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Quote by Leila Aboulela

Work

Minaret

This book delves into the life of a young woman living in a traditional Arab society, as she navigates the complexities of her personal and cultural identities amidst the backdrop of political and social change. more

Author

Leila Aboulela
Leila Aboulela

Leila Aboulela is a British novelist and essayist born in 1964. Her works often explore themes of immigration, identity, and religious faith, deeply influenced by East African and Islamic cultures. more

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“The camera has a mind of its own--its own point of view. Then the human bearer of time stumbles into the camera's gaze--the camera's domain of pristine space hitherto untraversed is now contaminated by human temporality. Intrusion occurs, but the camera remains transfixed by its object. It doesn't care. The camera has no human fears.”

“I have learned, as has many another better writer, to summon inspiration to my call as soon as I begin my day's stint, and not to hang around waiting for it. Inspiration is merely a pretty phrase for the zest to work. And it can be cultivated by anyone who has the patience to try. Inspiration that will not come at its possessor's summons is like a dog that cannot be trained to obey. The sooner both are gotten rid of, the better.”

“I'm greedier than anyone. I don't want some half-assed happiness I don't need some partial warmth. I want a happiness that goes on forever. That's impossible, though! I don't know why it is, but in this world, some interference is sure to come. Important things break right away. I've been alive for twenty-two years, and I know at least this much. It doesn't matter what the thing is, but it will break. That's why, from the beginning, it's better not to need anything.”