Fragments of Memory - Hanna Mina

Fragments of Memory offers a picture of reality that is simple, direct, and quite emotional... an image of Syrian society in the thirties and forties through the struggle of an impoverished family--of an origin that is neither rural nor urban--which moves from the city to the countryside, only to be forced back unwillingly, groping for survival. Khaldoun Shamaa Fragments of Memory is an autobiographical novel about the life of a boy born to a poor family in northern Syria. Mina sets these personal events against a richly detailed description of events in the history of early 20th century Syria, as the silkworm industry gave way to modern foreign technology. The mode of life described is one of a bygone era.

Hanna Mina, Syria's foremost novelist, was born in 1924 in Latakia, the only Syrian port on the Mediterranean. He is well-known for his depiction of the modern Syrian experience, particularly the life of sailors and the sea. He played an important role in founding the Syrian Writers Association and the Arab Writers Association. In 1990 he won the Uwais Award for his complete works, one of the most prestigious awards in the Arab world.