BOOK DESCRIPTION

This delightful collection of short stories offers insight into the lives of Syrian women, both the married and the brides-to-be. It reveals the warmth and humor as well as the oppression in the Syrian society. The stories make the reader laugh while addressing serious issues such as domestic violence.
Um Hussam can’t find a suitable bride for her son, testing each candidate’s sight, hearing and reading skills, occasionally cobbing a feel. Jamila’s husband Hassan can’t forget his deceased wife, until she makes sure he never mentions her again. Rami can’t help but wonder whether his new bride is a natural beauty or a talented surgeon’s masterpiece. Khadija’s maid stabs her in the back while Rana’s husband Muafak can’t find the right excuse to avoid a fight.

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Syrian Brides

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS AND REVIEW

This is a collection of short stories all taking place in Syria that gives an insight into the lives of brides to be and married women that live there. It soon became clear that these women are far more intelligent than their partners give them credit for. On the surface, they have to take a subservient role but the stories tell of the subtle ways that these ladies can manipulate a situation to turn some situations to their advantage.

Thinking themselves superior to women, these men just don’t suspect that they can be bettered which I must admit brought a smile to my face. The first story is a little beauty and prime example, Nobody’s Bride. The Story of the new bride not getting on with her mother-in-law too turns into quite a lovely story.

Unfortunately, the women in the stories are mainly treated like second rate citizens facing abuse from their husbands but the little twists make the women’s revenge even more sweeter. I enjoyed this book which gave me an insight into a world I know little about. A light read in many places but with some darker undertones in others.

HERE IS A LITTLE ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Anna Halabi was born and raised in Aleppo, Syria. She emigrated to Europe in 1999 for her university studies. She currently lives with her family in Germany.
Syrian Brides is her debut as an author. The stories and characters in this collection were inspired by her personal experiences as well as her relatives, friends and TV shows