Maya Waked - Money Land

Lebanese author gives glimpse of Moneyland

MAYA MANSOUR, Qatar Tribune - March 21 2010

DOHA

THE French Week, held to mark the 40th anniversary of the International Day of Francophonie, concluded with the release of a book Moneyland by noted Lebanese Maya Waked at the French Cultural Center on Saturday.

Waked attended the event on the invitation of the French Library of Dubai.

As the name suggests, Moneyland is an imaginary city where common people are the main characters.

The book in French tells the story of four married couples who visit a psychoanalyst to resolve their conjugal problems.

All the couples who live a luxurious life become victims of money.

“I was inspired by modern couples living in different Arab cosmopolitan cities.

My book reflects the reality in Arab world.

I have dealt with marriage and divorce.

I have also discussed the reasons behind the success or failure of marriages,” Waked said.

In her book, the Lebanese writer has also talked about the impact of family conflicts on children.

She said, “I did not mention nationalities or religions in my book.

Some circumstances in the book remind the reader of some locations in the Arab world.” Waked likes to write in French since her youth but she also makes sure to translate her books into Arabic with the help of a professional translator in order to reach out to Arabic readers.

Moneyland is Maya’s second book.

It is available now in Doha, Dubai, Beirut, Paris and Cairo.

Waked said, “I liked the activities at the French week in Qatar.

It was fascinating to see the interest in French in Qatar.”