The Djinn's Apple

Djamila Morani Press Reviews

"Djamila Morani’s The Djinn’s Apple takes place in Baghdad in the Abbasid period, during the rule of Harun Al-Rashid (786–809). Part crime novel, part historical fiction, The Djinn’s Apple follows gutsy Nardeen as she seeks to discover who wanted her father dead—and why. Djamila Morani is an Algerian writer who works as a teacher of Arabic language and literature. She is the author of The Djinn’s Apple and Crown of Sin."—Words Without Borders "In this fast-paced murder mystery set in eighth-century Baghdad, girl detective meets One Thousand and One Nights. For readers of all ages who like romance, mystery, and a young heroine who insists that girls can shape their own lives."—Marcia Lynx Qualey, founding editor of ArabLit and translator of Black Foam “Sawad’s pacy, energetic translation makes this a real page-turner. It’s heartening to have a feisty female protagonist in this historical thriller that gives a fascinating insight into life in Baghdad’s Golden Age.”—Ros Schwartz, translator of Antoine de Saint-Exupéry's The Little Prince "The Djinn's Apple delicately mines a woman's experience of a dark chapter of history. By turns poignant and insightful, Morani's novel offers a sizzling tale of secrets, treachery and human suffering. A rare, refreshing treat."—Taha Kehar, author of Typically Tanya and No Funeral for Nazia “This fast-paced mystery novel had me rattling through the pages to discover who killed Nardeen’s family, and why. The Djinn’s Apple raises important questions about justice, science and women’s education. It provides exactly the right amount of historical detail to leave curious readers eager to explore further for themselves. I read it in a single sitting.”—Susan C Wilson, author of The House of Atreus: Clytemnestra's Bind "A beautifully written murder mystery which is a window on another world. The story is a page turner, propelled along by the narrator Nardeen, a spirited teenager, as she deals with love and loss. Although the story is set in Baghdad during the time of One Thousand and One Nights, it shines a light on justice, health, and women's roles both then and now."—Amanda Addison, author of Boundless Sky and Looking for Lucie "What a thrill this novel is. Every chapter brings new excitement. I was swept away by the vivid world-building and intriguing characters... and I did not expect the ending! I'll be recommending to friends and family of all ages."—Anam Zafar, translator of Yoghurt and Jam: Or How My Mother Became Lebanese (winner of a PEN Translates Award 2023) "Morani weaves a compact and compelling tale of revenge, intrigue, and moral ambiguity with a fascinating historical setting. An engrossing mystery with a haunting and convincing conclusion."—Kirkus Reviews "Morani has made full use of a rich and gripping history to create this fiction, resulting in the vivid depiction of a period where magic, religion, politics, science, and culture could all intertwine in one’s own life."—Asymptote Journal "The Djinn's Apple is quite unlike any other murder mystery I’ve read. With blood curdling killings, an intricate revenge plot, and unexpected romance, Morani packs a lot into this fast-paced story readers will want to devour in one go!"—Johanna McCalmont, co-editor of World Kid Lit and translator of Just To See and Kaleidoscope Club "The Djinn's Apple is a beautifully written YA read. Secret potions, an unfamiliar Baghdad setting, and the hint of enchantment had me turning the pages long into the night. Nardeen's struggle for acceptance, and answers, combined with the need to follow her heart had me rooting for her (and holding my breath) from start to finish. Such rich storytelling with some terrific twists and surprises; this was a truly unforgettable read."—Angela Kecojevic, author of Scareground and the Oxford Reading Tree programme "I absolutely adored The Djinn's Apple. Part coming of age story, part crime fiction, Morani transports the reader to historical Baghdad to uncover the mystery of the Baramika family murders. Newly-orphaned Nardeen must tackle slave traders, doubting doctors, and even royalty on her hunt for answers. This murder mystery never feels gaudy; the twists and turns are elegant and compelling. With beautifully crafted sentences and a captivating translation by Hussain, The Djinn's Apple is simply enchanting."—Jenna Adams, author of Can I Stray "This is a beautifully lyrical story that combines elements of grief, revenge, love and a touch of magic to create a compelling mystery for sixteen-year-old Nardeen to solve. Can she bring the man behind her family’s deaths to justice, and what will it cost her if she does? Can she bear to let go of her future dreams in order to avenge the wrongs of the past? Set against the atmospheric backdrop of the Abbasid period, The Djinn’s Apple will take readers on an unforgettable journey back in time to Baghdad’s Golden Age."—Victoria Williamson, author of The Boy with the Butterfly Mind, War of the Wind and Norah's Ark "A true page-turner, Djamila Morani’s novel for young adults entitled, The Djinn’s Apple (translated by Sawad Hussain), is a murder mystery par excellence that deftly combines history, medical knowledge, crime, intrigue, romance, and insights into human nature. The map in the beginning, historical notes at the end, and a Reader’s Guide for discussion would make this book ideal for classroom use well, thus adding to his multifaceted virtues."—Nancy Roberts, translator of Beirut '75 “I love a good murder mystery and this one certainly didn't disappoint. In addition to the gripping storyline brought to life in English by Sawad Hussain, Neem Tree Press has delivered once again on the paratext. A map at the front helps to situate the action while the back matter gives more detail to the historic and cultural elements of the story. A short Reader's Guide asks probing questions providing welcome opportunities for further discussion. The whole package is topped off with a stunning cover design by Holly Ovenden plus beautiful endpapers and illustrations.”—Claire Storey, translator of Never Tell Anyone Your Name