of customers. See 2,385+ Customer Reviews

      View other formats and editions of The Longing of the Dervish: A Novel by Hammour Ziada

      Publisher: The American University in Cairo Press
      Publication Date: Publication Date: 18/08/2016
      ISBN13: 9789774167881, 978-9774167881
      ISBN10: 9774167880
      Also in:
      Contemporary Fiction

      Description

      Book Synopsis
      At the close of the nineteenth century in Sudan, freed slave Bakhit is let out of prison with the overthrow of the Mahdist state. On the brink of death, the memory of his beloved Theodora is all that has sustained him through seven years of grim incarceration-that and his vow to avenge her killing.Set against a backdrop of war, religious fervor, and the massive social and political upheavals of the time, The Longing of the Dervish is a love story in the most unlikely of circumstances.Lyrical and evocative, Hammour Ziada's masterfully crafted novel confronts sorrow, hope, and the cruelty of fate.

      Trade Review

      "Neither starry-eyed nor cynical, Ziada constructs, in exquisitely lyrical language, the story of Bakheet's love for the white woman who finds solace in his company but cannot imagine marrying a slave. A rich and sensitive novel, Longing of the Dervish reflects on tolerance, prejudice and freedom in ways that transcend its historic setting."--Financial Times

      "Explores a seminal moment in the region's history"--The Guardian

      Recently viewed products

      © 2026 Book Curl

        • American Express
        • Apple Pay
        • Diners Club
        • Discover
        • Google Pay
        • Maestro
        • Mastercard
        • PayPal
        • Shop Pay
        • Union Pay
        • Visa

        Login

        Forgot your password?

        Don't have an account yet?
        Create account