Yousef Abou Louz’s ‘Salt Wife’ in Hindi translation

Sharjah-based Jordanian poet and writer Yousef Abou Louz’s book of poetry “Salt Wife,” which has been translated into the Hindi language from Arabic by Sharjah Book Authority (SBA), is a poetry collection. “Salt Wife” (original title: Zawjat Almelh) was first published in 2013. The 90-page book is a cultural bridge and those who love Hindi literature and poetry, will definitely enjoy reading its pages.

The book begins with a poem dedicated to mother, and is very touching and thought-provoking. It has been told from a little child’s perspective. The poet has touched on subjects such as homeland, mist, travel, life, place, past, music, seasons, darkness, sustainability, flowers, loneliness and many more, in the poems. In one of his poems, he travels back to his younger days and expresses his emotion in a heartfelt way, while he also speaking of old age, sharing his thoughts on ageing. He balances wonderfully both aspects of life.

Born in 1956 in Madaba, Jordan, Yousef wrote his first book of poetry in 1983. Then, in 1987, he produced his second collection of poetry. In 1992, he came out with his third book and the fourth collection, namely “Salt wife,” was published in 2013.

A regular face at local and international literary and cultural events, Yousef is a widely respected poet and a leading writer in the Arab world. He has been working with Sharjah-based Arabic language newspaper “Al Khaleej,” for 45 years.

His colleagues, friends and admirers hold him in high regard and are huge fans of his creativity. In person soft spoken and humble, with a ready smile, and always impeccably turned out with a faraway look, those who see him for the first time may easily deduce the thinker in him.

Yousef’s poetry is deeply rooted in his culture and childhood. Though he left his childhood long ago, its memories and the environment in which he grew up, is palpable in his writings. He takes his readers to a different world, a world in which he grew up. Yousef spent his formative years in Jordan and ethnically Arab, Yousef writes in the Arabic language. But his verses will make his readers associate with their universal emotions, irrespective of their nationality.

The beauty of Yousef’s writing is that once you are done with the reading, the lines remain with you for a very long time, making you nostalgic. It is a kind of impact that many yearn for, but few achieve. Those who have read “Salt Wife” in Hindi, are sure to ask for more translations of his works. This translation has undoubtedly introduced his writing to the Indian audience.

A recipient of many awards, Yousef’s books have been translated into many languages, like Dutch, German, French, Hindi and English. Celebrated Indian writer, Banu Mushtaq, who received the 2025 International Booker Prize, while talking to the gathering at the recently concluded Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF), observed that translation is like a bridge and more and more translations should be done. Let’s start with Yousef’s books!

Yousef Abu Louz had the distinction of moderating a session of Emirati poets in 2018, when Sharjah was Special Guest City at Paris Book Fair. He was also one of the 86 poets who participated in “Manseerah,” a unique global poetic project launched by Emirati writer and poet Adel Khozam, in 2020. He has been associated with “Al Khaleej” newspaper for over 45 years, and is a regular columnist for his newspaper; his die-hard readers eagerly wait for his column to appear.

One of his regular readers, Mahmoud, while praising Yousef said: “He is a great writer and poet. I read him regularly. I never miss his columns. I have been reading him for around two decades and I simple adore his writing.”

Before coming to the UAE in 1984, Yousef has worked as a journalist in the Jordanian newspaper “Al-Dustour.” He is also a member of the Jordanian Writers Association. Before starting his career as a journalist, he has briefly worked as a teacher also. His romance with journalism started in Saudi Arabia in 1982, before coming to the UAE. He was working for Al Youm newspaper in Al Dammam.