The National Bank of Kuwait (NBK) hosted Kuwaiti writer Abdulrazak Gurnah for its first "Reading Club" session, launched in collaboration with the bookstore "Dar Al-Salasil." This event was dedicated to a group of literature, culture, and reading enthusiasts and serves as part of a series of literary and intellectual discussions, connecting writers and readers with the goal of promoting the culture of reading and enriching the cultural and intellectual landscape of Kuwait.
How Does a Story Come to Life?
This session, titled "How Does a Story Come to Life? From Experience to Writing," featured Gurnah discussing his literary journey and demonstrating how everyday experiences and observations can inspire ideas and transform into captivating literary narratives. Gurnah also referenced the creative writing process, examining the stages of a story's evolution from the initial spark of inspiration to the development of ideas and story structure, and ultimately to the written work.
Dialogue and Exchange with the Audience
During the session, Gurnah highlighted several pivotal moments in his literary journey and shared his thoughts on creative writing. He emphasized the importance of observation and reflection in transforming everyday details into literary works that resonate with readers and inspire them. The evening included an interactive discussion led by Jamila Sayyid Ali, a novelist and short story writer, providing participants with the opportunity to engage and ask their questions.
Gurnah also shared his experiences and perspectives on writing and the various stages a story must go through. This session showcased strong audience participation, with attendees exchanging ideas and insights about the night's topic and benefiting from Gurnah's experiences and opinions.
Talal Al-Turki, Deputy Chairman and Head of Public Relations and Events Management at the National Bank of Kuwait, commented on the event: "The strong attendance and participation in the first Reading Club session reflect a growing interest in cultural and intellectual activities. This underscores the importance of creating spaces that bring together writers and readers for meaningful discussions. We witnessed genuine enthusiasm among participants to learn about Abdulrazak Gurnah's literary journey and hear his thoughts on creative writing and the various stages of storytelling."
He added: "Through the Reading Club, we aim to provide a rich cultural experience that promotes reading and strengthens its role in society. We also look forward to welcoming prominent literary and cultural figures in future sessions to enrich the content of this club and respond to the diverse interests of readers." The Reading Club is considered a new addition to the cultural programs of the National Bank of Kuwait, and in the coming months, the bank will continue to host a series of discussions featuring writers and intellectual figures, contributing to the enrichment of Kuwait's cultural and intellectual landscape.
Through its social programs and initiatives, the National Bank of Kuwait continues to support cultural and educational activities that promote awareness and foster a culture of lifelong learning, remaining committed to serving the community and contributing to various aspects of human and cultural development.
