Sharjah: Ambitious writers are making their first foray into the world of publishing through the Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF).
Mohammad Jasem Al Sarkal is one example. He launched his debut novel Shallow at the 35th edition of SIBF.
The novel tells the story of a young girl Chloe, who lives with her mother and young brother, Hank, in Rostock, a town in Germany, A shy girl, Chloe is protective of her younger brother and the book narrates her thoughts and experiences as she travels on a journey of self-discovery.
The tale unfolds with a series of characters and situations she encounters on her path to finding the true meaning of being herself and, in the process, attaining true freedom.
“The reason for writing Shallow was important on a personal level as when I was a child I found it hard to express myself verbally,” he said. “I found solace in writing and this became my home. Writing allowed me to bring out my thoughts and feelings. Expression is important in our culture — I believe that we need to teach young boys and girls that it is OK to have different ideas but, most importantly, we need to be able to understand who we are as individuals and learn how we can find our own self.”
Shallow represents Al Sarkal’s first step into the publishing world. His passion for writing began at a young age when he found that he could use the form to cross the line between creativity and reality. Al Sarkal also writes frequently at his website www.theawkwardcorner.com and can be followed on his Instagram page mohdalserkal and Twitter mjsalserkal.
SIBF 2016 continues until November 12 at Expo Centre Sharjah. The 35th edition event is hosting an array of accomplished and new authors, with book signing sessions a popular feature at the book fair.
