Small paperbacks that introduced generations of Arab readers to espionage, science fiction and supernatural mysteries are drawing visitors back to familiar characters at the 45th Sharjah International Book Fair.
A collection presented by Muhammad Shawala features dozens of titles by Egyptian author Dr Nabil Farouk, alongside works by other popular writers associated with Rewayat Masreyya Lel Geeb, or Egyptian Pocket Novels.
For readers who grew up in the 1980s and 1990s, the books recall saving pocket money for the next instalment, borrowing copies from friends and waiting to discover what happened to their favourite characters.
“This is my first time participating in Sharjah International Book Fair, and I am delighted to bring these books to its readers,” said Shawala, who previously exhibited at the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair.
“What makes this participation particularly special is seeing people recognise the books, remember the stories and share their memories with me.”
Launched in 1984 by publisher Hamdi Mostafa through Al-Moassasa Al-Arabia Al-Haditha, the Egyptian Pocket Novels project offered young readers affordable Arabic fiction in a portable format. Its serialised stories encouraged readers to collect successive instalments and exchange them with friends and siblings.
Farouk was among the project’s most influential authors. His Ragol Al Mostaheel series followed intelligence officer Adham Sabry, while Malaf Al Mostakbal explored scientific discoveries and futuristic possibilities.
Ahmed Khaled Tawfik attracted another devoted readership through Ma Wara’a Al-Tabi’a, featuring doctor Refaat Ismail and his encounters with the supernatural.
The characters still prompt conversations among visitors. Shawala recalled joking with one reader about whether he preferred Adham Sabry’s missions or Refaat Ismail’s mysterious adventures, revisiting the friendly rivalries the series inspired.
For some visitors, recognising a familiar cover is enough to bring back memories. Shawala said one reader told him the display had taken them back to their younger days, with the stand becoming a place for people to share recollections of the books.
The interest also extends to parents hoping to introduce their children to the stories. According to Shawala, one visitor decided to buy the entire collection for his children after seeing the display.
For younger readers, the books offer an introduction to a chapter of modern Arabic popular fiction. For those returning to them decades later, their appeal lies as much in the memories of reading and sharing them as in the adventures themselves.
Organised by the Sharjah Book Authority, the fair runs until November 15 at Expo Centre Sharjah under the theme “Made of Stories”.
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