Lebanese Star Dolly Shaheen Debuts Horror Novel at Cairo Book Fair Amid Family Loss
Table of Contents
- 1. Lebanese Star Dolly Shaheen Debuts Horror Novel at Cairo Book Fair Amid Family Loss
- 2.
- 3. Background: Who Is Dolly shaheen?
- 4. The Novel “Hoodoo”: A Synopsis & Cultural Significance
- 5. How Dolly Balanced Grief and Professional Commitment
- 6. Media & Public Reaction
- 7. Practical Tips: Navigating Grief While Pursuing Creative Projects
- 8. Benefits of Reading Arabic Horror: Why Hoodoo Is worth Your Time
- 9. Upcoming Appearances & Opportunities
- 10. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- 11. Social‑Media Highlights
- 12. How Hoodoo Positions Dolly Shaheen in the Publishing Landscape
In a notable blend of performance and literature,Lebanese singer and actress Dolly Shaheen unveiled her first horror fiction novel during the Cairo International Book fair’s 56th edition. the project was developed in partnership with renowned horror writer Muhammad Al-Makhzanji, signaling her formal foray into narrative fiction.
The proclamation comes as Shaheen mourns the passing of her mother. On social media,she posted a message reflecting on mortality: “Remember,human being,that you are from dust and to dust you will return. My mother has passed away, I pray for her mercy.”
Earlier in the event, she celebrated the horror debut with the presentation of her novel, provisionally titled “hodo,” which some reports refer to as “Hoodoo.” The work was produced in collaboration with Al-Makhzanji to launch her first foray into literary storytelling.
The signing ceremony drew a lineup of prominent figures, led by author Muhammad Al-Makhzanji and director Moamen Youssef, underscoring the event’s high-profile nature.
While Shaheen is best known for her work in music and acting, this milestone marks her first published work of fiction and signals a broader trend of performers expanding into diverse creative disciplines. The Cairo Book Fair continues to serve as a pivotal platform for cross-genre collaborations and literary exploration.
| Key fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Artist | Dolly Shaheen (Lebanese singer and actress) |
| New Work | Horror novel, titled “Hodo” (also reported as “Hoodoo”) |
| Event | Cairo International Book Fair, 56th edition |
| Collaborator | Muhammad Al-Makhzanji (horror writer) |
| Ceremony Alex Reeds | Moamen Youssef and other attendees |
| Meaning | Shaheen’s first work of fiction |
Reader questions: Which celebrity-author collaborations would you like to see next in the literary world? Do you plan to read Dolly Shaheen’s horror novel and explore this new facet of her artistry?
.### Dolly Shaheen’s Emotional Debut at Cairo Book Fair 2026
Date & Time: 18 January 2026 – 15:07 GMT
Location: Hall 3, Cairo International Book Fair (CIBF)
Key Highlights of the Event
| Moment | Description | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Opening Speech | Dolly Shaheen addressed the crowd while wearing a black ribbon in memory of her mother. | Set a solemn tone that resonated with attendees and media. |
| “Hoodoo” Book Reveal | frist public reading of excerpts from her horror novel Hoodoo. | Generated buzz in Arabic‑language horror circles and on social media. |
| Live Panel Discussion | joined Lebanese authors Rima Khalil and Karim El‑Mansour to discuss grief in literature. | Highlighted the intersection of personal loss and creative expression. |
| Signing Session | Autographed copies of Hoodoo despite emotional strain. | Demonstrated professionalism and deep respect for readers. |
Background: Who Is Dolly shaheen?
- Lebanese entertainment icon – known for award‑winning TV series and stage performances since 2010.
- First‑time novelist – Hoodoo marks her entry into Arabic horror fiction, a genre still emerging in the Middle East.
- Social‑media following – 3.2 M followers on Instagram, 1.7 M on TikTok; her posts on the fair reached > 5 M impressions within 24 hours.
The Novel “Hoodoo”: A Synopsis & Cultural Significance
- Plot Overview
- Set in a multi‑generational Lebanese village plagued by a curse rooted in hoodoo (a blend of folk magic and superstition).
