Diary of a Child Called Souad

Diary of a Child Called Souad is Nawal El Saadawi's first autobiography, written at the age of ten in the form of fiction as she explores her early awakening to the world around her. Now known for her bold spirit and probing mind, El Saadawi in this novel uncovers through a child's eyes the hypocritical values and traditions carried on by family, education, religion, and society. With amazing courage she weaves a tale of the fear, guilt, and repressive compliance forced upon her as a woman and upon her generation as the price to be paid for leading a civilized existence. Struggling to come to terms with taboos concerning her maturing body, the young Nawal's writing reveals the makings of a revolutionary spirit and relentlessly analytical mind. A must read for devotees of El Saadawi's writing to witness an early record of the maturing of her thoughts and the shaping of her ideas.

Nawal El Saadawi, a leading Egyptian feminist, has spent her life campaigning for freedom and justice despite being imprisoned and threatened with death. She is the author of over fifty books, translated into some twenty languages, and is the founder of the Arab Women Solidarity Association in Egypt.

Omnia Amin is Professor of English Literature at Zayed University in Dubai, UAE. She is an author and translator who works on the cutting edge concepts of quantum physics, the archetypes of mythology, the empowerment of women, and the spiritual evolution of humanity.

1. Introduction: Why is Nawal El Saadawi Banned?
2. Author's Introduction
3. Diary of a Child Called Souad
4. Biographical Facts
5. Interview with Nawal El Saadawi