Zabiba and the King: The 2000 Romance Novel ... Written by Saddam Hussein

“As she moved, his heart nearly leaped from his chest, eager to follow her, kneel before her, and illuminate her path like a radiant beacon.”

This marks the start of the central romance in Zabiba and the King, a tale of a powerful monarch captivated by a bold peasant woman. Published in Iraq in 2000, the novel was penned by none other than Saddam Hussein—yes, the infamous Saddam Hussein.

A “Dull and Confusing” Best-Selling Novel

While it remains officially unverified that the former Iraqi leader wrote the book, substantial indirect evidence points to his authorship—or at least his significant involvement in guiding a ghostwriter. As Ofra Bengio noted in a 2002 piece for the Middle East Quarterly, Hussein had earlier expressed ambitions to create his own literary works, and Zabiba and the King (or Zabibah in its original form) was released without an author’s name. The introduction states that the writer composed it in response to Hussein’s call for works exploring Iraqi life, choosing anonymity “out of humility, akin to the sons of Iraq who give their lives and possessions without boasting of their sacrifices.”

Following its publication, critics appeared unable to voice any criticism of what Bengio describes as a “dull and disjointed” book, and The New York Times highlighted that Iraqi media hailed it as a “groundbreaking achievement in the realm of novels.” The excessive praise and conspicuous absence of dissent fueled speculation that Hussein was behind the story, propelling it to bestseller status. Priced at 1500 dinars, or under $1, it was also remarkably affordable. According to the back cover, all earnings were dedicated to “the poor, orphans, the distressed, the needy, and various charitable causes.”

Sparse on Romance, Rich in Allegory

The narrative of the story is compelling. Although Zabiba spends numerous nights secluded within King ‘Arab’s palace, their romantic encounters pale in comparison to those of Lady Chatterley and her lover. The most intimate moment described is when 'their bodies were nearly touching, and the king kissed her on the forehead,' marking the peak of affection shown in the book. This tale of love delves deep into discussions about the political climate of an ancient realm, exploring themes of effective leadership and the nation's future tributes to ‘Arab posthumously. The story concludes with his death, leaving readers curious about the lasting impact of his reign.

The novel Zabiba and the King serves as an intricate allegory for Iraq under Hussein's rule, with King ‘Arab symbolizing Hussein himself and Zabiba embodying the Iraqi populace. In the translated text, Zabiba declares, 'I am the daughter of my people. While I am honored by the king's affection, I cannot embrace customs and facades that my people reject.'

The plot thickens as the protagonists face numerous threats from antagonists aiming to dethrone ‘Arab and harm Zabiba. A pivotal and harrowing incident is Zabiba's rape by her husband Hezkel, who is also scheming against ‘Arab. This act is a stark metaphor for the U.S. invasion during the Gulf War, with Hezkel representing the United States. The conflict escalates leading to a battle on January 17, coinciding with the start of Operation Desert Storm, where both Zabiba and Hezkel meet their demise.

Secret Messages and Stolen Art

Although U.S. officials were well aware of Hussein's grievances over the Kuwait expulsion, they scrutinized the novel for any hidden clues about his secretive regime. The CIA analyzed the text meticulously, hoping to uncover insights into his administration.

An official described the book to The New York Times as 'a mournful lament,' noting that the king frequently reflects on his impending death. 'Each time I read it, I empathize with the king. This is precisely the reaction Saddam aims to evoke from his readers—sympathy for himself.'

The CIA's fascination with the novel garnered significant attention, eventually catching the notice of Canadian artist Jonathon Earl Bowser. He was astonished to discover that the book's cover featured a direct copy of his painting The Awakening. On his website, he stated, 'To put it plainly, this edition of Zabibah and the King (featuring The Awakening on the cover) is a clear copyright violation (and somewhat amusing).'

After receiving a copy from a fan in London, Bowser discovered that three additional paintings of his were reproduced within the book. His legal team informed him that no action could be taken unless Hussein released Zabiba and the King in North America, which never occurred. (When an English version was later published in the U.S., the cover featured a photograph of Hussein instead.)

Hussein appeared content with the book's success, whether as a propaganda tool or a personal outlet for his deepest thoughts. He later authored three additional novels: The Fortified Castle, Men and the City, and Begone, Demons, each rich in allegorical meaning.