Muntasir al-Qaffash

Muntasir al-Qaffasch ( Arabic منتصر القفاش, DMG Muntaṣir al-Qaffāš , also Muntasser al-Qaffash ; * 1964 in Cairo ) is an Egyptian writer and novelist.

He studied at Cairo University, where he graduated in Arabic studies in 1983. After graduation, he concentrated on his writing. In 1989 his first work, the short story collection “Name Tissues” (Nassig al-Asmaa), was published by Ghadd Verlag, Cairo.

With his collection of short stories, “Eine not intended person” (Schachs gheir maqssud, published by Qussur al-Thaqafa Verlag, Cairo), published in 1999, he distinguished himself as one of the most important writers of his generation. His debut novel "Permission to Absence" (Tassrih Bel-Gheyab, published by Sharqiat Verlag, Cairo), published in 1996, received several critical acclaim. The action takes place in a military school for training nurses. The focus of the event is on the inner processes and changes in the thinking and feeling of a young man who is doing his military service there.

Other works by Muntasir al-Qaffasch are the short story collection “Secrets” (al-Sara'er, published by Scharqiat Verlag in 1993) and the novel “That you see now” (published by Sharqiat Verlag in 2003). Several of his short stories have already been translated into English, French, Norwegian and Spanish. In addition, an excerpt from the novel “That you see NOW” was translated into French (in: al-Ahram Ebdo of January 14, 2004, p. 26).

In addition to his work as a writer, al-Qaffasch is editor of the series “First Books” in the Egyptian Supreme Council for Culture.

Awards

• 2000 United Arab Emirates Prize for Best Arabic Short Story
• 2002 Egyptian advancement award for the collection of stories "A person not meant"