The Book of Letters with Samih al-Qasim

"The Letters" (الرسائل) is a profound literary and historic correspondence between two titans of modern Arabic poetry and Palestinian resistance: Mahmoud Darwish and Samih al-Qasim. Exchanged between 1986 and 1988, these letters reflect a unique dynamic: Darwish writing from the dislocation of exile in European and Arab capitals, and al-Qasim writing from within under occupation. The text blends rich prose with poetic reflections, as both poets engage in a passionate dialogue about identity, the pain of displacement, political struggle, and the role of literature in preserving collective memory. More than just personal letters, this volume stands as an indelible testament to brotherhood, intellectual camaraderie, and a shared devotion to their homeland.

Because it offers an intimate, deeply moving glimpse into the minds and personal bond of two iconic poets, combining masterclass prose with profound political and philosophical insights.

For readers of Mahmoud Darwish and Samih al-Qasim, enthusiasts of epistolary literature, and anyone interested in Middle Eastern history, poetry, and political displacement.