The Illusion of Return

Book Launch

In The Illusion of Return, his first novel in English, Samir El-Youssef explores the themes of memory and personal and collective tragedy. Comedy seems to be the only way to survive the absurdity of violence and politics. He discusses this and much more with Linda Grant.

Samir El-Youssef is Palestinian and was born in Rashidia, a refugee camp in Lebanon. He writes fiction, essays and reviews. His book, Gaza Blues, co-authored with Etgar Keret, received wide acclaim. He has been living in London since 1990. The Illusion of Return is his first novel in English. He won the Tucholsky Award for promoting the cause of peace and freedom of speech in the Middle East.

Linda Grant is the author of When I Lived in Modern Times (Winner of the Orange Prize), Remind Me Who I Am, Again and The People on the Street.

Sponsored by Peace Oil

In collaboration with Prospect Magazine

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