On Saturday evening, an online literary discussion was held via Facebook by Maktabat Wahban, focusing on A Cloud Over My Head by Doaa Ibrahim. The session brought together readers, writers, and critics in a live conversation with the author, led by Zahraa Esmaile, alongside active participation from Islam Wahban and other members of the group.
The discussion opened with insights into the origins of the novel. Ibrahim revealed that the idea first emerged during her work on her previous novel, A Pea Sprouting in My Palm, in 2023, sparked by a dream that raised a haunting question: What if someone knew the exact moment of another person’s death? “Especially when a grudge exists between them,” the author added. “This question lingered, eventually evolving into the psychological core of A Cloud Over My Head.
At the heart of the novel lies the story of Noha, a young woman shaped by severe trauma, including childhood sexual abuse within her own family. Ibrahim addressed this theme with notable directness, stressing that such crimes are not rare but often overlooked or silenced. She highlighted the importance of awareness and the failure of many communities to support victims adequately, noting that trauma can manifest in different ways, from resilience to psychological collapse.
The idea of Noha’s emotional numbness in childhood was also seen as psychologically coherent by Wahban during the discussion, who pointed out that her reactions felt shaped by early exposure to harm, where the usual sense of right and wrong becomes blurred when the very people meant to provide safety become the source of the first and deepest shock.
Despite her initial hesitation due to the heaviness of its themes, such as death, violence, and trauma, Ibrahim chose to confront the idea directly. She emphasized that her writing is rooted in honesty, saying “I believe in writing with sincerity and naturalness, letting the emotions within the characters emerge as truthfully as they are.”
A significant portion of the conversation focused on the novel’s setting, which moves between Egypt and Japan. Ibrahim explained that her personal experience travelling to Japan played a crucial role in shaping the narrative. Beyond its outward image as a peaceful and orderly society, her research into crime, prisons, and social realities there added depth to the story. The inclusion of forests, often associated with real-life suicide cases in Japan, further contributed to the novel’s unsettling atmosphere.
The novel’s cover also drew attention during the discussion, particularly in light of the contrast it presents. Esmaile pointed out, along with the readers, the juxtaposition between the cover’s soft, floral aesthetics and the heaviness of the narrative itself, noting how the image appears calm and inviting at first glance, yet subtly hints at something dark beneath the surface.
Responding to this, the author shared that she was initially surprised by the cover design, but ultimately appreciated its layered symbolism, particularly the placement of the title above the character’s head, visually echoing the idea of a “cloud” looming overhead, and the facial expressions of the main character, hiding her secrets and misery.
Symbolism also played a central role in the discussion, particularly the recurring image of the crow. Ibrahim linked this symbol to darker psychological layers within the protagonist, as well as to the story of Cain and Abel, suggesting themes of guilt, violence, and moral conflict. The crow, at times perceived as a hallucination, becomes an embodiment of the character’s inner darkness.
The discussion also touched on the moral complexity of the protagonist. While Noha is a victim of profound injustice, she also becomes a perpetrator of violence. Ibrahim clarified that her intention was not to justify these actions, but to explore the motives behind them. “There is no justification for crime,” she implied, “but there is always a reason.” This balance challenges the reader, creating moments of both empathy and rejection.
Readers raised questions about the absence of direct confrontation between Noha and her abuser, as well as the decision to leave him unpunished. Ibrahim explained that this was a deliberate choice, reflecting a painful reality in which justice is not always served. Rather than offering a satisfying closure, the novel leaves readers with an open question about justice and accountability.
Another notable aspect emerged through a question raised by one of the participants regarding Ibrahim’s tendency to avoid naming her characters. In response, she explained that this choice allows the story to feel more universal, suggesting that such experiences are not limited to a single individual, but could belong to anyone.
Some readers described the novel as heavy and emotionally intense, and yet many of them still said they genuinely enjoyed reading it. That description, however, brought back a light moment for Ibrahim during the live discussion, as she shared with the audience that it reminded her of something her editor had said during the writing process. She mentioned it almost playfully, saying that he told her, “Your novel needs the reader to take a break after it because of how bold and painful it is.” However, she maintained that confronting such discomfort is necessary to fully understand the psychological and emotional realities depicted.
The author also spoke about being shortlisted for the International Prize for Arabic Fiction, saying that she did not specifically expect A Cloud Over My Head to be chosen, but she always had a quiet belief that one of her works would eventually reach such recognition. She explained that this feeling came from a deeper sense that it would be a reward for all the writing she had been dedicating herself to over the years. As she put it, “I am a dreamer, and I believe in myself,” suggesting that her confidence and imagination played a key role in keeping that hope alive, even before it became reality.
The session concluded with reflections on the novel’s reception, with participants praising its depth, emotional impact, and bold exploration of difficult themes. Ibrahim expressed gratitude for the engagement and confirmed that she is currently working on a new project.
Ultimately, the discussion highlighted A Cloud Over My Head not simply as a story of crime, but as a layered exploration of trauma and the fragile boundaries between victimhood and violence.
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