The Belt

Ahmed Abodehman was born and raised in Saudi Arabia. Known since youth as the 'bard' of his village, he has lived in Paris since 1982 and is a poet, novelist and news correspondent for the Saudi daily al-Riyadh.

`Simple and profound, often touching, and which brings to life through the story of his childhood the traditions, beliefs, songs and prayers of the most noble of Arabian tribes.' Le Monde 'A fabulous read ... a poetic, moving and utterly fascinating coming-of-age tale set in a Saudi Arabian village.' Claudia Roden 'Bravo et Merci!' Magazine Litteraire 'Full of mountain lore, strange and spicy smells, shining daggers and rifts between generations..."Why must this side of life be traded for the future?" the boy wonders, and we must as well.' The Los Angeles Times Book Review 'This powerful novel offers English readers a rare inside glimpse into tribal Saudi Arabia' Booklist 'This moving work seduces with its clarity of style. Abodehman writes with the strength and finesse of a poet.' Arabies 'This slim jewel of a book is beautiful, written with the startling and delicate hand of a poet.' Body & Soul