Fencing with the King: A Novel

Amani is intrigued by a poem on airmail paper that was written by her grandmother, a refugee who arrived in Jordan during the First World War. She persuades her father to come with her to celebrate the King of Jordan's sixtieth birthday, where Uncle Hafez complicates and dangers their time there after Amani discovers a missing relative. Fencing with the King explores the power of inheritance, displacement, and the possibility of releasing the past to build a future.

Format: Hardback
Length: 320 pages
Publication date: 29 April 2022
Publisher: WW Norton & Co

Amani is captivated by a mysterious poem found in one of her father's books, which she believes was written by her grandmother, a refugee who arrived in Jordan during the First World War. As fate would have it, her Uncle Hafez, an advisor to the King of Jordan, invites her father to celebrate the king's sixtieth birthday, offering an opportunity for Amani to investigate further. Her father, who has avoided returning to his homeland for decades, reluctantly agrees to accompany her. However, their time in Jordan becomes increasingly complicated and dangerous when Amani discovers a missing relative and embarks on a journey of loss, history, and ultimately a fight for her own life.

Fencing with the King is a captivating novel that seamlessly weaves together themes of inheritance, displacement, and the possibility of letting go of the past to create a brighter future. It draws inspiration from King Lear and Arthurian fable, delving into the profound impact of familial relationships and the complexities of identity. Through Amani's journey, the reader is invited to reflect on the weight of history, the resilience of the human spirit, and the power of forgiveness.

The novel's rich prose and vivid imagery transport the reader to the vibrant streets of Jordan, where the clash of cultures and the echoes of the past create a palpable sense of tension. Amani's search for her missing relative takes her through the winding alleys of old cities, where she encounters historical figures and discovers hidden treasures. The reader is fully immersed in Amani's world, feeling her emotions and struggles as if they were their own.

One of the novel's most striking aspects is its exploration of the power of inheritance. Amani's grandmother, a refugee who lost everything she had, left behind a legacy that Amani is determined to unravel. Through her journey, she learns about the sacrifices her grandmother made and the struggles she faced in a new country. Amani also grapples with her own identity, questioning whether she is truly Jordanian or if she has inherited the trauma of displacement from her grandmother.

The novel's themes of displacement and loss are particularly poignant, as Amani struggles to come to terms with the absence of her grandmother and the memories she holds dear. The trauma of displacement is portrayed with honesty and depth, as Amani grapples with the cultural differences between Jordan and her grandmother's homeland. The reader is able to empathize with Amani's struggles and feel the weight of her loss.

However, Fencing with the King is not solely a story of loss and trauma. It is also a celebration of the human spirit and the power of forgiveness. Amani's journey is filled with moments of hope and resilience, as she confronts her past and embraces her future. She learns to forgive those who have hurt her and to find strength in her own identity.

The novel's ending is both satisfying and heart-wrenching, as Amani confronts her deepest fears and discovers the true meaning of forgiveness. It is a testament to the power of the human spirit and the resilience of the human heart.

In conclusion, Fencing with the King is a masterful novel that explores the complexities of identity, inheritance, and displacement. Through its rich prose, vivid imagery, and powerful themes, it offers a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant journey that will leave readers reflecting on the past and the possibilities of the future. Whether you are a fan of historical fiction or simply seeking a compelling story that will engage your mind and heart, Fencing with the King is a must-read.

Weight: 500g
Dimension: 236 x 163 x 30 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780393867718