Title: Chiara
Author: Sabri G. Bebawi
Publisher: CreateSpace
ISBN: 9781537554990
Genre: Fiction / Drama / Romance
Pages: 359
About the Author
Sabri Bebawi, born in 1956 in Fayoum, Egypt. He attended law school at Cairo University. He left Egypt for the United Kingdom. Oxford University invited him during the fourth and last year of Law School. He never returned to Egypt. A few years later, after living and working as a journalist in England, Italy, France, and Cyprus, he took political refuge in the United States. He has been teaching ESL, English, Journalism, and graduate Educational Technology courses. He studied for more graduate work at UCLA and got a PhD degree in Philosophy, English Education and Distance Learning from Capella University.
Although English is his third language, Bebawi has published many articles, books, and essays on eclectic topics. It has always been his ambition to write novels. This is his second try; his first has been successful; God on Trial has won several awards including a British Literary Award in 2015. That English is a third language to Bebawi, writing a novel has always been preoccupying and challenging.
As a child, Sabri Bebawi struggled to make sense of the world and of human nature. He knew of the human condition. As he grew older, and studied law, and the “not so holy” books, he developed a more pragmatic and sensible stance; the world became just a mirage, an illusion and a mere phantasm. Bebawi waits for that to come day when religions, conformity, capitalism, republicanism, and corrupt governments are eradicated. He believes in John
Lennon’s immortal lyrics, “Imagine.”
Author Interview with Sabri G. Bebawi
Interviewed by: Gillian Pemberton
Today we are talking with author Sabri G. Bebawi of “Chiara.”
PBR: Where did you get your inspiration for Chiara?
I am a 60-year-old lawyer, professor of English and Journalism and a writer. I have lived and worked in many countries in the world, so I experienced a lot. The character “Chiara” is how I have experienced young women are over the years. Through her, I wanted to give a political, social, religious, and intellectual view- points that sadly most people do not think about. I used Chiara and her sexuality as a device to introduce these lessons.
PBR: Do your personal political beliefs align with Chiara’s or her parents’?
My personal beliefs align with Chiara and even to a more extreme. I am a liberal, socialist and totally anti American Capitalism and consumerism. Many readers think that Chiara, hence me, hate America – not at all – we do not and I do not. I love America, but I detest its disregard to humanity. That is why Chiara leaves for Europe where Socialism/Humanism is the norm. I feel the same way. As for Chiara’s parents, they are the typical American lost souls whose gods is the dollar and whose cares are themselves.
PBR: You reference Woody Allen films in the book. Which is your favorite Woody Allen film?
Unlike what many Americans thinks, Woody Allen is the greatest thinker of our time. I am happy to say that I have seen his recognition, respect, and veneration in France, England, Italy and Scandinavia – Parisian love Woody; so do I. Many Americans do not like him because they lack the intellect to understand his genius or they hate that he makes them naked of their phony lives. Is there anyone in America who is as brave as Woody Allen?
PBR: What sort of research did you do for this book?
This novel took three years in the making. Most of it was written in Rouen, France and in Paris. I sat on the same café most famous writers sat in St. Michelle in Paris and I was inspired. I researched writers, philosophers and thinkers and had to read Crime and Punishment for the fourth time.
PBR: What was the most difficult part of writing Chiara?
Language is the most difficult part. That English is my third language, and although I have a PhD in it, my language skills are too academic for the common man. It was hard for me to bring my style in language down to the level of the common man.
PBR: Was there a scene/scenes you chose to leave out of the final work?
Yes, there were many sexual scenes that I left out even though I know they realities of life and that what happens and I personally experienced many in my life, I thought many of the American reader is far too puritan and a hypocrite to appreciate such scenes.
You remember my last novel “God on Trial?” Right? It did so well in Europe and so badly in America – just like Woody Allen’s great work. Can we stop for a minute and ask why? I know the answer. Do you?
Thank you for the brilliant questions and the opportunity.
To learn more about “Chiara” please visit: Pacific Book Review
