Khartoum, the lively and historic capital of Sudan, sits where the White and Blue Nile rivers meet. It’s a city with a rich past — once under British rule and always pushing for its independence. In more recent years, the Sudanese Revolution brought both destruction and an exodus of people, creating a strong Sudanese diaspora. Khartoum is often described as the place where the Arab world and Africa intersect, making it a truly unique cultural hub.
When it comes to stories about Khartoum, Parker Bilal (also known as Jamal Mahjoub) is a name you’ll often hear. Bilal grew up in Khartoum and created the beloved fictional detective Makana, a Sudanese refugee turned private investigator living in Cairo. The Makana series, set in the years leading up to Egypt’s 2011 revolution, kicks off with “The Golden Scales” (2012). In this first book, Makana’s life on a ramshackle houseboat takes a dangerous turn when he’s pulled into a case involving extremists, gangsters, and a desperate search for a missing girl. Over six gripping books, Makana solves dark and twisted mysteries, including murders of street children and crimes tied to his own Sudanese roots in “City of Jackals” (2016). Bilal plans to write four more books in this series, and fans are hopeful Makana will return to Sudan again.
Another fascinating take on Khartoum comes from Luke Dixon’s adventure novel “Khartoum” (2010), which paints a modern picture of political unrest and conflict in Darfur. Dixon’s work in Sudanese refugee camps inspired this tale of danger and intrigue.
Sudanese author Hammour Ziada brings a different flavor with his literary novel “The Longing of the Dervish,” winner of the 2014 Naguib Mahfouz Medal for Literature. His 2022 book “The Drowning” dives into the turmoil of 1968 Sudan, where the chaos of a military coup reaches the small town of Hajer Narti. The story begins with the mysterious discovery of a young girl’s body in the Nile and follows Fatima, a woman still searching for her daughter who disappeared years before. Ziada’s storytelling captures the heartache and mystery woven into Sudan’s history.
Amir Tag Elsir, both a doctor and an acclaimed Sudanese author, has penned numerous novels, including the 2011 Booker Prize-shortlisted “Hunter of the Chrysalises.” This book follows a retired secret service agent attempting to write a novel while finding himself under surveillance. Elsir’s 2015 novel “Ebola ’76” tells the chilling tale of a worker unknowingly bringing a deadly disease home, leading to devastating consequences.
For readers looking to explore Sudanese short fiction, “The Book of Khartoum: A City in Short Fiction” (2016) is a must-read. It showcases a variety of Sudanese voices, including the surrealist work of Bushra al-Fadil and the political satire of Ahmed al-Malik. Through these stories, readers experience the gritty reality and poetic beauty of life in Khartoum.
Sudan’s vivid landscape has inspired international authors too. Australian writer Martina Nicolls draws on her experience as an aid worker in Sudan for her novel “The Sudan Curse” (2009), a thrilling adventure about an ancient Egyptian ring and a nation recovering from civil war. Nigel Seed’s historical fiction “No Road to Khartoum” (2021) takes readers back to colonial times, following an Irish soldier’s journey south of Egypt during the 1884 Gordon Relief Expedition.
Even the world of espionage finds its way to Khartoum in Gabriel Timar’s 2015 novel “The Khartoum Project,” a high-stakes thriller set in the international intelligence community.
On a more intimate note, Charlotte S. Gray’s “Fatima’s Room” (2017) offers a powerful glimpse into the life of a young Sudanese woman accused of a shocking crime. As Fatima waits in confinement for her uncles to decide her fate, she reflects on her past and dreams of the future. Gray’s experience teaching Sudanese students brings authenticity to this poignant tale.
Khartoum’s influence on literature is as diverse and rich as the city itself. Through the eyes of these talented authors, readers are invited to explore Sudan’s history, culture, and stories — each one offering a unique window into this remarkable city.
