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Modern Arabic Short Stories: A Bilingual Reader
The stories collected here are by leading authors of the short story form in the Middle East today. In addition to works by writers already wellknown in the West, such as Idwar al-Kharrat, Fu'ad al-Takarli and Nobel Prize winner Najib Mahfuz, the collection includes stories by key authors whose fame has hitherto been restricted to the Middle East. This bilingual reader is ideal for students of Arabic as well as lovers of literature who wish to broaden their appreciation of the work of Middle Eastern writers. The collection features stories in the original Arabic, accompanied by an English translation and a brief author biography, as well as a discussion of context and background. Each story is followed by a glossary and discussion of problematic language points. 'Recommended' CHOICE
296 pages, Paperback
First published May 1, 2008
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
August 12, 2011
This is the perspective of reading the book in Arabic from a native English speaker:
How do I describe a collection of short stories like this? Clearly, it is impossible to doubt the quality of the stories, each of which was interesting and entertaining in its own right. My favorites were the ‘Tale of the Lamp’ in which we see a starved traveler stumble upon a rich kingdom, and ‘The Night and the Sea’ which painted a bleak but moving picture with its rich descriptions and overwhelming emotions.
Unfortunately, the beautiful use of language means that the language is also suitably hard. Devilishly hard. Consider the first sentence of the first (supposedly easiest) story:
“اشتهيت الازاد و انا ببغداد، عفواً، بل زعموا والله اعلم أن سنة جفاف و القحط و المحل و المجاعة و المسغبة عفانا الله!” (حكاية القنديل ص ١٧)
They claimed, and god knows it was true, that it was a year of drought, famine, misery, hunger and starvation, god preserve us all. P. 18
Or this sentence from Naguib Mahfouz’s short story about Siamese twins:
“و فارت من الأعماق موجة عمياء جرفت ستر الحياء، فارتطم الاندفاع بالندم” (قسمتي و نصيبي ١٢٦)
They would clash in a vortex of fiery and crazed outbursts. A raging wave would emerge from the depths, removing any sense of shame while impetuosity superseded regret. P. 126
I would like to think of myself as an advanced student, despite my terrible writing, but I found many of these stories extraordinarily hard. Were it not for the translations in English these stories would have been too much to handle. I tried to read the entire Arabic story before resorting to the English translation however I found myself switching back after only a page to make sure that I understood the next section in Arabic. Also, when I showed the book to a group of Saudi friends, and as soon as one opened up the book and read the first sentence, one asked me ماذا قنديل؟ after saying, “This stuff is hard for us too.”
Considering the difficulty of the texts, the structure of footnotes and translation is important. But I was disappointed by how the book placed footnotes and the end of the story, necessitating multiple bookmarks and needless page flipping. Worse, the translations did not line up with the Arabic, and often spilled over on to the next page. So reading these stories was harder than it could have been.
In the end, the important thing is that there are translations, and for that this book deserves praise. But be warned, if you want to read this for its Arabic content, be prepared for a challenge.
How do I describe a collection of short stories like this? Clearly, it is impossible to doubt the quality of the stories, each of which was interesting and entertaining in its own right. My favorites were the ‘Tale of the Lamp’ in which we see a starved traveler stumble upon a rich kingdom, and ‘The Night and the Sea’ which painted a bleak but moving picture with its rich descriptions and overwhelming emotions.
Unfortunately, the beautiful use of language means that the language is also suitably hard. Devilishly hard. Consider the first sentence of the first (supposedly easiest) story:
“اشتهيت الازاد و انا ببغداد، عفواً، بل زعموا والله اعلم أن سنة جفاف و القحط و المحل و المجاعة و المسغبة عفانا الله!” (حكاية القنديل ص ١٧)
They claimed, and god knows it was true, that it was a year of drought, famine, misery, hunger and starvation, god preserve us all. P. 18
Or this sentence from Naguib Mahfouz’s short story about Siamese twins:
“و فارت من الأعماق موجة عمياء جرفت ستر الحياء، فارتطم الاندفاع بالندم” (قسمتي و نصيبي ١٢٦)
They would clash in a vortex of fiery and crazed outbursts. A raging wave would emerge from the depths, removing any sense of shame while impetuosity superseded regret. P. 126
I would like to think of myself as an advanced student, despite my terrible writing, but I found many of these stories extraordinarily hard. Were it not for the translations in English these stories would have been too much to handle. I tried to read the entire Arabic story before resorting to the English translation however I found myself switching back after only a page to make sure that I understood the next section in Arabic. Also, when I showed the book to a group of Saudi friends, and as soon as one opened up the book and read the first sentence, one asked me ماذا قنديل؟ after saying, “This stuff is hard for us too.”
Considering the difficulty of the texts, the structure of footnotes and translation is important. But I was disappointed by how the book placed footnotes and the end of the story, necessitating multiple bookmarks and needless page flipping. Worse, the translations did not line up with the Arabic, and often spilled over on to the next page. So reading these stories was harder than it could have been.
In the end, the important thing is that there are translations, and for that this book deserves praise. But be warned, if you want to read this for its Arabic content, be prepared for a challenge.
August 6, 2017
Very strong, mature work. Most of the stories are hard-hitting, and go a long way towards breaking stereotypes about life in the Middle East.
However, my hands-down favorite was The Tale of the Lamp, by Izz al-Din al-Madani. It felt like a tale straight out of the Arabian Nights. And it's a great story to tell when you're surrounded by friends.
However, my hands-down favorite was The Tale of the Lamp, by Izz al-Din al-Madani. It felt like a tale straight out of the Arabian Nights. And it's a great story to tell when you're surrounded by friends.
July 6, 2017
This was a practical and easy way for me to broaden the number of Arab writers that I know and have read. I hadn't heard of any of them aside from Najib Mahfouz and Yusuf Idris. I appreciate that female authors were also included. This book has definitely inspired me to read some full-length novels by a few of the authors.
I like the idea of a bilingual reader. As a learner of Arabic, it was really entertaining to look back and forth between each language and compare. At the end of each story there were explanations of certain words (mostly ones that don't translate well in English) but I would have liked these words to be actually referenced by a superscript/citing so that I could find them in the actual text. This was frustrating to me because most of the words I just couldn't find when going back to browse for them. In a nutshell, this book needed to borrow some aspects of APA formatting to be more user-friendly.
Lastly, the translation itself. I am not an Arabic speaker so I cannot attest to the accuracy of the translation, but I will tell you this: some of the stories did not flow as well as I'd expect from a renowned authors. Some stories ended abruptly. The English translation lacked the type of language that rouses the senses and emotions that I'm sure were there in the original Arabic.
I like the idea of a bilingual reader. As a learner of Arabic, it was really entertaining to look back and forth between each language and compare. At the end of each story there were explanations of certain words (mostly ones that don't translate well in English) but I would have liked these words to be actually referenced by a superscript/citing so that I could find them in the actual text. This was frustrating to me because most of the words I just couldn't find when going back to browse for them. In a nutshell, this book needed to borrow some aspects of APA formatting to be more user-friendly.
Lastly, the translation itself. I am not an Arabic speaker so I cannot attest to the accuracy of the translation, but I will tell you this: some of the stories did not flow as well as I'd expect from a renowned authors. Some stories ended abruptly. The English translation lacked the type of language that rouses the senses and emotions that I'm sure were there in the original Arabic.
Read
November 10, 2023Selection of writers and stories: excellent! Translation: godawful. It does save you the trouble of looking up some rare words, at least when it doesn't skip them for convenience. The footnotes for the more technical or dialect vocabulary are pretty decent. Even so, can anyone who translates "open mouths" as "gaping maws" be taken seriously? I have grave doubts for the future of Arabic translation if these are the people who direct MAs in Arabic/English Translation.
I am now inspired to read more of Ibrahim al-Faqih (Libyan) and Yusuf Idris (Egyptian). Al-Faqih's story is beautifully written and has a brilliant opening: a crotchety teacher at an all-male school is flabbergasted to find that his students ("little devils") are quiet and well-behaved one morning. First he assumes that the classroom must be empty because no noise is emanating from it, then, finding his students sitting calmly inside, he assumes that an inspector must be hiding somewhere and checks behind the blackboard and under the desk. Finally—about two pages in—he discovers that there's a girl sitting in the front row! He proceeds to gradually go mad.
I am now inspired to read more of Ibrahim al-Faqih (Libyan) and Yusuf Idris (Egyptian). Al-Faqih's story is beautifully written and has a brilliant opening: a crotchety teacher at an all-male school is flabbergasted to find that his students ("little devils") are quiet and well-behaved one morning. First he assumes that the classroom must be empty because no noise is emanating from it, then, finding his students sitting calmly inside, he assumes that an inspector must be hiding somewhere and checks behind the blackboard and under the desk. Finally—about two pages in—he discovers that there's a girl sitting in the front row! He proceeds to gradually go mad.
July 20, 2011
I went to sit at a cafe with a friend while he did some work and he gave me this book to read so I wouldn't distract him! It turned out to be a nice way to pass a couple hours, although I did read it in English and would like to sit down again in the future to actually re-read it in Arabic.
The value of this book to non-Arabic speakers is that it offers translations of short stories by famous MENA region authors, all of whom are famous in Arabic but are not widely translated/read in English. It also provides short biographies of each author. For those who speak Arabic and English (or are studying), the benefits of a side-by-side reader are immense, and the stories offer interesting and valuable insights and social/cultural commentaries.
The value of this book to non-Arabic speakers is that it offers translations of short stories by famous MENA region authors, all of whom are famous in Arabic but are not widely translated/read in English. It also provides short biographies of each author. For those who speak Arabic and English (or are studying), the benefits of a side-by-side reader are immense, and the stories offer interesting and valuable insights and social/cultural commentaries.
October 14, 2015
I like the book not because it is my first Bilingual ( English- Arabic book). But because of the choosen stories. It is a valuable book for whom wants to know about the modern Arabic literature.It is kind of "teaching" English or Arabic book.
I like all the stories & their writers.
I got this book as a gift from my American friend Paula.
كتاب جميل وقيم وبسيط. يشبه الكتب التعليمية ومفيد جدا لمن يريد أن يزيد لغته الإنكليزية أو العربية متانةز
كتاب يثقف، يعلم ويسلي. إختيار الكتاب وقصصهم موفق.هوأول كتاب أقرأه بلغتين في آنواحد. أعجبتني الفكرة والطريقة ومستوى الترجمة والمقدمات والهوامش قبل وبعد كل قصة.
I like all the stories & their writers.
I got this book as a gift from my American friend Paula.
كتاب جميل وقيم وبسيط. يشبه الكتب التعليمية ومفيد جدا لمن يريد أن يزيد لغته الإنكليزية أو العربية متانةز
كتاب يثقف، يعلم ويسلي. إختيار الكتاب وقصصهم موفق.هوأول كتاب أقرأه بلغتين في آنواحد. أعجبتني الفكرة والطريقة ومستوى الترجمة والمقدمات والهوامش قبل وبعد كل قصة.
February 22, 2014
Purchased this book at Used book fair but woth the cost 1/10th original price.
Interesting authors who i was not exposed to their work & culture but found it interesting to learn from their amazing narration & story lines
Interesting authors who i was not exposed to their work & culture but found it interesting to learn from their amazing narration & story lines
August 23, 2009
I am reading this as part of my "Arabic" bookclub, but am finding it hard going.
October 24, 2024
Modern Arabic Short Stories: A Bilingual Reader, edited by Ronak Husni and Daniel L. Newman, is a significant anthology that showcases twelve contemporary short stories from prominent Arab authors. The collection spans diverse regions, including Morocco and Iraq, and features writers like Naguib Mahfouz, whose works are well-known in the West, alongside lesser-known but influential figures in Arabic literature.
The book presents each story in both Arabic and English, making it an excellent resource for language learners and literature enthusiasts. This side-by-side format allows readers to engage with the original text while also benefiting from the English translation, enhancing their understanding of language nuances and cultural context.
Each story is accompanied by:
1)A brief biography of the author.
2)Contextual notes that provide insights into the themes and backgrounds of the narratives.
3)A glossary that addresses challenging vocabulary and language points, which is particularly useful for students of Arabic.
The anthology not only serves as a language learning tool but also offers profound social and cultural commentaries. Many stories reflect on themes of power dynamics—both personal and political—highlighting interpersonal relationships as metaphors for broader societal issues.
The book presents each story in both Arabic and English, making it an excellent resource for language learners and literature enthusiasts. This side-by-side format allows readers to engage with the original text while also benefiting from the English translation, enhancing their understanding of language nuances and cultural context.
Each story is accompanied by:
1)A brief biography of the author.
2)Contextual notes that provide insights into the themes and backgrounds of the narratives.
3)A glossary that addresses challenging vocabulary and language points, which is particularly useful for students of Arabic.
The anthology not only serves as a language learning tool but also offers profound social and cultural commentaries. Many stories reflect on themes of power dynamics—both personal and political—highlighting interpersonal relationships as metaphors for broader societal issues.
March 31, 2021
لمحت هذه الكتاب على أرفف إحدى المكتبات وظننته ضالتي...
كتاب في المستوى المتوسط أقدمه لطلابي لكي يقرؤوه أو نقرأ معه قصصا ، أو هو مناسب حتى لكي أترجمه إلى اللغة البوسنية...
لكنني وجدت شيئا آخر ، فقد وجدته كتابا عن العالم العربي يقرأ بالانجليزية ، كما وأفادتني التعليقات أسفله...
تنوع الكتاب وبلدانهم وتنوع المذاهب الأدبية يعطيك وجبة أدبية دسمة تعرفك بالعالم العربي حتى ولو كنت ممن يعرفونه جيدا ، كذلك والتعليقات خلف كل قصة تستحق أن تدرس وحدها...
بالمقابل لا أظن أن الطالب يستطيع قراءته ، بل أزعم أن في كلمات تخفى معانيها على أغلب القراء العرب ، كما وأتساءل عن الانطباع النفسي عن العالم العربي الذي ستتركه عليه ، إذ محاولة التعريف بكل الغريب في العالم العربي قد تعطي انطباعا بأنه عالم يختلف جملة وتفصيلا عن عالمنا ، كما ولدي تحفظ على بعض المواضيع (كالجنس( التي ظهرت أكثر بكثير - كما وكيفا - في مثل هذا الكتاب.
