One Thousand and One Nights: A Retelling

by Hanan Al-Shaykh

jealousy destroys the very thing it loves

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.

“It is true, life is but a bunch of secrets.”

Soon Shahrazad’s words took over, becoming her shield against the sword hanging over her like an augury of dawn.