book stjarnlosa natter [swedish edition]

stjarnlosa natter swedish edition book by arkan asaad

dive into the powerful narrative of stjärnlösa nätter (starless nights), a compelling swedish novel by arkan asaad. this book offers a profound look into the complexities of identity, tradition, and the universal struggle for personaldom. arkan asaad masterfully weaves a story that is both deeply personal and universally resonant, exploring the clash between inherited cultural expectations and the innate human desire for self-determination. prepare to be moved by a story that shines a light on a world many are unaware of, revealing the profound challenges faced by individuals caught between different cultural worlds.

the "swedish edition " aspect likely refers to accessing the book in its original swedish language, allowing readers to experience arkan asaads story as he intended. while direct "" links are not provided here, understanding the books availability in swedish is key for readers seeking an authentic experience.

stjarnlosa natter swedish edition summary

stjärnlösa nätter tells the poignant story of amàr, a young man born in kurdistan but raised in a swedish small town. amàr grows up navigating the space between his familys strong kurdish traditions and the western values he embraces. his father, a dominant figure, exerts significant influence, shaping amàrs life from a young age. the narrative takes a pivotal turn when amàr, at eighteen, accompanies his family on a road trip to visit relatives in iraq – a journey that marks their first return in many years.

upon arrival, amàr, who has moved away from home in sweden, finds himself encountering cultural clashes that highlight the differences between his upbringing and his familys traditional environment. what begins as a visit to reconnect with relatives quickly evolves into a deeply challenging situation. amàrs father has secretly arranged a marriage for him with his cousin, amina, a young woman from the village. this revelation comes as a shock to amàr, who is unprepared for the weight of familial obligation and cultural expectation.

he struggles to reconcile his own desires for a life chosen by him with the pressures exerted by his family and their community. the story delves into the severe consequences amàr faces when he agrees to the marriage under duress, only to deeply regret it. arkan asaad confronts the difficult realities of honor culture, portraying its impact not only on women but also on young men, revealing the immense psychological toll it can take. the narrative is praised for its honest, engaging, and often heartbreaking portrayal of this complex subject matter.

stjärnlösa nätter is more than just a personal story; it serves as an eye-opener into a world shaped by inherited ideas of respect, duty, and family honor, often at the expense of individual happiness and choice. the book powerfully illustrates how these deep-rooted traditions can collide with a young persons fundamental right to choose their own path in life. its a narrative that invites reflection on the universal themes of love, betrayal, and the right to define ones own destiny.

about the author arkan asaad

arkan asaad is a swedish author, born in kirkuk, iraq, in 1980. he came to sweden with his family in 1984 and grew up in eskilstuna and stockholm. asaad is also a former elite athlete, a multi-time swedish champion in taekwondo, holding a fourth dan black belt. before his literary career, he studied directing at the stockholm filmskola and worked in radio. stjärnlösa nätter is his debut novel, published in 2011, and it draws heavily on his own experiences, offering a personal perspective on navigating honor culture and the struggle for individualdom.

asaad is a highly sought-after speaker, having delivered over 900 lectures on topics related to his book and the importance of choosing ones own life. his work has been recognized with awards, including the stiftelsen teskedsordens bokpris in 2011 for stjärnlösa nätter, acknowledging its powerful testimony on the clash between individualdom and strong family traditions. he also founded the non-profit organization right 2 choose, which educates about forced marriages and human rights.

stjarnlosa natter swedish edition faq

1. what is the main theme of stjärnlösa nätter?

   the main theme of stjärnlösa nätter revolves around the conflict between traditional family and cultural obligations, particularly within an honor culture, and an individuals fundamental right to choose their own life, including marriage and personal identity.

2. is stjärnlösa nätter based on a true story?

   yes, stjärnlösa nätter is a semi-autobiographical novel, drawing heavily from arkan asaads own experiences and observations regarding honor culture and the challenges faced by young individuals caught between different cultural expectations.

3. what is the significance of the swedish edition?

   the swedish edition represents the original language and cultural context in which arkan asaad wrote the story, allowing readers to experience the narrative with its nuances and specific cultural references as intended by the author. it offers an authentic reading experience of a novel deeply rooted in swedish societal and cultural dynamics.

4. who is amàr, the protagonist of the book?

   amàr is the protagonist, a young man of kurdish descent raised in sweden who finds himself caught between his familys traditional expectations and his own desire for independence. he faces immense pressure to conform to arranged marriage traditions when visiting relatives in iraq.

5. what are the key challenges faced by characters in stjärnlösa nätter?

   the characters, particularly amàr, face challenges related to forced marriage, cultural clashes, familial pressure, the concept of honor and shame, and the struggle for individual autonomy. the novel also highlights the psychological toll and difficult choices individuals are forced to make when their personal desires conflict with deeply ingrained societal norms.