“Neither here nor there”: A Conversation with Laila Halaby

Arab American literature, especially the novel, according to literary critic Steven Salaita, has developed “as a formidable art form in community” (2011, 2). In Salaita’s view, literature “is undergoing something of qualitative and quantitative maturation” (2). However, Salaita also points out that it is difficult define because “diverse heterogeneous” (4). The definition complex identity its producers, such as novelists poets, even more per se. diversity backgrounds for Arab-American authors significant their ties both world USA hold political ambiguities characterizations. Such plays key role determining relationship between community other dominant minority groups. This relationship, Fadda-Conrey suggests, features “common experience struggle against marginalization discrimination, well continuous negotiation issues related politics, in-betweenness, multiple home fronts, uneasy belongings” (2014, 8). It is, therefore, necessary approach those who contributed creation canon understand how they reflect on writings. As such, I have conducted an interview with Laila Halaby – prominent novelist shine light some components much her own writer, American, citizen. posits critical questions regards two fascinating contemporary novels, West Jordan (2003), which won prestigious PEN Beyond Margins Award, Once Promised Land (2007). former tells story four female cousins Palestinian origin adolescent years: Soraya Khadija live USA; Hala lives USA, particularly Arizona; Mawal small traditional village known Nawara. They differing conditions encounter several bitter experiences due cultural, political, social, economic reasons. latter revolves around couple, Salwa Jassim, migrate from settle Arizona, search better opportunities lead successful lives. inhospitable climate repercussions ravages 9/11 events. find themselves at crossroads helplessly endeavour straddle different cultures. was born Lebanon mother Jordanian father. She spent most years when she growing up Arizona where formed understanding meeting point conflicting cultures hyphenated identity. comments: “My father always lived Jordan, my States, so I’ve never felt like I’m Arab-American. feel but hyphen lost me. Even though live, you know? It’s funny” (https://americanwritersmuseum.org/my-america-laila-halaby/2020). justifies this claim answer interview: “When navigating these labels, Arab-Americans seemed culture. things, merged category. With increased immigration, ‘Arab-American,’ me, general term than once.” currently working counsellor psychosocial oncology Cancer Centre, University Merck Foundation grant.