Today we talk about Even Men Cry, a book by Sayed Madbouly published with our publishing house Europe Books.
Europe Books had the pleasure of interviewing the author Sayed Madbouly to get to know him better, where he found the inspiration to the write his autobiographical book Even Men Cry, as well as how he felt by ‘reading’ his life on the pages of his book.
Below you can find our interview. Take a seat and enjoy your reading!!!
- Where and when did you find the inspiration to write your book?
The inspiration for Even Men Cry came unexpectedly after I shared a Facebook post titled “I was a failure at English.” In it, I recounted my early struggles with English during preparatory school—how I didn’t even know the alphabet and was harshly punished by a strict teacher. I relied on classmates to cheat in exams, and it wasn’t until I could no longer depend on others that I decided to confront my weakness. Through hard work, listening to the BBC daily, and refusing to give up, I transformed from a failing student into a university lecturer, interpreter, poet, and author of English books. The post resonated with many readers, who encouraged me to write more, saying they loved my storytelling style and would read a novel if I wrote one. Their encouragement planted the seed that grew into Even Men Cry. I realized that my journey could inspire others—not just as a story of overcoming language barriers, but as a testament to resilience, humor, and the human spirit. That Facebook post—and the overwhelming response it received—was the true spark behind the novel.
- What is the message you want to convey to your readers?
While writing Even Men Cry, my primary aim was to offer an authentic, humanized portrayal of Islam through the character of Saeed. He is not a preacher or scholar, but a sincere, practicing Muslim navigating life with conviction and faith. Saeed follows Islamic teachings—especially in matters of morality and relationships—avoiding intimacy before marriage. Yet, like all human beings, he sometimes falters and turns to God for forgiveness. His story reflects the internal struggle many modern Muslims face: balancing personal desires with religious values. Through Saeed’s journey, I sought to bridge cultural and ideological gaps between East and West, particularly in how Islam is perceived regarding love, intimacy, and ethics. His character challenges common stereotypes about Arab Muslims, showing that they are not backward or extreme, but complex, compassionate, and capable of love—often within the moral boundaries of their faith. Saeed’s story is not about moral perfection, but about striving for it through perseverance, faith, and self-reflection. Even Men Cry is ultimately a literary bridge—inviting non-Muslim readers to see Islam as a compassionate way of life, and offering Muslim readers a character who embodies both human flaws and spiritual growth.
- What significant life experiences find expression in your book?
My career as an English teacher played a central role in shaping Even Men Cry, especially in injecting humor and realism into the narrative. Language, to me, has always been more than vocabulary or grammar—it’s a cultural bridge, a tool for connection, and at times, a source of confusion. Over the years, I’ve witnessed countless moments in the classroom where mispronunciations or linguistic slips led to unintended and often hilarious misunderstandings. These experiences inspired many of the light-hearted scenes in the novel, particularly those involving the struggles of Saeed’s Arab friends and acquaintances as they navigate life in a Western society. Their mispronunciations and cultural faux pas not only create amusing situations but also reflect the very real challenges faced by non-native speakers. Readers who have ever tried to learn a new language will likely find these moments both relatable and endearing. Teaching English to Arab learners also gave me deep insight into the cultural and linguistic barriers they encounter. I used this to craft realistic dialogues and interactions that capture the humor, frustration, and humanity of cross-cultural communication. These elements bring warmth and levity to the story while reinforcing deeper themes of identity, resilience, and personal growth.
- What sensations did you feel by ‘reading’ your life on the pages of your book?
Reading my life on the pages of Even Men Cry was a deeply emotional experience—a mixture of joy, nostalgia, sorrow, and healing. As I revisited certain moments through fiction, I found myself reliving the intensity of past struggles and triumphs. The humorous scenes made me smile, especially those drawn from my experiences as a language learner and teacher, but it’s the tragic scenes that strike the deepest chord within me. Every time I read those particular scenes—moments of heartbreak, loss, or profound inner conflict—I move to tears, even though I was the one who wrote them. It surprises me still, how words I once crafted can now break me anew. That, to me, is the power of truth in storytelling. And yet, I don’t consider that a mark of success—not unless those same scenes move readers to tears as well. Only then will I feel that the emotions I tried to capture have truly reached another heart. Writing this novel was like looking into a mirror—sometimes painful, sometimes comforting—but always honest. It has helped me see the beauty in vulnerability and the strength in sharing one’s truth. Even Men Cry is not just a title—it is a lived reality, and reading it continues to touch something very raw and real within me.
- Are you working on a new writing project you can tell us about?
Yes, I’m currently working on Even Men Cry 2, a direct continuation of the first novel. The story picks up exactly where Even Men Cry ends, allowing readers to follow the next chapter in Saeed’s emotional and personal journey. Just like the first book, this sequel blends humor, romance, tragedy, and cultural reflection—staying true to the tone and depth that readers connected with in the original novel. I felt that Saeed’s story was not over yet. There were unanswered questions, unresolved emotions, and new challenges waiting to unfold. In Even Men Cry 2, I delve deeper into his evolving relationships, the cultural tensions he continues to navigate, and the personal growth that comes from facing unexpected trials. The themes of faith, identity, love, and sacrifice remain central, but this time, the stakes are even higher, and the emotional impact even greater. I didn’t plan on writing a sequel initially, but the overwhelmingly positive feedback from readers and their desire to know “what happens next” inspired me to continue. I hope this new installment offers both closure and inspiration—an extension of a journey that many have come to care about deeply.
Europe Books thanks the author Sayed Madbouly once again for taking the time and answering our questions. We are really pleased to have walked alongside him on the editorial path that led to the publication of his book Even Men Cry. We wish him the best of luck for his book and for his future works.
To you, my dear reader, may this book with the authentic and genuine portrait of Islam, the inner struggles that human beings of this culture and religion experience every day, the important values such as faith and perseverance here told, be for you a source of enrichment and inspiration to bring in your personal reflections and your daily lives.
So, my dear reader, all I have to say is to enjoy your reading!
Your Editor!