A Sea of Sorcery: Roundtable with Shannon Chakraborty

In G. Willow Wilson's 'The Bird King,' set during the reign of the last sultan in Granada, Fatima, a concubine, and Hassan, the mapmaker with the power to travel to any place he can envision, are forced to flee when the sultan's court is threatened by the approaching Spanish Inquisition. Their journey takes them from Granada to the mythical island of birds. The book deals with themes of religious and cultural identity, the power of myth and storytelling, and the complex relationship between faith and freedom.

Ahmed Saadawi's "Frankenstein in Baghdad" is a darkly satirical novel set against the backdrop of the Iraq War. The story centers on Hadi, a scavenger who collects body parts from the streets and unwittingly creates a monstrous being. The novel blends elements of fantasy and realism, offering a visceral portrayal of the war's devastating impact on Iraqi society. Saadawi's work explores themes of violence, loss, and the search for meaning in a chaotic world. "Frankenstein in Baghdad" is a powerful and disturbing exploration of the human condition in the face of war and destruction. It has received critical acclaim for its unique blend of genres and its unflinching portrayal of the realities of war.