Renowned author Rim Mourad has launched her latest novel, "I Belong To You" (Elayaka Antamy), at the ongoing Cairo International Book Fair (January 23 – February 5). This marks Mourad's fourth book and her second novel following the success of her critically acclaimed debut novel "Invasion" (Igtiyah).
"I Belong To You" is a thought-provoking exploration of identity and belonging, inviting readers to question their own sense of self as they follow the protagonist's journey of self-discovery.
Speaking about her new novel, Rim explained, "It is a story that raises questions within us, prompting us to ponder who we truly are and to whom we belong."
The novel draws inspiration from Rim Mourad’s short story "The Bell" (El Garas), a tale brimming with vivid characters and compelling events. "I felt that the short story format did a disservice to this rich narrative," Mourad shared. "I decided to expand it into a full-length novel, transforming it into a satirical literary work about a mother's diary and her family's adventures."
A graduate of the Faculty of Commerce, Rim Mourad’s passion for writing blossomed at a young age. She honed her craft by writing a collection of short stories that garnered widespread acclaim and numerous awards. However, her professional writing journey began in 2013 with the publication of "The Diaries of an Exhausted Mother" (Yawmyat Omm Tale' Habaaby Einiha). The book resonated deeply with readers, achieving widespread success with ten printings and consistently ranking among bestsellers in bookstores across the country.
Buoyed by this success, Rim followed up with "Exhausted Women and Men" (Setat W Regala Tale' Habaaby Einihum) in 2014, a sequel that satirically explores the dynamics of male-female relationships and the impact of differing temperaments.
In 2017, Mourad ventured into the realm of novel writing with "Invasion" (Igtiyah). This poignant and realistic portrayal of a middle-aged woman grappling with marital trauma and embarking on a journey of self-discovery has garnered significant praise. "Invasion" has even been recommended by psychiatrists to their patients as a source of hope and inspiration in overcoming post-traumatic stress.
In 2025, after overcoming a prolonged writer's block, Rim Mourad finally released her latest novel, "I Belong To You" (Elayaka Antamy). This captivating story unfolds across multiple times and features a cast of diverse heroes, seamlessly weaving elements of romance and fantasy.
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