{"product_id":"that-other-me-a-novel-isbn-9780062391384","title":"That Other Me: A Novel","description":"\u003cp\u003eFrom the #1 internationally bestselling author of \u003cem\u003eThe Sand Fish,\u003c\/em\u003e Maha Gargash’s second novel is set in mid-1990s Dubai and Cairo and tells the story of how secrets and betrayals consume three members—an authoritarian father, a rebellious abandoned daughter, and a vulnerable niece—of a prominent Emirati family.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eMajed, the head of the eminent Naseemy family, is proud to have risen into the upper echelons of Emirati society. As one of the richest businessmen in Dubai, he’s used to being catered to and respected—never mind that he acquired his wealth by cheating his brother out of his own company and depriving his niece, Mariam, of her rights.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eNot one to dwell on the past—he sent Mariam to school in Egypt, what more could she want from him?—Majed spends his days berating his wife and staff and cavorting with friends at a private apartment. But he’s suddenly plagued by nightmares that continue to haunt him during the day, and he feels his control further slipping away with the discovery that his niece and his daughter are defying his orders.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eMariam despises Majed, and although she blames him for her father’s death, hers is a strictly-organized, dutiful existence. But when she falls for a brash, mischievous fellow student named Adel, he might just prove to be her downfall.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eLargely abandoned by Majed as the daughter of a second, secret marriage, the vivacious Dalal has a lot to prove. The runner-up on “Nights of Dubai,” an American Idol-type reality show for Arab talent, Dalal is committed to being a singer despite the fact that it’s a disreputable career. When her efforts to become a celebrity finally begin to pay off, she attracts the attention of her father, who is determined to subdue Dalal to protect the family name. As Majed increasingly exerts his control over both Dalal and Mariam, both girls resist, with explosive consequences.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAn exhilarating look at the little-known \u003cem\u003eKhaleeji\u003c\/em\u003e (Gulf-Arab) culture, \u003cem\u003eThat Other Me\u003c\/em\u003e explores the ways social mores contribute to the collapse of one family.\u003c\/p\u003e | \u003cp\u003eFrom the #1 internationally bestselling author of The Sand Fish, an exhilarating look at Khaleeji (Gulf-Arab) culture that explores the way secrets and betrayal consume three members of a prominent Emirati family\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe head of the Naseemy family, Majed, is proud to be one of the wealthiest businessmen in Dubai. But he’s suddenly plagued by nightmares about the dead brother whose business he stole, and he feels his control erode with the discovery that his niece and daughter are defying his orders.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eMariam concentrates on her college education in Cairo, carving a path that will lead her away from her hated uncle’s controlling grip. But she falls for a brash fellow student named Adel, who might just prove to be her downfall. Meanwhile the rebellious Dalal, largely abandoned by Majed as the daughter of a second, secret marriage, strives to become a singer. It’s a career looked down on in Khaleeji societies, and one she is rightfully certain will humiliate her father.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAs Majed increasingly tries to exert his authority over Dalal and Mariam, both girls resist, with explosive consequences. Set against the backdrop of the glamorous world of Arab showbiz, \u003cem\u003eThat Other Me\u003c\/em\u003e explores the ties that bind one corroded family... and the tantalizing possibility of freedom.\u003c\/p\u003e | \u003cp\u003eGargash’s characters are both believable and identifiable. . . . Designed to both inform an international audience of past days in the emirates and to provide insight for a younger generation of Emiratis, the debut novel provides an intriguing plot blended with snippets of history and culture.” - \u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eGulf News on THE SAND FISH\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e“Modern, can-do city state Dubai—known for its indoor ski slope and manmade resort islands—has been in the news for its debt woes. Thanks to Dubai native Gargash, it may get some ink about literature.” - \u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eNew York Post on THE SAND FISH\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e“Through richly drawn characters who drive their shared destiny, Maha Gargash depicts a world of wealth while revealing the true meaning of value as two young women, through the power of their warm friendship, transcend the dictates of society’s expectations and transform from outsiders into leaders of a new future. I hope the very talented Maha Gargash will write many more books in the future.” - \u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eJessica Jiji, author of SWEET DATES IN BASRA\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e“Light in tone, her reflections on culture and social norms will strike a familiar chord with Arab readers and will intrigue, even surprise, western readers.” - \u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eThe National\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e“Through richly drawn characters who drive their shared destiny, Maha Gargash depicts a world of wealth while revealing the true meaning of value as two young women, through the power of their warm friendship, transcend the dictates of society’s expectations and transform from outsiders into leaders of a new future.” - \u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eJessica Jiji, author of SWEET DATES IN BASRA\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e“A compelling tapestry of familial strife and stresses…Gargash layers on the restrictions of Arab society, masterfully capturing the constricting expectations each person faces. All are acutely aware of how they are presenting themselves and what others will think of them, and the way they behave in response is one of the most revealing aspects of their characters. A nuanced look at Arab life and society.” - \u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eBooklist\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e“A compelling tapestry of familial strife and stresses…Gargash layers on the restrictions of Arab society, masterfully capturing the constricting expectations each person faces…the way they behave in response is one of the most revealing aspects of their characters. A nuanced look at Arab life and society.” - \u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eBooklist\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e“Gargash…paint[s] a complex portrait of a family, as its members struggle to maintain their ties with one another and to their traditions, while consequences of enormous wealth prove more threatening than modernity or Western influence.” - \u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003ePublishers Weekly\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e“Opens a window into the complicated world of Emirati culture. The book shines brightest when focused on Mariam and Dalal as they come of age in two different worlds…The examination of changing norms in Middle Eastern culture, and the differences between Dubai and Cairo, is at times extremely engaging…fascinating.” - \u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eKirkus\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e“Simply beautiful…The imagery in THAT OTHER ME is brilliant, constant and fresh…an enjoyable, mind-provoking and flowing read. I’ll definitely be interested in reading more of Maha Gargash’s work in the future.” - \u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eNadaness in Motion blog\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Harper Perennial","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44888297996517,"sku":"NP9780062391384","price":18.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1842\/7735\/files\/9780062391384.jpg?v=1730228754","url":"https:\/\/k12savings.com\/es\/products\/that-other-me-a-novel-isbn-9780062391384","provider":"K12savings","version":"1.0","type":"link"}