Paralysis (novel)

Paralysis is a novel by Lebanese-American author Élias Khoury, originally published in Arabic as Yalo (يالو) in 2002. It was translated into English by Humphrey Davies in 2007 and retitled Paralysis.

The novel centers on Yalo, a Maronite Catholic man living in post-civil war Lebanon. He is imprisoned and interrogated, accused of various crimes, including murder, rape, and being an Israeli spy. The narrative unfolds as a series of fragmented recollections, dreams, and confessions from Yalo's perspective. He struggles to reconcile his past, which includes a complex relationship with his family, involvement with various political factions, and experiences during the Lebanese Civil War, with the present accusations leveled against him.

Paralysis is characterized by its non-linear structure, stream-of-consciousness narrative style, and exploration of themes such as identity, memory, trauma, political violence, and the search for truth in a war-torn society. The novel delves into the psychological impact of the war on individuals and the lasting consequences of violence and betrayal. Yalo’s experience can be interpreted as a metaphor for the collective trauma and societal paralysis that gripped Lebanon in the aftermath of its long and brutal civil war. He is trapped, unable to move forward from the past, both literally within the confines of his prison and figuratively within the mental landscape of his memories.

The novel received critical acclaim for its intricate portrayal of Lebanese society and its unflinching examination of the moral ambiguities of war. It is considered one of Khoury's most important works and a significant contribution to contemporary Arabic literature.