Bibliography: #ZPNSNDW7

key	ZPNSNDW7
title	The Book of Khalid
author	Rihani, Ameen
item type	Book
publication year	1973
date	1973
abstract note	The central theme of the novel is the attempt to reconcile the culture and values of "the West" and "the East," a universal concern in Rihani's work, and, indeed, entire approach to life. Khalid ruminates constantly on the merits and future destiny of America, which he connects to the Arab world in their own struggles with the Ottoman empire and with religious intolerance and conflict. Like Rihani himself, who synthesized two distinct cultures perhaps more than almost any other writer of the time, Khalid, having experienced America (and considered its strength and weaknesses) during his stay of several years, returns and develops a philosophy that engages the Arab public directly. He is continually frustrated with America's materialism and inconsistent pursuit of its stated ideals, but he still believes that America represents a powerful force in the world's future evolution and that the Arab world can learn from its political ideals, relative respect for religion, and embrace of science and progress. Although these expressions result in his own persecution, he emerges as a modern prophet with a combined political, cultural, and spiritual message. During his travels, the protagonist, Khalid, meets an American Baháʼí woman named Mrs. Gotfry with whom he discursively engages on questions of love and religion.
number pages	380
publisher	Rihani House
place	Beirut
language	English
manual tags	NOVEL; LITERATURE; HUMOR; SATIRE
edition	Abridged edition

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