In Hanan al-Shaykh's 'One Thousand and One Nights', the timeless tales of Scheherazade are reimagined through the lens of contemporary voices, weaving together a rich tapestry of love, betrayal, and resilience. Each night, Scheherazade's storytelling captivates her brutal husband, leading us through a labyrinth of enchanting stories and vibrant characters that defy cultural boundaries. As the narratives unfold, the reader is drawn into a world where magic intertwines with harsh realities, offering both escapism and profound insights. Al-Shaykh's prose is both poetic and urgent, breathing new life into ancient tales while exploring themes of gender, power, and identity. This modern retelling challenges us to consider the enduring power of storytelling in shaping our lives and histories.
By Hanan al-Shaykh
Published: 2014
"In the tapestry of tales, each thread whispers secrets of love, loss, and the timeless dance of desire."
Passed down over centuries from India, Persia, and across the Arab world, the mesmerizing stories of One Thousand and One Nights are related by the beautiful, young Shahrazad as she attempts to delay her execution. Retold in modern English by the acclaimed Lebanese author Hanan al-Shaykh, here are stories of the real and the supernatural, love and marriage, power and punishment, wealth and poverty, and the endless trials and uncertainties of fate. Bringing together nineteen classic tales, in these pages al-Shaykh weaves an utterly intoxicating collection, rich with humor, violence, and romance.
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“In the tapestry of tales, each thread whispers secrets of love, loss, and the timeless dance of desire.”
One Thousand and One Nights
By Hanan al-Shaykh
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Hanan al-Shaykh is a prominent Lebanese author known for her powerful storytelling and exploration of gender, identity, and social issues in the Arab world. With a career spanning over four decades, al-Shaykh's notable works include 'The Story of Zahra', 'Women of Sand and Myrrh', and 'The Locust and the Bird'. Her writing style is characterized by its lyrical prose and incisive commentary, often weaving complex narratives that delve into the lives of women in contemporary society. Through her narratives, she challenges traditional norms and sheds light on the struggles and triumphs of her characters, making her a significant voice in modern Arabic literature.
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