Since its publication in 2022, Franco by Waad Sartawi has grown from a quiet debut into a global literary presence. What began as an emotional young-adult story written from the heart of the Arab world has now reached readers across continents. The novel is available through major international platforms including Walmart, eBay, and Amazon, as well as independent bookstores and online libraries worldwide.
Franco’s journey has also extended far beyond digital shelves. The novel has appeared at some of the most respected international book fairs in Amman, Doha, Sharjah, and Cairo, where it captured the attention of both critics and readers for its fresh voice and universal themes. With each fair, the story of Franco continues to travel, representing a new wave of Middle Eastern storytelling that speaks directly to the emotions and struggles of today’s youth.
Waad Sartawi’s writing bridges worlds. She brings cinematic emotion into literary form, blending simplicity with depth and realism with poetry. Franco is not only a reflection of the author’s voice but also of a generation learning to find light in moments of loss, connection in times of silence, and meaning in the smallest details of life.
Today, Franco stands as a symbol of how powerful stories can transcend language and geography. From its humble beginnings to global recognition, the novel continues to inspire young writers and readers alike, proving that when emotion meets authenticity, literature can truly travel the world.
