→ AN EMIRATI STORY
The Red Island: The Gatekeeper
A bestselling Middle Eastern literary romantasy in English, set in the United Arab Emirates, rated five-stars by a majority of readers worldwide
Top Reviews
Here's what our beloved Red Islanders have been saying ... join #TheRedIsland community on social and share your reviews!
Hala, UK
"I can't help but dream of this novel on the big screen. The visual possibilities are endless ... would be a truly cinematic masterpiece."
Abigail, US
" ... a great read for anyone who loves fantasy with a deeply personal and cultural twist."
Natalie, UAE
"Pioneering Emirati literature ... composition, language and atmosphere are just incredible!"
→ A RARE EMIRATI NOVEL WRITTEN IN ENGLISH
Synopsis
- A mesmerizing coming-of-age tale, set in early 2000s
- A brand new fantasy world, doused in Arabic and Islamic culture
- An honest, intimate, insider's view of Emirati culture and community
In the forgotten ruins of Al Jazirah Al Hamra, a young Emirati man, Badr, must confront his deepest fears and the magic that binds his fate. As he seeks to rescue a friend and reunite with his lost love, whispers of jinns and dark magic challenge his very identity. Will he find the strength to face his demons, or will he be consumed by the darkness lurking within?
Weaved with rich Arab culture and traditions, The Red Island delves into the profound themes of love, identity, and cultural fears in an emerging society.
Book Reviews
Highly recommended as an entertaining introduction to the UAE and to Emirati culture, for tourists and expats in the UAE
Hilda Youssef, Author
"After 33 years in the UAE, this is the first English novel I have read that talks about the multifaceted culture here and the folklore stories we only hear from afar."
Farah Alsayegh, Blogger
"As an Emirati, I found myself learning so much about my own culture, the UAE, and Islam ... I simply couldn't put it down ... belongs in every reader's library."
Hailey, Blogger
"The writing was pretty seamless, easy to read, and gripping, loved how Arabic terms flawlessly blended in ... especially enjoyed the plot-twist at the end!"
The Red Island: In the Media
Khaleej Times
Emirati writer channels folklore and faith in debut fictional novel
Iconic Episode
A Haunting Tale of Identity, Myth, and Emirati Heritage
Sands and City
A Journey Through Time and Identity: Launch at Sharjah Book Fair
Interviews and Author Events
Talk at Canadian University Dubai
Around the Emirates with Sara Mousa
Karishma Konnect with Dr. Adil Alzarooni
Video Reviews
Here's why both Emiratis and expat, including members of the Oxford and Cambridge Society of the UAE - Book Club, recommend The Red Island
While the novel has global appeal, it serves as an entertaining introduction to life in the Emirates as well as to Emirati community and culture, and is therefore an ideal read for tourists and new expats in the UAE
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