“Of all the pieces we’ve ever published,” Words Without Borders wrote yesterday on Facebook, “we get the most queries about Magdy El Shafee’s graphic novel Metro.“
You know the story: The book was initially released to a small run with no publicity, then it got tons of publicity when it was yanked from shelves in 2008. It was banned in Egypt, removed from said shelves, court case, El Shafee and his publisher fined 5,000LE for offending public morals. I believe an appeal is in process — and Merit had offered to publish the book — but in any case it’s still unavailable here.
But the full English version (trans. Chip Rossetti) is, according to WWB, on schedule for a June 5 publication. I look forward to obtaining a copy by hook, by crook, or whatever it takes.
Hi, do you know where I can get an Arabic version? Thanks.
I’m looking into it. My friend Iman apparently has a copy. 🙂 I’m sure Magdy has some. But anyhow, I’ll let you know what I turn up, Bella.
Neel walfurat online bookstore http://www.neelwafurat.com/itempage.aspx?id=egb127341-5129670&search=books
Or go on a book shopping holiday to Jordan – I found it in Books@ Cafe in Amman http://booksatcafe.com/
Ah! My husband was recently in Jordan for work (although he won’t be back there again until June). Cheaper, a bit, than Neel w furat, of course…
Here’s a sweet little video about the best place in Amman to find new books – Abu Ali’s kiosk in downtown: http://www.egyptindependent.com/node/1799
Please post about the Arabic version if possible, I’d love to obtain a copy!
OK, yes…