Bibliofemme News
|
  |
27/06/2005
Saddam's novel banned in Jordan
Saddam Hussein's latest novel Get Out of Here, Curse You, has been banned in Jordan.
The former Iraqi dictator reportedly finished the novel on the eve of the US-led invasion in March 2003, it is the story of an Arab warrior who vanquishes a foreign intruder.
10,000 copies of the book had been printed for this week's launch, which was authorised by Saddam's daughter, Raghdad who is based in Jordan.
Jordan, a longstanding Washington ally approved the publication. Censors changed their minds though after a local newspaper announced the arrival of the book in bookshops, whose titled can also be translated as Damned one, get out of here.
"Publishing this novel will harm the Iraqi-Jordanian relationship and we are keen to have the best relations with Iraq," said Ahmad al-Qudah, head of the government's press and publications department. "Jordan will not approve its publication. If they want to publish it they have to do it abroad."
The book, Saddam's fourth, relates how a heroic tribesman foils a Jewish and Christian plot to take over his town.
It was published in Iraq as "by its author". In a foreword to the new edition, Raghad Hussein confirms her father's authorship.
<- back to the news
