A valuable introduction and overview of this classical form of storytelling.īeirut: where plastic surgery meets the emotional intensity of Umm Kalsoum, Lebanese foodies go on the rampage and a melee of pop cultures chafes at Middle Eastern traditions. The Modern Arabic Short Story: Shahrazad ReturnsĮnglish translations of previously unavailable Arabic texts. Weaving together stories of romance, horror, mystery, honour and tradition the writing is vigorous and immediate. ISBN 1850439729Ī unique collection of 18 short stories that demonstrates the freshness and range of contemporary writing from Syria. ISBN 4-8īeyond the Dunes: An Anthology of Modern Saudi LiteratureĪ varied selection of poetry, short stories, novel extracts, personal accounts, drama and essays which provide a fascinating insight into the challenges and tensions of Saudi Arabia. Through the eyes of insiders, they show us the intimate texture of life in the diverse countries and cultures of the Arab world. Twenty-four short stories which include authors such as Edward El-Kharrat, Bahaa Taher, Alifa Rifaat and Ghassan Kanafani.

The list is based on recommendations from the British Council's website, with some further additions: To help redress the balance, here are some works by contemporary Arab writers that have been translated into English (or, in a few cases, were originally written in English). Arabic literature is not well-known in the west.

Leaves of Narcissus by Somaya Ramadan