The book mentioned that this novel is an old one and that the person who republished it aimed to dust it off and bring it back to its deserved glory. I felt this was about me because my story with it wasn't just born from the first encounter, but from before I knew it existed, before knowing its name or seeing its form. It seemed I had to dust off my own story and bring it to life again. As stated in the book's introduction, it narrates romantic adventures between the two protagonists. I realized it spoke of our romantic adventures since we were the protagonists here in this meeting. I didn't notice the secretary or her companion, nor the guest roaming the corridor, refusing to sit in the waiting room, just as he wanted to confine me there, like his sudden love confined me. I then recalled wondering why he mentioned possibly inviting me to lunch, as I'm often forgetful. Despite this, my memory hasn't forgotten him since he settled in my heart years ago. I pondered whether, like this book's title, which reminded me of food and his invitation's forgotten reason, was also a title for a collection of stories. I thought during our lunch, surely, we would discuss stories and stories, a collection more about eyes than food. Perhaps afterward, we'd have a cup of tea, and I'd learn his life plans. Laila Biran, an Algerian writer, published: 'Message to My Friend' (Novel), Dar Al Farabi, 2007.

Publishing house: Dar Al Farabi Publishing and Distribution

Number of Pages: 160

Year of publication: 2012