TMR’s five main editors have selected two of our favorite stories of the year for your reading pleasure. Of course, we are utterly subjective, and would love to hear from you in the comments if there are other stories that you found memorable.
The Time of Monsters
Layla AlAmmar contemplates how the noise of the past can be perceived as a coherent narrative in hindsight.
Al-Thakla—Arabic as the Original Mourner
Abdelrahman ElGendy asks, how do you hold your grief in a language that’s been its main perpetrator?
Memory Archive: Between Remembering and Forgetting
Mai Al-Nakib explores memory, forgetting, and writing through the lenses of Woolf, Proust, and a Wim Wenders film.
“Ten-Armed Gods”—a short story by Odai Al Zoubi
In a stream of consciousness short story by Odai Al Zoubi, a minister under investigation in the Syrian government awaits his fate.
“Besara”—an excerpt from Things Are Not in Their Place
An excerpt from Omani writer Huda Hamed’s bittersweet coming-of-age novel about race and self in a new English translation by Zia Ahmed.
“We Danced”—a story by MK Harb
In exercises to “release your inner child,” meditation, or psychotherapy, Beirutis search for mental and physical relief, in MK Harb’s latest short story.
“Habib”—a story by Ghassan Ghassan
A bombing in Gaza destroys an entire family except for the protagonist of the short story and his beloved dog.
A Jewish Meditation on the Palestinian Genocide
A Jewish American has been afraid to express her reservations and criticism of Israel’s actions in Gaza, but felt she had to speak out.
Beirut War Diary: 8 Days in October
Rima Rantisi depicts the uncertainty and anxiety of Israel’s assault on Lebanon, illustrating its impact on daily life.
The Time-Travels of the Man who Sold Pickles and Sweets—an Excerpt
Ibn Shalaby, like many Egyptians, is looking for a job. Yet, unlike most of his fellow citizens, he is prone to sudden dislocations in time.
