Roxana Trabulsi

As the reign of imperialism ends in Aden, Yemen and gives way to a communist government, a young family finds themselves trapped as political prisoners. Strength, love and faith are pushed to their limits overnight as they embark on the fight of their lives.

November 1967 in Aden, Yemen. Dara and Silloo Barucha’s serene life with their family is interrupted when violence erupts after the British occupation announce their plan for a swift exit from the country. Things take a turn when the family business is seized, and they are targeted by members of the revolution. Dara is whisked away as a political prisoner while Silloo put under house arrest with her three young children and mother-in-law. As the couple embark on their separate harrowing journeys, in the hopes of being reunited, they are consistently faced by challenges. The looming question: will they make it out alive? 

Based on a true story, Of Mud and Honey, captures the ugliness of a country torn apart by the fight for independence. While also exemplifying the beauty of good people and the bounty that hope can bestow. 

"We are delighted to announce Roxana Trabulsi as the 2024 recipient of the Bapsi Sidhwa Literary Prize for her compelling novel Of Mud and Honey. Trabulsi’s work weaves her characters’  personal struggles with larger environmental and social themes, offering a poignant story of kinship, hope, and transformation. Her vivid prose and richly developed narrative capture the resilience of marginalized voices, embodying the prize's mission to foster empathy and cross-cultural understanding. Trabulsi’s achievement continues Sidhwa’s legacy, reminding us of literatures profound ability to bridge diverse perspectives and celebrate our shared humanity." 

-Bapsi Sidhwa Literary Award Committee 

"What makes it important and why it should be widely read is that throughout the world today—as well as yesterday and tomorrow—other families and individuals face the same tribulations as a result of coups, uprisings, revolutions and changes of regime and policies; for example, in Yemen and Afghanistan today."

 – Noel Brehony, Author of Yemen Divided

"A beautiful and emotional book.  The importance of showing love, loyalty, and kindness when all seems lost shines through. I especially enjoyed seeing how past kindnesses, shown naturally with no thought of return,  helped even when in despair.  A definite "must read". 

I loved reading this book.  I may even have read it twice! It was gorgeous. 

- Annie Adams, Beta Reader

"Loved the book!" 

"Beautiful….Roxana Trabulsi captures the struggles and birth of an independent Yemen amidst the downfall of British colonialism. Her vivid narrative captures life's intimate details at a time when the characters struggle to survive, yet through it all illustrate the importance of hope and above all love."
-- Jennifer Sullivan, Beta Reader

"I thought that I would be reading a love story when I picked up this book, and yet it turned out to be much more! Of Mud and Honey takes the reader on a journey through time following the harrowing details of one family during the time of the British exit from Aden. I had never heard of the city of Aden, I certainly couldn’t locate it on a map, and I had no idea that it was a Crown Colony. I love it when a book makes you think and challenges you to learn all while being lost in the lives of the protagonists. The reader intimately witnesses the strength of character and moral fortitude of all the members of this family while feeling their daily struggles to survive. I was so immersed in their world that I had a hard time putting the book down. I needed to know that they were going to be okay, that they would survive this arduous time in their lives. Brava Roxana Trabulsi for bringing this very personal story of the journey of these amazing people to life in such a beautiful and heartfelt way."

 - Michelle Brockmann, Beta Reader

“Roxana has created a masterpiece that had me enthralled until the very last page. The rich and detailed descriptions of beautiful Aden, it’s people, the bravery of Silloo and the loyalty of Ahmed stood out amidst so many other amazing mini stories. I loved it.” 

-Divya Krishnan, Beta Reader

"With fine-grained detail that gives her story the texture of memoir, Roxana Trabulsi evokes the bewilderment of expatriates whose lives are transformed by geopolitical events beyond their control.  As their lives of beauty and abundance become a nightmare of intimidation and false imprisonment, Roxana carried me along with the fear and fury of her protagonists, who must discover their own reserves of resilience and ingenuity. Their Parsi community, extending from Aden to Dubai, Bombay, Delhi, and London, mobilizes to support them, a sobering reminder of the essential role that our communities can play in times of crisis.” 

- Beth Barry, Beta Reader

"Roxana is a gifted writer and storyteller. Her novel leaves me shaken. I am stirred to connect with her characters as they struggle against oppression and injustice. In the telling, I move through time and space--through the old cities of Aden, Yemen, and Bombay, India. I discover the young, vibrant city of Dubai in the 70s. Her details are so precise, and the telling so rich that I can almost smell the nectar and taste the sweet tea under the searing middle-eastern sun. It is a tale of family. It is a tale of tribe. She shows how these forces shape our collective history and define her family's saga. It is a gripping reminder of how quickly a country can turn against its members, condemn innocent people and justify horror, all in the name of patriotism.” 

- Anita Luria, Beta Reader

" I read this last month. Amazing. It is the rare non-fiction book that is a page-turner, but this is one of them. I can totally see this as a movie. The imagery is so evocative. You feel as though you are right there in Yemen. Congrats Roxana Trabulsi on making the world a more beautiful, understandable place. Please write more!"

-David Luria