Sīrat ʿAyn

In his visually stunning novel "Biography of an Eye," Ibrahim Nasrallah crafts a literary masterpiece tracing the birth of photography in Palestine through the life of Karimeh Abbud (1893–1940), the first professional Arab female photographer. The narrative captures the vibrant pulse of daily life in Nazareth, Haifa, and Bethlehem before the Nakba. Blending poetic prose with the precision of a camera lens, Nasrallah explores the interplay of light and shadow, demonstrating how Abbud defied societal boundaries to grant her people a visual archive. It is a profound celebration of art, proving that a single, honest photograph acts as an eternal fortress protecting native heritage from the distortions of political erasure.

Because it will completely transform your perception of historical Palestine. The novel transports you to an era where the land was a beacon of art, culture, and sophistication, captivating you with Nasrallah's unique ability to turn the physics of photography into a magical human drama.

For enthusiasts of historical fiction that weaves art with biography; for lovers of photography and visual arts; for anyone seeking the deep cultural and civilized roots of Palestinian society; and for every reader longing for inspiring stories of pioneering women.