World Editions nets Alesmael’s 'poignant' debut

World Editions has snapped up Syrian author Khaled Alesmael’s debut novel Selamlik, a story exploring the experiences of a young, gay refugee.

Publishing director Judith Uyterlinde acquired world English language rights from Samar Hammam at Rocking Chair Books.

Described as a "homoerotic telling of the Syrian war and the refugee experience", the autobiographical novel tells of 14 years in the life of a young gay man named Furat, from his days as a student in Syria to life in an asylum centre in Sweden, where his fellow refugees view his sexuality as a "disease Syrian men catch when they come to Europe".

The novel was originally published in Swedish by Leopard Forlag, where critics compared the writing to Jean Genet. The German edition, published by Albino House, has been shortlisted for German reader’s prize the Skoutz Award. The title refers to the Arabic word for a room in a house or a palace reserved for men. Award-winning translator Leri Price will translate the novel into English, and World Editions will publish in spring 2024. 

Uyterlinde said: "Khalem Alesmael’s gay perspective on the refugee experience is edgy and unique. His style is lighthearted, poignant, and at times humorous, and the openhearted way he writes about sex is taboo-breaking without ever becoming vulgar. I am very proud to add him to World Edition’s internationally oriented list."