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Outstanding

How The Queue Unmasks the Dangers of Authoritarianism and Surveillance

Imagine a world where citizens are trapped in an unending queue, waiting for a faceless authority to dictate their fate. The Queue , a haunting dystopian novel by Egyptian author Basma Abdel Aziz, presents such a reality. Published in 2013, the novel has been widely praised for its chilling portrayal of bureaucracy, authoritarian rule, and the struggle for survival under an oppressive regime. Often compared to George Orwell’s 1984 and Franz Kafka’s The Trial , The Queue offers a thought-provoking and unsettling reflection on power, control, and human resilience. Plot Summary: The Never-Ending Wait The novel is set in an unnamed Middle Eastern country where the government, known only as "The Gate," holds absolute control over every aspect of its citizens' lives. The Gate's decisions are final and unquestionable, and people are required to wait indefinitely in an enormous queue for permission to do anything—whether it is receiving medical treatment, purchasing essenti...

The Autor

 



My name is Yassine Yahya, and I was born on November 27, 1981, in the historic city of Tangier, Morocco. Raised in a modest and reserved family, I grew up surrounded by the rich cultural legacy of my city, particularly influenced by the enchanting atmosphere of the old city and the Kasbah. Tangier, with its blend of history, culture, and artistic spirit, played a central role in shaping who I am today.

From an early age, I found myself drawn to education, fascinated not just by academic subjects but also by the world of culture, novels, and the arts. As I navigated my formative years, my curiosity grew, fueled by a deep love for history, literature, and music. Adolescence brought new layers to my identity, particularly through my introduction to classical music and the vibrant world of Arabic music and poetry. I became deeply inspired by the powerful verses of poets like Nizar Kabbani and Ahmad Matar, who gave voice to themes of love, identity, and societal reflection. Their work sparked my own passion for poetry, and I began writing prolifically, composing numerous poems about love, life, and, most profoundly, women.

This love of creativity and expression didn’t stop at poetry. I went on to study music at the Conservatory of Music and Choreography in Tangier, where I immersed myself in the art of musical composition and performance. During this period, I also became captivated by visual arts, particularly classical and contemporary painting. The works of Paul Cézanne, with his groundbreaking approach to form and color, had a lasting impact on my artistic vision, helping me appreciate the deeper, often hidden layers of expression within art.

My secondary school years brought another dimension to my intellectual journey. I became increasingly interested in the philosophies of existentialism and the sciences, particularly physics. Existentialism, with its focus on human freedom and the complexities of individual experience, resonated deeply with me, adding new perspectives to my poetry and artistic work. At the same time, physics fascinated me for its ability to explain the natural world in such an abstract yet concrete way, further fueling my passion for exploration and learning.

Today, as I look back on my journey, I realize how each of these influences—whether from music, literature, philosophy, or the arts—has shaped my worldview and creative expression. Tangier's timeless beauty, the lyrical poetry of Arabic masters, and the intellectual challenges of science and philosophy continue to inspire me as I forge my own path in life, still driven by curiosity, creativity, and a love for the arts.

As I continue my journey, I remain deeply connected to the influences that have shaped me—whether it’s the poetic echoes of Nizar Kabbani, the timeless brushstrokes of Paul Cézanne, or the philosophical depth of existentialism. Each aspect of my life, from the rich culture of Tangier to the melodies and rhythms of both classical and Arabic music, has become a thread woven into the fabric of my identity.

Through my writing, music, and artistic pursuits, I seek to express not only the emotions and ideas that resonate within me but also to explore the universal themes of love, existence, and beauty. Art, in all its forms, is my language—my way of making sense of the world and connecting with others. And though my path continues to evolve, one constant remains: a boundless curiosity and a passion for creativity that will guide me wherever life leads next.

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