Samira Awad to Arab Today: Literature is suffering in Jordan

Samira Awad is a Jordanian author who has managed to retain her kindness in the world that has lost its humanity. In an interview with Arab Today, Awad, who writes for a number of Jordanian and Arab newspapers, said her study of the Arabic language has led her to important creative experiences. There is strong relation between the Arabic language and the media, the writer explained. She also praised the study of literature, saying it enriches creativity and intellectual ability. But the author doesn’t see literature and the media as two distinct entities, pointing out that Arab poets acted as journalists for their tribes, as they shared and documented information. Poets would also offer analysis of current issues through criticising or praising leaders, she added. Awad blamed the problems of everyday life for delaying the writing of her latest story, but said she hoped to finish it in the near future. “It addresses the subject of humanitarian in our time, which I fear is on its way to extinction," she said. The writer said she was thrilled to be on the media committee of Jerash cultural festival and that the intense 20-hour-long days were a great experience. The event gave her the opportunity to meet many poets and authors, she said. However, Awad lamented that the literary world was suffering in Jordan, saying the state does not give creative people the right to enjoy a decent life. She praised the role of her family in supporting her throughout her career, saying her family is always proud of what she writes.