The Arabian Nightmare

A Novel

Science Fiction & Fantasy, Fantasy, Contemporary, Fiction & Literature, Literary
Cover of the book The Arabian Nightmare by Robert Irwin, ABRAMS (Ignition)
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Robert Irwin ISBN: 9781590209202
Publisher: ABRAMS (Ignition) Publication: April 30, 2002
Imprint: The Overlook Press Language: English
Author: Robert Irwin
ISBN: 9781590209202
Publisher: ABRAMS (Ignition)
Publication: April 30, 2002
Imprint: The Overlook Press
Language: English

A cult classic that “combines the genres of travelogue, fable, dream narrative, novel and confessional into one beguiling whole” (Publishers Weekly).

The hero and guiding force of this epic fantasy is an insomniac young man who, unable to sleep, guides the reader through the narrow streets of Cairo—a mysterious city full of deceit and trickery.

He narrates a complex tangle of dreams and imaginings that describe an atmosphere constantly shifting between sumptuously learned experiences, erotic adventure, and dry humor. The result is a thought-provoking puzzle box of sex, philosophy, and theology, reminiscent of Italo Calvino and Umberto Eco.

“Deft and lovely . . . The smooth steely grip of Irwin’s story-telling genius is a joy to read.” —The Washington Post

The Arabian Nightmare is a conceit worthy of Borges.” —The New York Times

“[Irwin’s] fascination for inner perception, helped along with a delight in Scheherazadian frames and exotic lore, makes for quite a rich experience: a strangely playful construct that, like an intricate Chinese box, delights with each unexpected combination and hidden drawer.” —Kirkus Reviews

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

A cult classic that “combines the genres of travelogue, fable, dream narrative, novel and confessional into one beguiling whole” (Publishers Weekly).

The hero and guiding force of this epic fantasy is an insomniac young man who, unable to sleep, guides the reader through the narrow streets of Cairo—a mysterious city full of deceit and trickery.

He narrates a complex tangle of dreams and imaginings that describe an atmosphere constantly shifting between sumptuously learned experiences, erotic adventure, and dry humor. The result is a thought-provoking puzzle box of sex, philosophy, and theology, reminiscent of Italo Calvino and Umberto Eco.

“Deft and lovely . . . The smooth steely grip of Irwin’s story-telling genius is a joy to read.” —The Washington Post

The Arabian Nightmare is a conceit worthy of Borges.” —The New York Times

“[Irwin’s] fascination for inner perception, helped along with a delight in Scheherazadian frames and exotic lore, makes for quite a rich experience: a strangely playful construct that, like an intricate Chinese box, delights with each unexpected combination and hidden drawer.” —Kirkus Reviews

More books from ABRAMS (Ignition)

Cover of the book Nico by Robert Irwin
Cover of the book Celebrating a Life by Robert Irwin
Cover of the book CakeLove in the Morning by Robert Irwin
Cover of the book Bakeless Sweets by Robert Irwin
Cover of the book Free Radicals by Robert Irwin
Cover of the book The Limits of Vision by Robert Irwin
Cover of the book A Radiant Life by Robert Irwin
Cover of the book First Prize Pies by Robert Irwin
Cover of the book Female Ruins by Robert Irwin
Cover of the book Empire of Secrets by Robert Irwin
Cover of the book The Man with Two Arms by Robert Irwin
Cover of the book The Man Who Never Returned by Robert Irwin
Cover of the book Tom Fitzmorris's Hungry Town by Robert Irwin
Cover of the book The Error of Our Ways by Robert Irwin
Cover of the book Choking on Marlon Brando by Robert Irwin
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy