Four Gates to the Hereafter: On The Dissenters
The Egyptian author of an epistolary novel — his first in English — meditates on whether his work will join the canon of world literature.
Youssef Rakha
Sargon Boulus Revisited: Encomium to an Assyrian Poet
Youssef Rakha revisits his fascination with Sargon Boulos who managed to live out poetic Arabness in exile as nobody else did.
Remembering Khaled Khalifa on the 40th Day
For the 40th day from his death, Youssef Rakha considers fellow writer Khaled Khalifa in the context of both Arabic and world literary canons.
Ghassan Zeineddine Reflects On, Transcends the Identity Zeitgeist
Youssef Rakha is more interested in what it means to be a contemporary Arab-Muslim independently of the West than an American Arab.
Poetry as a Form of Madness—Review of a Friendship
Youssef Rahka introduces us to his Egyptian friend Maged Zaher and his seventh volume of poetry, composed in English.
The Angels of Desire
Youssef Rakha meditates on dreams and desire, and why he might just be ready to die for a stranger.