The Quest for Identities: The Development of the Modern Arabic Short Story

The short story has played a vital role in shaping literary sensibilities in the Arab world. It is probably the most popular literary genre, yet it receives the least attention from literary critics and academic studies. This paradox is typical of the odd but fascinating history of this form.This long-awaited sequel to the classic, The Genesis of Arabic Narrative Discourse, investigates the genre’s development and contribution to Arabic literary culture. It sheds light on why the genre is more popular in some countries than others, and at certain historical moments more than others. While the novel has long been credited with a vital role in the shaping of the ‘imagined community’, the short story is concerned with the individual’s quest for...