We are delighted that Dar Shafaq Publishing of Kuwait is undertaking the translation of A Caravan of Brides into Arabic. Dar Shafaq will then publish the Arabic edition in ebook, print, and audio book formats. This is a big honor for the author and Loon Cove Press, because it is rare for a western author’s novel set in the Arab world to be translated into Arabic. Dar Shafaq has already published The Sons of Fez, and it has been on display at major book fairs in Saudi Arabia, Sharjah, and Kuwait. The goal is to have A Caravan of Brides ready for the book fairs in 2026. Many thanks to Dar Shafaq for their interest.

It is with great joy that we announce that the Kuwaiti publishing firm, Dar Shafaq, has translated The Sons of Fez into Arabic, and is publishing it in both paperback and ebook format. We are honored that Dar Shafaq selected The Sons of Fez to reach its Arabic readers. Dar Shafaq is a leading publishing firm in the Arab world that displays and sells books at book fairs throughout the Arab world as well as their own online catalog. In October, The Sons of Fez is going to be available at the prestigious and popular Riyadh International Book Fair in Saudi Arabia. Here is the very colorful cover of the Arabic edition. The translation is by Muhammad Kahhal.

The Sons of Fez has been selected as a finalist in the 2022 Maine Literary Awards. The time travel adventure set in the medina (old city) of Fez, Morocco, is one of three finalists in the speculative fiction category. The winner will be announced on May 24, 2022. For a list of all the finalists, visit this link:
https://www.mainewriters.org/events/2022-finalists

Cover illustrator Andy Bridge created the cover for The Sons of Fez. We wanted to get close to the feel of Art Deco period travel posters that were created by Air France and Air Maroc to attract European travelers to North Africa. Along the way we focused on the all-important archway in the story, and some character and story elements are in the image, though you have to look closely to see them. Readers of the book will know what they are! You can read about Andy Bridge and see his work at: http://www.andybridge.com

Kirkus Reviews gave A CARAVAN OF BRIDES a coveted ‘Star’ rating, given to only 10% of reviewed books, and signifying literary merit.

“Campbell’s masterful debut novel delivers a story that matches up flawlessly with real-life aspects of Middle Eastern culture, geography, and history. The characters are deeply developed, and their stories intertwine with true events that readers may be unaware of, such as the 1918 flu epidemic and the 1979 Grand Mosque siege. The storytelling transports the audience to a foreign place and time with vivid details and timeless themes. As the well-paced plot moves forward, readers may nearly forget about its destination because they’re so wrapped up in the journey. A mesmerizing Middle Eastern tale to be savored from beginning to end.” – Kirkus Reviews, starred review.

Here is a link to the full review (plot spoiler alert): Kirkus Starred Review