Open Book: Departures in the Depths of Madinah by Sarah Al Abdali

This open book explores "Departure in the Depths of Madinah", the debut novel by Sara Al Abdali. Set against the layered backdrop of Madinah, the novel traces the Abdul Jabbar family across generations, uncovering hidden histories shaped by war, tradition, and a deep-rooted connection to the Holy Mosque.

Blending personal and collective memory, the story offers an intimate view of Madinah’s homes, neighborhoods, and the lives within them, lives filled with joy, sorrow, and long-held secrets. Through its characters, the novel reveals the rich cultural and historical tapestry of the Hejaz.

The session will reflect on Arabic storytelling, the role of history in fiction, and the ways literature can preserve and reimagine place, memory, and heritage across both Madinah and Jeddah.

Language: English and Arabic.

What will you learn?
Participants will discover how stories can carry memory, reveal untold histories, and bring places like Madinah to life.

Who is it for?
This session is for those interested in archives, memory, and the documentation of Saudi heritage, especially through literature and storytelling.