From the poem to the novel: Heba’s Journey

Originally from Gaza, Somaia will discuss her sister Heba Abunada's powerful novel and how it overlaps with her poetry. This session, “The Poet Turning Novelist: Heba Abunada’s Oxygen Is Not for the Dead,” explores Heba Abunada’s transition from poetry to fiction and the poetic qualities of her award-winning novel. Born in Khan Younis, Palestine her work was written in Arabic. Her sister, Somaia Abunada, is currently translating the novel into English and will reflect on Heba’s literary journey, the deeply personal process of translating her work, and what it means to carry her voice into another language. Please note that doors will close shortly before the advertised time, so we request that you arrive 15 minutes before the start time. Open for all, regardless of faith. About The Cambridge Festival of Islamic Arts The Cambridge Festival of Islamic Arts runs from 19 to 29 November 2026, bringing performances, exhibitions, lectures, and workshops to Cambridge's historic colleges, museums, and cultural spaces. Open to everyone, the festival celebrates the beauty and diversity of Islamic arts, and, fifty years on from the landmark 1976 World of Islam Festival, carries that spirit into our own time. Find out more at cfia.co.uk.