Villanova English Alum, Tariq Karibian, Wins Creative Award

Villanova English alum, Tariq Karibian, won the Creative Award for his thesis, "“Expelled from Eden a Second Time: The Watermelon Men and the Poetry of Mahmoud Darwish” written for the University of Chicago's Master of Arts Program in the Humanities. The creative award is given to "Fiction, non-fiction, poetry, and more that demonstrate intentionality of form, control of craft, and thematic coherence."

His preceptor writes of his project:

"This creative thesis is the beginning of a novel – what we read here is the prologue and chapter 1 – set in the Palestinian countryside. The writing is luminous, possessing an impressive economy with words, setting out complex relationships between people and place, and moving between Arabic and English dialogue in a way that feels natural. You will notice the attentiveness to details in this piece, the ironic humor, and the ability to craft memorable characters within a large and unfamiliar social tableau. Tariq shows rather than tells very effectively – especially in examining the politics of colonialism, and unfolds the scenery for us with impressive precision. Both Tariq’s creative program advisor and I anticipate this on its way to becoming a book project for publication based on its merit. The critical piece speaks to the influence of Mahmoud Darwish. A pleasure to work with."

For more about this award, and Tariq's thesis, follow this link.

Tariq on far right at book giving ceremony for graduating seniors