Hani Abd El-Mourid

“The novel is, above all, a novel of questions — not only because it opens with the direct question: ‘How are novels written?’ but because it persistently seeks to raise a series of questions in the readers. These questions pertain to the act of writing and the challenges the protagonist faces in carrying on a mission that appears arduous and complex, yet they also compel us to pause and reflect deeply on our own relationships with the things and people around us.” Ibrahim Adel (Cultural critic)

“The fundamental epistemological question in the narrative, or for its characters, appears to be connected to the soul — or the self-knowledge that shapes one’s choices and direction. Perhaps this question is tied to the block often encountered in the world of writing, which in turn generates an intellectual pursuit of how to write the novel. Yet this ‘how,’ as seen in the text, is but a search for the soul — a quest for an alternative form of fulfillment.” Dr. Adel Dergham (Academic critic)

“What is seen through the various attempts in the novel reflects what may be called a 'novel within a novel', in the spirit of Brecht's 'theater within the theater'— breaking the fourth wall between audience and stage to disrupt alienation and spark awareness. This is precisely what Hani Abd El-Mourid does in this novel, alternating between the tangible elements of reality and those drawn from imagination.” Dr. Mohamed El-Sayed Ismail (Critic)
 
“Although the novel may seem elitist — starting with its title, which bears the name of a Greek poetess who died centuries ago, and extending to the protagonist’s struggle, which mirrors the inner tragedy of many creative people who drift far from ordinary lives and dwell within themselves. But the small details that make the story relatable, bringing it closer to people and making those people feel like the heroes of the story, and their fears are mirrored in its fears.” Nahla Karam (Novelist)
 
“This astonishing novel poses its haunting questions to writers, prompting them to choose whether to free themselves through writing or remain imprisoned by their fears; whether to paint their own picture or let others paint it for them; whether what they write persists — or goes with the wind.” Mahmoud Abdel Shakour (Critic)
 
“In My Dear Sappho, the novelist and storyteller Hani Abd El-Mourid, as in many of his works, is preoccupied with the search for a narrative that echoes the soul, and carries the author’s unique voice — a voice that gives life and the spirit of eternity to his words and novelties.” Dr. Azza Mazen (Critic)
 
“The novel – My Dear Sappho- published by the General Egyptian Book Organization, is cohesive in both theme and structure. It is deeply engaged with the creative complexities— how and when it is forms— and it addresses the dilemma of the subject of the creative work, or the necessary approach to writing.” Abdel Hadi Abbas (Writer)
 

“Kyrie Eleison is a captivating and bold novel, and it is rich with profound meanings blended with a universally relatable human experience. The novel is not without an attempt to innovate the form, using the cycle of time and space, the shifting of roles between characters, the deliberate incorporation of ambiguity, and the fusion of the core with the margin. Ultimately, it stands out as one of the best novels produced by young writers in recent times.” Dr. Ammar Ali Hassan (Novelist and critic)

“A modernist novel and a significant addition to the new Arabic novel. It represents a distinctive milestone in Hani Abd El-Mourid’s literary journey and for the new generation of novelists.” Ahmed Amer (Novelist and critic)

“A small-sized yet highly valuable text, delivered by Hani Abd El-Mourid with the skill of a seasoned novelist. His suspenseful prose leaves the reader breathless at times and tapped in the novel’s mysteries at others.” Dr. Afaf Abdel-Moaty (Academic)

“The adventure in Kyrie Eleison begins with an incursion into the external world, which in turn opens up the streams and springs of fluid narration that encompass every element. It’s a bold literary journey true to its author—and in my opinion, that’s how all great adventures begin, whether on paper or beyond it.” Mohamed Abdel-Naby (Novelist)

“Abd El-Mourid appears to have a firm grip on his tools. He maintains rhythm and manages to say much with few words. Despite the novel’s abundance of themes and references, it never slips from his hands and keeps a compelling level of suspense.” Mohamed Khair (Poet and novelist)

“Kyrie Eleison (the novel’s title) is a cry for help targeting us through a non-traditional narrative structure, placing us right from the outset in the presence of someone in distress, ushering us into an immediate emotional moment as we engage with the text.” Dr. Raja Ali Mohamed (Academic critic)

“There is no conventional plot in Kyrie Eleison that drives the reader to continue to the end, but instead, the novel's power lies in its strong narrative, vivid language, and authentic characters with real concerns and passing presences. It urges to a merging of identities between reader and character, without exploiting emotions. There’s no victory for the marginalized—unless we count the exposure of their misery as a victory. What’s noteworthy about Abd El-Mourid’s approach is that his portrayal of these wretched individuals’ humanity is subtle; he doesn't grant them a moral superiority or fall into the trap of sentimental empathy with a social condition that, however harsh, is accepted by those who endure it.” Dr. Abeer Salama (Academic critic) 

“Hani Abd El-Mourid’s Kyrie Eleison is a prominent manifestation in today’s literary landscape, reflecting an effective engagement with the margins—both spatially and symbolically.” Dr. Yousry Abdallah (Academic critic)

“Kyrie Eleison is a short novel (119 pages), bold, fast-paced, and shocking. The author fearlessly tackles the most sensitive and controversial topics: sex, religion, slums, conscription, the war on Iraq, superficial piety, unemployment, and human loneliness in this world.” Alaa El-Deeb (Novelist)  

“Language played a fundamental role in the success of this novel—unlike other works that addressed the marginalized using coarse, abrasive language, which only amplified the harshness of the depicted reality and alienated readers. Kyrie Eleison avoided that trap and succeeded because of it.” Mohamed Rafie (Novelist)

"In Kyrie Eleison, satire is not meant for laughter. It transcends humor to become sharp, poignant, and rich in irony and surprise." Mohamed El-Fakharany (Novelist)

"Kyrie Eleison is a prophetic novel that succeeded in anticipating the January 25th Revolution of 2011. Through its observations, and the issues it casts light on, the novel contributes to the spirit of that uprising. In my view, it serves as a translation of a crushed nation’s consciousness, awaiting its moment of deliverance." Dr. Hani Ismail (Academic critic)