One Thousand and One Nights: A Retelling

by Hanan Al-Shaykh

there is nothing to be gained from regret; it changes nothing, leaves us melancholy and in pain for ever.

“One should never act on what one hears from others, but seek and discover the truth for himself.

“The events of this evening resemble life itself: filled with harmony, the sublime, and with great contradictions—hate and love, tyranny and freedom, bliss and torment, loyalty and betrayal.

“Surely you know that pleasure soon evaporates, into thin air? Then all we are left with are stories.”