The Stolen Novel

Salma, a conservative Egyptian woman nearing the age of forty, makes the alarming and hurtful discovery that her husband is a serial cheat. Her favourite preacher then recants on his beliefs, causing her to radically reevaluate her life and try to fulfil her old dream of becoming a writer. Desperate to find inspiration for her work, she begins to act in unconventional ways, recording the consequences of her actions in a novel. In this new adventure, Salma is directed by an imaginary female friend called Rima, who usually only speaks to her, though occasionally she appears in bodily form.  During her personal journey, Salma must confront patriarchal authorities, religious ideas, and finally herself. The Stolen Novel is a commentary on the Egyptian cultural milieu, the making of bestsellers for reasons unrelated to literary merit, and the commercialisation of the publishing industry leading to the lowering of literary standards.