Vendor
	Liepman Literary Agency Marc Koralnik
Original language
English

SHUBEIK LUBEIK

Deena Mohamed

A brilliant and imaginative debut graphic novel that brings to life a fantastical Cairo where wishes are real. Author, illustrator, and translator Deena Mohamed presents a literary, feminist, Arab-centric graphic novel that marries magic and the socio-political realities of contemporary Egypt.

Shubeik Lubeika fairytale rhyme meaning Your Wish is My Command in Arabicis the story of three characters navigating a world where wishes are literally for sale; mired in bureaucracy and the familiar prejudices of our world, the more expensive the wish, the more powerful and therefore the more likely to work as intended. The novel's three distinct parts tell the story of three first class wishes as used by Aziza, Nour, and
Shokry, each grappling with the challenge inherent in trying to make your most deeply held desire come true.

Deena's mix of calligraphy and contemporary styles brings to life a vibrant Cairene neighborhood, and a cast of characters whose struggles and triumphs are deeply resonant. Shubeik Lubeik heralds the arrival of a huge new talent and a brave, literary, political, and feminist new voice in comics.

Deena Mohamed is an Egyptian designer and illustrator. She first began making comics at eighteen when she created the viral webcomic strip, Qahera. The comic addressed social issues and starred a visibly Muslim Egyptian super-heroine. It was featured in multiple local and international outlets such as the BBC, Foreign Policy, The Times, Al Arabiya and others. It has currently surpassed half a million hits and has over fifteen thousand fans on social media. In 2017, Deena was named by the Washington Post as one of five women changing the world for the better on the occasion of International Women's Day.

Available products
Book Published 2023-01-10 by Pantheon

Comments

Coconino Press

Penyama Publications

Mohamed's narratives are memorably entertaining and particularly insightfulexploring haves versus have-nots struggles, gender inequity, police brutalityeven more astounding is her fluid, sweeping art. Mohamed's stupendously dynamic visuals will prove addictive, moving all too swiftly toward a rewarding, resonating end.

A powder keg of human emotions and desires, cleverly delivered by its fantastical premise. Shubeik Lubeik investigates human nature with unflinching grace, carefully thought out worldbuilding, and characters so moving that they have found a permanent place in my heart. This book makes me believe that I too could buy a wish from the corner store.

Deena Mohamed plays a dangerous game that revives monsters and angels from our secret wishes and dreams. A masterpiece and one of the most iconic graphic novels of North Africa, where the innocence of the past meets the nightmares of the present.

Mohamed builds a rich and harrowing worldand finds every place a fascinating story might be hiding.

Granta

The book is exceptionally imaginative while also being wonderfully grounded in touching human relationships, existential quandaries, and familiar geopolitical and socio-economic dynamics. Mohamed's art balances perfectly between cartoon and realism, powerfully conveying emotions, and her strong, clean lines gorgeously depict everything from an anguished face to an ornate bottle...Immensely enjoyable.

Steinkis

easily the most subversive book I've read in decades! Deena Mohamed has much to say about the human condition, but she does so with effortless grace. Superb cartooning, and brimming with intelligence both emotional and intellectualall while maintaining an incredible sense of humorShubeik Lubeik embodies the holy grail of comix-making that few graphic novels have ever managed to achieve. A wondrous accomplishment and important addition to the culture.