The Silence of Mohammed

by Salim Bachi

Translated from the original French by Sue Rose

Before becoming the prophet of Islam, Mohammed was a simple man of flesh and blood who started life as a poor orphan in the Arabian city of Mecca. Through his union with Khadija, he became a prosperous merchant and caravaneer. He was visited by God at the age of forty to become a prophet and visionary statesman. The Silence of Mohammed is the story of “this exceptional man” (Bachi).
Based on historical facts and legends, the novel presents a fictionalised account of the life of Mohammed told by four key characters: his first wife, Khadija; his closest friend, Caliph Abu Bakr; the fiery warrior, General Khalid; and his last love Aisha, who became his wife at the age of nine.

(From Publisher).

Salim Bachi was born in Algeria in 1971. He studied literature in Algeria and France. His first book, Le Chien d’Ulysse, was published in 2001 and awarded the Goncourt du Premier Roman. It was followed by La Kahéna in 2003, Autoportrait avec grenade in 2005, Tuez-les tous in 2006, Le Silence de Mahomet in 2008, which shortlisted for the Prix Goncourt and the Prix Renaudot, and Amours et aventures de Sindbad le Marin in 2010, also shortlisted for the Prix Renaudot. He left Algeria in 1995 and now lives and works in France.

Bachi tells in a simple, poetic and beguiling style, of Mohammed, the prophet of Islam. He draws a subtle portrait of him, as seen by those closest to him. The story is based on historical facts and legends, and the novel presents a fictionalised account of his life told by four characters: his first wife, Khadija; his closest friend, Caliph Abu Bakr; the fiery warrior, general Khalid, and his last love, Aisha who became his wife at the age of nine. Bachi's language, with the grace of ancient tales, gives the perfume of great Arabic poetry and classic chronicles.