In’am Kajeji reflects on writing and memory at SIBF 2025

November 15, 2025 / 3:31 PM

Sharjah24: Iraqi novelist and journalist In’am Kajeji emphasised that writing, for her, is an act of celebrating memory and capturing the richness of human and cultural experience. She noted that literature remains an authentic means to preserve the beautiful images that shaped a whole generation who loved reading and embraced culture as a way of life. These reflections were shared during a dialogue session titled “A Life in Writing: A Look at In’am Kajeji’s Novelist Journey”, moderated by writer Salha Obaid as part of the 44th Sharjah International Book Fair 2025.

Memory and childhood

Kajeji spoke about her connection to her hometown, explaining how her early years formed a core part of her creative journey. She highlighted that the memory of place remains present in her literary works, no matter the distance. She shared her intention to provide younger generations with a beautiful image of what shaped her cultural and human consciousness. She also recalled her early encounters with reading and writing, crediting her mother, who despite limited formal education, instilled a love of books, often taking her to libraries and reading to her from authors like Munif Al-Manfaluti. Her father, meanwhile, read aloud newspaper articles that interested him, cultivating her passion for the printed word from a young age.

From journalism to novels

Kajeji discussed her career path, noting her long-standing association with Sharjah since 1990 through her work with Kul Al Usra magazine, where she continues to write weekly, expressing her love for the city. Regarding literary neutrality, she stressed that the role of the writer is to ask questions and explore human experiences in their works. Her novel The American Granddaughter explores the relationships of three generations within a human context, leaving readers free to interpret the characters’ journeys.

Writing beyond borders

She explained that writing outside her hometown allows her to draw inspiration from daily observations and cultural developments, with distance providing a broader perspective on her subjects.

Awards and the digital age

Kajeji expressed her delight at winning the Sultan Bin Ali Al Owais Cultural Award, noting its symbolic value in honouring a beloved Iraqi poet. She affirmed her belief in the transformative power of technology, saying: “Every era has its writers and tools. I am addicted to social media; I read my friends’ works across the Arab world, and they read mine. I find in this a new form of cultural life.” She concluded by reaffirming her confidence in the resilience of Arab culture.