Mexican embassy Charge d’ Affairs Hector Ortega, translator Abdel-Halim Gamal with Cultural and Cooperation Affairs officer Paulina Merino.
The embassy and Dar Logha for Publishing and Distribution hosted the cultural evening on Wednesday, 6 May, to mark the release of the Arabic edition of the novel, translated by Egyptian novelist and translator Abdel-Halim Gamal.
The event was opened by the Mexican embassy’s chargé d’affaires ad interim, Hector Ortega, who said Mexico remained committed to cultural diplomacy as a means of strengthening ties with Egypt.
(L-r) Writer Wafaa Salah, translator Abdel-Halim Gamal and writer Sayed Abdel-Hamid. Photo courtesy of Mexico Embassy.
The embassy’s newly appointed cultural and cooperation affairs officer, Paulina Merino, also stressed the role of translation in deepening cultural dialogue between Mexico and the Arab world.
The evening brought together writers, translators, publishers, and readers interested in contemporary literature. Participants included publisher Isis Ashour, translator Abdel-Halim Gamal, writer Sayed Abdel-Hamid, and writer Wafaa Salah.
Discussions focused on translation as a bridge between cultures, enabling contemporary Mexican literature to reach readers across the Arab world.
The Arabic edition was published with support from the Mexican government’s PROTRAD translation programme, which promotes the international circulation of Mexican literary works.
Arabic translation of the novel La Hija Unica by renowned Mexican author Guadalupe Nettel.
The evening also featured a discussion on the translation process, a literary conversation around the novel, and readings in both Arabic and Spanish as part of broader efforts to encourage cultural and intellectual exchange.
Mexican embassy Charge d’ Affairs Hector Ortega launches the cultural evevning at Mexico embassy.
Originally published in Spanish as La Hija Única and later translated into English as Still Born, the novel explores motherhood, grief, friendship, and unconventional family bonds through the intertwined lives of three women in Mexico City. Written in a restrained but emotionally charged style, the book examines maternal guilt, loss, vulnerability, and resilience while challenging idealised portrayals of motherhood.
The novel gained international recognition after the English translation was shortlisted for the 2023 International Booker Prize 2023.
The event formed part of wider cultural initiatives by the Mexican embassy aimed at strengthening cultural ties between Egypt and Mexico through literature and translation.
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