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6/14/24, 11:01 AM Knowledge Lounge convenes authors and readers to shape the literary and knowledge landscape in the Arab world – Executive …
During the session, Rasha Adly highlighted the pivotal role of historical novels in the process of documenting
history. Furthermore, she pointed out the need for Arabic literature to study various periods of Arab civilization

acknowledging the region’s rich and diverse historical and cultural heritage. The discussion further underscored
the significance of the arts in shaping modern life and enhancing human knowledge. The session also shed light

on the significance of rejuvenating and studying art and integrating it into different aspects of life as well as into
the narratives found in novels and books. The session was moderated by Dalia Abu Al Atta and Rola Al Banna.

Another panel discussion led by Shaza Shalak and Dr. Al Hayek explored the details of his book titled ‘Barren

Diaries’, published in 2023 by Arab Scientific Publishers in Beirut. During the session, Dr. Al Hayek discussed
various elements of his novel, such as its artistic elements and main themes, shedding light on a wider literary

framework of social novels. Furthermore, the session included a question-and-answer session in which the
audience was allowed to ask the author about his writing process and share their interpretations and opinions. At
the end of the interactive session, Dr. Al Hayek autographed copies of his book for attendees.

As part of the Knowledge Lounge initiative, various sessions were hosted in different local and international

literary forums to explore different books and novels. During a session in Abu Dhabi, novels including ‘Man’s
Search for Meaning’ and ‘The Language of Flowers’ were discussed. The novel ‘The Language of Flowers’

written by American author Vanessa Diffenbaugh depicts the story of a young girl who was initially raised in an
orphanage before finding care through adoption. Later, the protagonist discovers her passion for flowers while

working at a flower shop. The session explored how the author of this novel skillfully adopted a descriptive
writing style to portray the challenges and various other turns of events the lead character encounters.

Meanwhile, the book titled ‘Teach Your Child How to Think’ was a key topic of discussion in both Sharjah and
Ajman, and the book ‘The Alienation of Al Qafar’ was discussed in Ras Al Khaimah. During the session held in

Fujairah, the novel ‘Al Bagh’ was discussed, and the Khor Fakkan session highlighted the story ‘A Mask, the
Color of the Sky.’ Furthermore, the session held in Al Ain explored the thought-provoking themes of the novel

‘The Name of the Rose’. The philosophical reflections about human existence and the mysteries of the soul are

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