The Tobacco Guard
Ali Bader
This retrospective novel within a novel by Iraqi author Ali Bader explores the origins of the current state of Iraq, taking the reader on a journey from the occupied and blood-soaked present day Baghdad back several decades to the 1930s. In this complex story, the author reflects on the country’s reign of violence, beginning with the attacks against Baghdad's Jews in 1941 and ending with the recent fall of Saddam Hussein.
Nomination
2009 Longlist
Ali Bader
Country of origin Iraq
About the author
Iraqi novelist Ali Bader was born in Baghdad in 1964. He studied philosophy and French literature at Baghdad University before working as a journalist for a number of newspapers and magazines. In addition, he is the author of over 15 books, from travel writing and works of criticism to nine works of fiction. He has won a number prizes for his novels, many of which have been translated into other languages.