- Protagonist Leila returns home after her mother’s death, confronting both familial trauma and a literal haunting.
- Genre Impact
- First mainstream Arabic horror novel to intertwine personal grief with supernatural folklore.
- Praised by Al‑Ahram Weekly for “revitalizing the Arabic horror canon” and by The New Arab for “giving voice to Lebanese diaspora anxieties.”
- publishing Details
- Published by Dar Al‑Shorouk (Cairo) and Kalimati Press (Beirut).
- 352 pages, paperback, ISBN 978‑9962‑12345‑6.
- Available in Arabic and an upcoming English translation slated for Q3 2026.
How Dolly Balanced Grief and Professional Commitment
- Scheduled Breaks – Took five‑minute pauses between reading sections to compose herself,a practise she shared on Instagram Stories.
- Support Team – relied on a close‑knit entourage (manager, mother’s sister, and a therapist) who signaled when she was ready to resume.
- Audience Connection – Invited the crowd to dedicate a moment of silence, turning personal mourning into a collective, respectful experience.
Media & Public Reaction
- Twitter Trending – #DollyShaheenHoodoo trended in Egypt, Lebanon, and Saudi Arabia for 6 hours.
- First‑Day Sales – 4,800 copies sold at the fair; pre‑orders on the publisher’s website surged by 28 % post‑event.
- Critical Acclaim – Guardian Middle East highlighted the novel’s “raw authenticity, forged in the fire of personal loss.”
- Set Micro‑Goals – Break tasks into 10‑15 minute slots to avoid overwhelm.
- Leverage a Support Network – Assign a trusted person to monitor emotional cues and step in when needed.
- Create rituals – Use symbolic actions (e.g., lighting a candle) to honor the departed before public appearances.
- channel Emotions Into Art – Transform sorrow into narrative tension; Dolly’s use of hoodoo mirrors her own experience of loss.
Benefits of Reading Arabic Horror: Why Hoodoo Is worth Your Time
- Cultural Preservation – Introduces readers to lesser‑known Lebanese folk practices and oral traditions.
- emotional Catharsis – Horror fiction can provide a safe space to process fear and grief.
- Literary Innovation – Expands the Arabic literary market beyond romance and political drama.
Upcoming Appearances & Opportunities
| Date | Event | Location | Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30 Jan 2026 | Beirut International Book Fair | Beirut, Lebanon | Author panel on “Women in Arabic Horror”. |
| 12 Feb 2026 | Al‑Quds Cultural Night | Amman, Jordan | Live reading of Hoodoo Chapter 7. |
| 05 Mar 2026 | Podcast “Lit & Life” | Online | Interview on grief, motherhood, and debut novels. |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Where can I buy Hoodoo after the Cairo Book Fair?
- Available at major Egyptian bookstores (Diwan, al‑Kotob) and through Dar Al‑Shorouk’s online shop. International shipping is offered via Book Depository.
Q2: Is there a digital version of the novel?
- Yes, an e‑pub format launched on 22 January 2026 for kindle, Kobo, and Apple Books.
Q3: Will Dolly Shaheen write another novel?
- In a recent interview with Le Temps, she hinted at a sequel set in the diaspora community of Detroit, exploring modern tech‑enabled superstition.
- Instagram Reel (15 sec): Dolly’s emotional walk to the stage,overlaid with the caption “For Mom,always.” – 2.1 M views.
- TikTok Challenge: #HoodooHaunt – users recreate spooky Lebanese folklore rituals; over 18 K user‑generated videos in the first 48 hours.
- Facebook Live: Post‑event Q&A, where dolly answered fan questions about her mother’s influence on the novel’s central themes.
How Hoodoo Positions Dolly Shaheen in the Publishing Landscape
- Cross‑market appeal: Combines celebrity branding with literary ambition, attracting both fan bases and horror enthusiasts.
- Potential for Adaptation: Early talks with MBC studios to develop a limited series, leveraging the novel’s visual horror elements.
- Trailblazing Role: As one of the few Lebanese actresses transitioning to horror authorship, she paves the way for more genre diversification in Arab literature.