The Translator Summary
Leila Aboulela

The Translator Overview

In Leila Aboulela's novel The Translator, young Muslim widow, Sammar, struggles to balance her devout faith with her romantic feelings for her secular colleague, Rae. The third person narrative tells the story of Sammar and Rae's deep and evolving friendship. Still trying to reconcile with her husband's death four years prior, Sammar grows attached to Rae's companionship. Rae also gives Sammar license to think and speak like no one else has. Their relationship, however, threatens Sammar's reputation, and her worldview. The novel explores themes including, belonging, grief, and loneliness.