Ahmed Awny

Ahmed Awny is an Egyptian writer and literary editor who recently relocated to Berlin. In his work, he explores masculinity, heroism, social change, and Egyptian subcultures. His works include a collection of short stories Chronic Anxiety (2010). His debut novel Prizes for Heroes was awarded the Sawiris Foundation Prize for Literature (2020). His new nonfiction book In the Factory of Men, reflecting on his position on his sister’s romantic relationships, is set to be published in Arabic in January 2023.

Rana Asfour is the Managing Editor at The Markaz Review, as well as a freelance writer, book critic and translator. Her work has appeared in such publications as Madame Magazine, The Guardian UK and The National/UAE. She chairs TMR’s English-language Book Club, which meets online the last Sunday of every month. She tweets @bookfabulous.