Jalāl Barjas

Jalal Barjas (born June 3, 1970, Madaba, Jordan) is a prominent Jordanian novelist, poet, and journalist whose innovative works in fiction, poetry, and short stories have earned him a major place in contemporary Arabic literature. Though trained in aeronautical engineering, Barjas pursued a career in journalism and literature, serving as editor-in-chief of several cultural publications. His notable works include Guillotine of the Dreamer (2013), Snakes of Fire (2015), Ladies of the Five Senses (2017), and The Bookseller’s Notebooks (2020), the latter winning the International Prize for Arabic Fiction (Arabic Booker) in 2021. Barjas’s writing is known for its poetic language, layered narratives, and social critique. His books, originally written in Arabic, have been translated into Persian, English, and other languages. He also heads the Jordanian Narrative Lab and actively contributes to cultural and radio programs