Season of Migration to the North
About the book
A return to a Sudanese village on the Nile opens a story of colonialism and experience in England.
Original title: Mawsim al-hijra ila al-shamal
Africa · A READING GUIDE
Sudan
Tayeb Salih contrasts Nile village life with an unsettling encounter between Europe and Africa. Leila Aboulela portrays Sudan approaching independence and an immigrant’s search for faith in London. Abdelaziz Baraka Sakin turns to seasonal workers and marginalised people. The selection includes both Arabic translations and novels originally written in English.
WHERE TO START
- Season of Migration to the NorthTayeb Salih
- MinaretLeila Aboulela
- The Jungo: Stakes of the EarthAbdelaziz Baraka Sakin
Books to begin with
An editorial selection · not rankedNo matches. Try another language or search term.
The Wedding of Zein
About the book
An unusual Nile villager’s wedding combines village life with Sufi spirituality.
Original title: ʿUrs al-Zayn
Minaret
About the book
After losing her privileged life in Sudan, Najwa works in London and finds support in faith.
Lyrics Alley
About the book
A merchant family and a young poet reveal 1950s Sudan on the threshold of independence.
The Jungo: Stakes of the Earth
About the book
The novel follows seasonal agricultural labourers and people on the margins of Sudanese society.
Original title: Al-Jungo: Masamir al-Ard
River Spirit
About the book
A young woman’s life unfolds during the Mahdist War in nineteenth-century Sudan.
Bird Summons
About the book
Three Muslim women embark on a Scottish journey that challenges their choices.
Context and sources
Sources on authors and their connections to this country. Specific edition details appear beside each book. Polish and English originals are not labelled as translations.
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