Book club reading Witty and mischievous All the red lines are crossed Lust love violence authoritarianism gender conflict The very short story has it鈥檚 own rhythm Tamer brings back memories of Syria, some of them bitter most of them sweet
Being new to this style of compressed short story, it's impressive that the author is able to weave dry humor, cynicism and sarcasm into stories that glue you to the pages. All this while the reader peels back the layers of Syrian culture, lifestyle and taboos. Makes for a decent, quick read though some might find it a little bawdy.
interesting collection of short stories that are separated by number units rather than chapter names which provides a more artistic sense. through the usage of fiction (and mythical implications), Tamer highlights themes surrounding political, social, sexual, and religious authority. the themes represented in these short stories connect the "taboos" together by emphasizing the importance of societal reformation.
thoroughly loved the artistic writing style. each of Tamer's short stories are relatively short; as a result, his message is presented in a relatively direct and quick way.
A lot of magical realism so if you're into that, by all means, read away!
All the stories in this collection do not have titles. Instead, they're numbered from 1-63. My favourites are stories number 3, 5, 6, 8, 9, 12, 13, 19, 21, 22, 24, 25, 30, 42, 43, 54, 56, 63.
This was singularly quite unenjoyable. The characters are horrible and unlikable, like a bunch of cockroaches in a pond of sewage reveling in the shit they live in. There were one or two very interesting well written stories, but that's about it.
The introduction had set me up for a lot better. I s'pose one should be wart when too much praise is offered, and especially by westerners about foreign literature.
Copying life degradation when a man knees is being broken constantly on hands of other powerful figures is the most needed to hear and read the real frustrations in our times when all is silent Zakaria's world is thinking and speaking loudly in a magical letters to make us open up to the harsh reality everywhere .. I think everyone should pick this book and read it carefully
Such a good collection of stories, interwoven while also existing independent of each other. Though it is a translation, the minute details combined with the weight of each sentence gives the reader a closer depiction into an author's perspective on Syrian society and culture. Great read!
I used to wondering what kind of story that can be told from war and oppression except the sad one. Reading Breaking Knees (after The Corpse Exhibition) makes me realize that what I used to think is undeniably wrong.