READERS GUIDE

In The Poet of Baghdad, the life story of one of Iraq’s most revered poets, Nabeel Yasin, is framed against the turbulent crises in his homeland that took place before, during, and after the brutal regime of Saddam Hussein. Yasin’s poetry became a call to arms for his generation (he is known as the “Iraqi Bob Dylan”), but made him an enemy of the state; ultimately, in order to stay alive and protect his family, in 1979 he fled Iraq for Europe, where he lives today. The Poet of Baghdad covers many potent themes for discussion–such as the experiences of an oppressed Iraqi, the meaning of patriotism and the sacrifices entailed to be a patriot, the power of family, the relationship between mothers and sons–and this guide is designed to help direct your reading group’s dialogue about Jo Tatchell’s engrossing, lyrical, and powerful biography.

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Questions and Topics for Discussion

1. How did Jo Tatchell’s description of life in Iraq differ to how you imagined it before reading The Poet of Baghdad? What does the book reveal that particularly shocked and surprised you?

2. Discuss Nabeel’s mother Sabria. In what ways did Sabria shape the person Nabeel was to become? Do you personally know of a strong woman such as Sabria? If so, how has she impacted your life?

3. “In these uncertain times, a poet’s aim is to reach people with truth,” (page 77). Consider this statement, as well as the fact that Nabeel’s truth-telling through his poetry is what put him at dangerous odds with the Iraqi government. Why did he speak out in this way?

4. Nabeel and Nada’s escape from Iraq is a turning point in The Poet of Baghdad. How does Nabeel change after he and his family settle in Europe?

5. Many instances of Saddam Hussein’s self-styled cult of personality appear throughout the book. What were some of the more eyebrow-raising examples?

6. Examine the excerpts from Nabeel’s epic poems. What does Nabeel’s poetry say about himself, about his life in Iraq? Why do you think Nabeel’s works were such rallying cries for his countrymen?

7. “Whatever you may think of the world, little Nabeel, you cannot spend your life at odds with it. Think about those things you want to change, then speak,” (page 73). What do you think of Sabria’s advice? Does Nabeel follow it?

8. “Everything we knew was then. Perhaps we will find that out home exists only in our heads,” (page 340). How do you describe “home?” Is it a place, or a state of mind, or something else?

9. After Nabeel’s brother Juma’a is released from prison, he is determined to get his teaching job back, telling his shocked family, “If I shrink into the shadows they will have won,” (page 62). Did you agree with Juma’a’s decision to assume his old life? Why do you think he stayed in Iraq, while Nabeel chose to escape?

10. While he lived in exile, Nabeel’s poems were smuggled into Iraq and through word-of-mouth became hugely popular, elevating Nabeel to almost mythic status among Iraqis. What is it about his poetry that made this happen? Discuss the actions and assistance of Nabeel’s friend Tawfiq, who risked his life to clandestinely distribute Nabeel’s works. Would you have done the same things in Tawfiq’s position?

11. Discuss the role of Islam in The Poet of Baghdad. What significance did it hold for Nabeel, his parents, his siblings? How does Nabeel’s faith differ from that of his mother?

12. It’s practically impossible to read about the tribulations of Nabeel Yasin and his family without thinking of the current war America has waged in Iraq. What comparisons can be drawn between the tyrannical rule of Saddam Hussein and the many difficulties and dangers experienced by today’s Iraqis? Are things different for Iraqis now?

13. Were you surprised that Nabeel wanted to return to Iraq after the American invasion in 2003?

14. Nabeel and Nada live for many years in hiding–without papers, and under constant suspicion. How do you see this affecting their relationship? What kind of toll can this pressure take on a relationship between two people? How do you think you would cope in similar circumstances?

15. What are some lessons to be learned from The Poet of Baghdad?