كقارئ فقد استمتعت به ، أما كمعلم فعلي أن أبحث عن غيره.
كتاب في المستوى المتوسط أقدمه لطلابي لكي يقرؤوه أو نقرأ معه قصصا ، أو هو مناسب حتى لكي أترجمه إلى اللغة البوسنية...
لكنني وجدت شيئا آخر ، فقد وجدته كتابا عن العالم العربي يقرأ بالانجليزية ، كما وأفادتني التعليقات أسفله...
تنوع الكتاب وبلدانهم وتنوع المذاهب الأدبية يعطيك وجبة أدبية دسمة تعرفك بالعالم العربي حتى ولو كنت ممن يعرفونه جيدا ، كذلك والتعليقات خلف كل قصة تستحق أن تدرس وحدها...
بالمقابل لا أظن أن الطالب يستطيع قراءته ، بل أزعم أن في كلمات تخفى معانيها على أغلب القراء العرب ، كما وأتساءل عن الانطباع النفسي عن العالم العربي الذي ستتركه عليه ، إذ محاولة التعريف بكل الغريب في العالم العربي قد تعطي انطباعا بأنه عالم يختلف جملة وتفصيلا عن عالمنا ، كما ولدي تحفظ على بعض المواضيع (كالجنس( التي ظهرت أكثر بكثير - كما وكيفا - في مثل هذا الكتاب.
كقارئ فقد استمتعت به ، أما كمعلم فعلي أن أبحث عن غيره.
November 7, 2018
As I don't understand Arabic at all, I wasn't making the most of the bilingual nature of the book, but just reading it for the stories.
As with most compilations, the quality of the stories varies from boring to entertaining. I found most were reasonably good. I particularly liked the story by Ibrahim al-Faqih, about a teacher at an all male school, who suddenly finds himself having to teach a girl and the effect this has on his sanity.
As with most compilations, the quality of the stories varies from boring to entertaining. I found most were reasonably good. I particularly liked the story by Ibrahim al-Faqih, about a teacher at an all male school, who suddenly finds himself having to teach a girl and the effect this has on his sanity.
August 24, 2021
This bilingual reader contains twelve short stories by major Arabic writers, in Arabic with English translations. It is obviously designed for people learning Arabic, with language notes after each selection, and it is in order from least to most difficult in the original language. Of course I don't read Arabic, but the stories were all good in translation, including one I hadn't previously read by Naguib Mahfouz about a pair of Siamese twins.
November 2, 2018
Very useful as a bilingual/parallel-text reader, plus an excellent collection of short fiction in its own right, showcasing a wide range of writers and styles.
October 18, 2020
The tale of the lamp, Night of torment and A hidden Treasure those are my favourite ones.
October 9, 2021
Quality collection, very well curated with varied but consistently enjoyable stories.
March 13, 2013
This book gives me great inroads into modern Arabic literature which, inshahallah, I will take the opportunity to utilize. There is nothing like literature to pay off labors in learning a language because once you have unwrapped the meaning you find something rich and intense and flavored with the local life. Many of the stories were very engaging and sometimes I was swept up from a state of labor to being buoyed along by the story. Some of my favorites in this collection were those by Muhammad Shukri, Fu'ad al-Takarli, Layla Uthman and Najib Mahfouz, who never fails to delight.
Read
May 28, 2013It is an amazing collection of Arabic short stories. It gets very confusing sometimes, but that does not take out their importance. Most of the stories tackles society problems that been and still here in the modern Arab societies. The language that the authors used is amazingly beautiful. I loved the Arabic version because rare and very old vocabulary have been used. Few of the stories I still don't understand or see very clearly the moral behind it. But I guess this is what is intended, to look again and again to see the beauty of what is written.
April 13, 2015
Excellent tool for anyone learning Arabic, mid-level to advanced.
The stories are varied and enjoyable, offering a fairly representative glimpse of modern (pre-spring) Arabic literature with it's rich detail, social metaphor/critique, and vestiges of magical-realism. Translations strike the right balance between readable adaptation and word-for-word rendering for language students.
The stories are varied and enjoyable, offering a fairly representative glimpse of modern (pre-spring) Arabic literature with it's rich detail, social metaphor/critique, and vestiges of magical-realism. Translations strike the right balance between readable adaptation and word-for-word rendering for language students.
February 18, 2016
The earlier stories tended to be better in my opinion, but overall there was a wide range of both male and female middle eastern writers, all with their individual styles. I can't read, write or understand Arabic but as an English language reader I was still entertained.
September 10, 2009
Pretty good introduction to the modern literary language.
Lots of typos in this edition though.
Lots of typos in this edition though.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews