Interview with longlisted author Bushra Khalfan

When did you start writing Dilshad – Story of Hunger and Satiety and where did the inspiration for it come from? 

I started writing the novel on 28^th September 2019, but the idea for it had begun to take shape in 2013. It is inspired by stories of old Muscat, both oral and written accounts, about the intense hunger experienced in the city.

Did the novel take long to write and where were you when you finished it?

The writing took a little more than a year and I was living in Muscat.

How have readers and critics received it?

I was personally surprised by the very warm reception given to the novel by readers and critics, and the large number of reviews and readings made of the book.  

What is your next literary project after this novel?

It is to complete the second part of Dilshad, but this time it will be the story of satiety.