Costa nominated Nabeel’s Song was published in the UK by Sceptre in 2006 (and as Der Dichter van Baghdad by Mouria in the Netherlands and as The Poet of Baghdad in June 2007 in the USA.
It’s the story of one Iraqi family’s triumph and survival through Saddam Hussein’s brutal regime and the study of the struggle of exile and the power of art, poetry and expression in restoring faith and renewing the will to live.
Here are some review quotes:
“Extraordinary, the story of Nabeel Yasin is also that of his unfortunate country over the last half century… such an extraordinary story deserves an extraordinary writer and thankfully it has Jo Tatchell… a staggering, unmissable achievement.” The Mail
“Jo Tatchell’s moving narrative, from Nabeel’s mouth, tells of endurance, literary resistance and the courage of a loving close-knit family oppressed by tyranny and war. Behind the deadly statistics and political rhetoric voices such as this inspire us to pity and pride.” The Times
“Utterly compelling …what emerges is a resilient family’s unconditional love for one another.” Scotland on Sunday
“Nabeel’s Song evokes the lost world of Iraq before Saddam, as well as the terrors that ensued. This beautifully written book reminds us that poetry is stronger than tyranny.” Costa judges
Amazon reader review…. “I highly recommend this true story. I hated to put it down and I think you will feel the same.”
As well as the Costa Biography Award 2006, Nabeel’s Song was nominated for the Index on Censorhip Award 2006 and the Samuel Johnson Prize for Non-Fiction 2007.
Jo Tatchell 