HoW ‘Book Club’ to explore the meaning of home and belonging

This season features three titles that reflect on what home means across time and place: ‘The Odyssey’ by Homer, ‘House of Stone’ by war correspondent Anthony Shadid, and ‘Near to the Wild Heart’ by Brazilian author Clarice Lispector. Each book approaches the concept of “home” as something shaped by memory and identity, and often defined by absence, return or loss.

Vibrant space for discussion

Commenting on the new season, Marwa Al Aqroubi, Executive Director, said: “The variety of themes explored through the Book Club reflects the breadth of knowledge writers have contributed across time, as well as the diversity of readers’ interests. In each season, we aim to open a new window onto a human theme that has inspired writers past and present, in line with our vision of reading as a space for continuous dialogue between cultures and generations.”

She added: “This theme speaks to a shared human experience. Home is where values are first learned and where life begins. Guided by Sharjah’s vision, which places the family and the home at the core of a strong society, the programme invites reflection on belonging and emotional connection. It is a reminder that, wherever it may be and in whatever form it takes, home remains the place we return to in search of stability, meaning and understanding.”

Returning home: Loyalty, struggle, and the long road back

The new season begins in November with Homer’s ‘The Odyssey’, an epic poem that tells the story of Odysseus’s long return to Ithaca after the Trojan War. Across ten years of hardship, the text follows his struggle to find his way back, while his wife Penelope stands as a lasting symbol of patience and loyalty. Through its poetic structure and oral tradition, the work explores themes of identity, memory, resilience and homecoming.

Rebuilding memory: Family, belonging, and the meaning of place

In December, the Book Club continues with ‘House of Stone’ by Anthony Shadid. This deeply personal narrative follows the author’s return to Marjayoun, Lebanon, to rebuild his great-grandfather’s house. As the walls rise, so do memories of family and the meaning of belonging. The book becomes a reflection on loss, return and how places can live on in memory. The session will be accompanied by a creative writing workshop that invites participants to explore how the idea of home shapes personal history and imagination.

Facing oneself: Solitude, growth, and inner reckoning

The Book Club concludes in January 2026 with ‘Near to the Wild Heart’ by Brazilian author Clarice Lispector. The novel follows the character Joana as she confronts herself and the world around her, offering a powerful reflection on solitude, inner conflict and the search for meaning. A creative writing workshop will follow the discussion, inviting participants to engage with the novel’s themes and respond through their own writing.