In “Stories From the Center of the World: New Middle East Fiction,” 25 authors weave together unique tales that offer a nuanced and substantive portrayal of the region. Hedges and Elgrably explore a handful of the stories, delving into themes such as the struggles of working class immigrants, the challenges of adjusting to life in the Middle East after years in American society and more.
It hit me early in the interview, right in the gut, when Chris read the opening of the story by Hanif Kureishi and they went into the discussion of expat writers and alienation. And I thought — that’s the way I feel right now in this country, the US, wishing I were an expat but still living here. What I used to call my country doesn't really exist any more especially when I write these comments that are generally critical about the way its hubris causes it to mistreat the majority of its people; and the world at large. A quite sobering realization. Stranger in a strange land.
It hit me early in the interview, right in the gut, when Chris read the opening of the story by Hanif Kureishi and they went into the discussion of expat writers and alienation. And I thought — that’s the way I feel right now in this country, the US, wishing I were an expat but still living here. What I used to call my country doesn't really exist any more especially when I write these comments that are generally critical about the way its hubris causes it to mistreat the majority of its people; and the world at large. A quite sobering realization. Stranger in a strange land.
I am eager to read these stores. We learn about our sisters and brothers through their stories. Thank you for offering these insights.