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Literary Fiction· Tunisia

Talismano

by Abdelwahab Meddeb
Aggregate Editorial Score30/100
Published 1979French
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About This Book

Published in 1979, Talismano established Abdelwahab Meddeb as one of the defining voices in literary fiction. This poetic and philosophical novel takes readers on a journey through the streets of Tunis, blending reality and imagination. It is a reflection on identity, history, and the mystical aspects of the city. Abdelwahab Meddeb's work is noted for its rich language and its exploration of the spiritual and cultural dimensions of Tunisian life. Themes of identity, history, mysticism run through the work.

Book Details

AuthorAbdelwahab Meddeb
Published1979
Country of Origin🇹🇳 Tunisia
LanguageFrench
Category📖 Literary Fiction
ISBN9782070378163
Editorial Score30/100
About the Category

📖 Literary Fiction

Character-driven fiction that prioritises style, theme, and psychological depth.

Explore all Literary Fiction books →
Country of Origin

🇹🇳 Tunisia

This book is part of Tunisia's rich literary tradition.

Explore books from Tunisia →

Editorial Assessment

First published in 1979, Abdelwahab Meddeb's Talismano is a work of literary fiction that has drawn sustained interest from critics and prize committees alike. Its engagement with identity, history, mysticism, urban life gives the book a depth that extends well beyond its genre. Critics and institutions have consistently placed Talismano among the notable works of its period. Our aggregate score of 30/100 is compiled from 1 editorial sources that range from Nobel and Booker committees to leading literary journals. What distinguishes Talismano is how it handles its central concerns — identity, history, mysticism, urban life — without reducing them to neat conclusions. The book invites close reading and holds up well to it. Talismano reflects Abdelwahab Meddeb's place in a wider literary tradition. The book's concerns resonate with Tunisia's broader cultural preoccupations, even as they reach beyond any single national context.
About this assessment: Editorial scores are aggregated from 1 independent sources including major literary prizes, critical surveys, and leading publications. Our editorial team reviews and contextualises this data. Rankings reflect critical consensus, not personal opinion or popularity metrics. Learn about our methodology.

Awards & Recognition

London Review of Books
notable · global
19800
✍️
About the Author
Abdelwahab Meddeb
Tunisia
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Abdelwahab Meddeb is a Tunisia author whose work in literary fiction has earned recognition from readers and critics alike.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Talismano about?

This poetic and philosophical novel takes readers on a journey through the streets of Tunis, blending reality and imagination. It is a reflection on identity, history, and the mystical aspects of the city. Abdelwahab Meddeb's work is noted for its rich language and its exploration of the spiritual and cultural dimensions of Tunisian life.

Who wrote Talismano?

Talismano was written by Abdelwahab Meddeb, from Tunisia. First published in 1979.

What awards has Talismano won?

Talismano has received the following recognition: notable critical recognition.

Is Talismano worth reading?

Talismano is a well-regarded book with an aggregate editorial score of 30/100 on 50 Best Books. It is particularly recommended for readers interested in identity, history, mysticism.

Where can I buy Talismano?

You can buy Talismano on Amazon. Click the Buy on Amazon button above to find the best edition.

What category is Talismano?

Talismano is classified as Literary Fiction. Character-driven fiction that prioritises style, theme, and psychological depth.

What country is Talismano from?

Talismano originates from Tunisia's literary tradition. Explore more books from Tunisia on our country page.

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