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Library Journal: "Al Neimi mines the depths of Arabic literature in an attempt to revive the forgotten language of sexuality."

Date: May 7 2009

In this seemingly autobiographical narrative, Al Neimi mines the depths of Arabic literature in an attempt to revive the forgotten language of sexuality. Her purpose is to show the subtle tension that exists between today's conservative Arab and Middle Eastern cultures and their lascivious literary past. Al Neimi continually underscores her thesis that Arabic is the language of sex by referencing the works of Ahmad ibn Yahya, Ali al-Katibi, and al-Tijani. The anonymous narrator, who works as a librarian, is asked to compile and give a presentation on classical Arab erotica. While uncovering the sensuality of classical Arabic literature, she unlocks her own hidden sensuality through purely sexual relationships. In the novel, the continual oscillation between classical texts and modern society produces humorous chapters dealing with both Viagra and Sex and the City. A best seller throughout the Arab world, this book will have wide appeal, particularly to readers of erotica, women's, studies and contemporary Arabic literature. —Joshua Finnell, McNeese State Univ. Lib., Lake Charles, LA