All Walls Collapse: Stories of Separation

The anthology "All Walls Collapse" explores the history of walls and their impact on communities and nations, featuring writing from across national, ethnic, and linguistic borders, challenging the political impulse to separate and segregate and celebrating the role of literature in traversing division.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 192 pages
Publication date: 30 June 2022
Publisher: Comma Press

The history of walls, both as barriers to keep people in or out, is a testament to the ingenuity and resilience of human beings in navigating and overcoming these physical obstacles. From the iconic Berlin Wall and the formidable Mexico-US border to the barbed wire fences of Bangladesh's refugee camps, these short stories delve into the devastating effects of these dividing structures on individuals and communities. In a world where more walls are being constructed than torn down, All Walls Collapse serves as a powerful anthology that brings together writing from across national, ethnic, and linguistic boundaries. It challenges the political urge to separate and segregate and celebrates the role of literature in traversing divisions.

The Berlin Wall, a symbol of Cold War division, stood as a stark reminder of the barriers that sought to separate communities and nations. Built in 1961, the wall cut off East Berlin from West Berlin and its surrounding areas, creating a physical and psychological divide that lasted for decades. The wall's construction resulted in the loss of lives, the separation of families, and the disruption of daily life for countless individuals.

Similarly, the Mexico-US border, a vast expanse of land that spans thousands of miles, has been a site of human migration and conflict. The border has been fortified with walls, fences, and surveillance technology, creating a barrier that has made it difficult for immigrants, asylum seekers, and refugees to cross legally. The consequences of this border enforcement have been devastating, with families torn apart, individuals detained in inhumane conditions, and the loss of lives due to border crossings.

In Bangladesh, the barbed wire fences of refugee camps have become a symbol of the ongoing refugee crisis. These camps house individuals who have fled their homes due to conflict, persecution, or natural disasters. The fences, designed to keep refugees out, have created a sense of isolation and despair, as they prevent families from reuniting and limit access to basic necessities such as food, water, and medical care.

The short stories in All Walls Collapse explore the various ways in which walls have impacted the lives of individuals and communities. They shed light on the experiences of those who have been trapped behind these physical barriers, as well as those who have found ways to overcome them. Through their narratives, the authors challenge the notion that walls are impenetrable and highlight the resilience and creativity of human beings in the face of adversity.

One of the most powerful stories in the anthology is "The Wall," by Hisham Matar. The story follows a young boy named Ahmad, who lives in a small village in the Middle East. Ahmad's family is forced to flee their home when it is attacked by a group of extremists, and they seek refuge in a neighboring country. However, the border between the two countries is heavily fortified, and Ahmad and his family are unable to cross.

Despite the obstacles, Ahmad refuses to give up hope. He spends his days observing the wall from a distance, dreaming of the day when he can return home. He befriends a young girl named Layla, who also lives on the other side of the wall, and they communicate through a series of messages and drawings. Through their friendship, Ahmad learns about the struggles and hardships of Layla's life, and he begins to understand the impact of the wall on their community.

Another notable story is "The Fence," by Mohsin Hamid. The story takes place in a fictionalized version of Pakistan, where a wall has been built to prevent the spread of terrorism. The wall has divided the country into two parts, with the majority of the population living on the side that is controlled by the government. However, the wall has also created a sense of isolation and division within the country, as it has made it difficult for people to travel and communicate across the border.

The protagonist of the story, a young man named Nadeem, is a college student who lives on the side of the wall that is controlled by the government. Nadeem is passionate about politics and social justice, and he believes that the wall is a symbol of the oppression and inequality that plagues his country. He decides to take matters into his own hands and begins to organize a resistance movement against the wall.

Through his activism, Nadeem meets a group of young people who share his vision of a better future. They work together to build a network of tunnels and secret routes that allow people to cross the border illegally. The risks are high, and many people are caught and detained by the government, but Nadeem and his friends remain determined to continue their work.

All Walls Collapse serves as a powerful reminder of the devastating consequences of walls on individuals and communities. It highlights the resilience and creativity of human beings in the face of adversity and challenges the political impulse to separate and segregate. The anthology brings together writing from across national, ethnic, and linguistic borders, showcasing the diversity and richness of the human experience.

In a time when walls are being built at an alarming rate, All Walls Collapse offers a glimmer of hope. It reminds us that literature has the power to bridge divisions, to connect people across boundaries, and to promote understanding and empathy. By reading these stories, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the complexities of human relationships and the importance of tearing down the walls that divide us.

In conclusion, the history of walls, both as barriers to keep people in or out, is a testament to the ingenuity and resilience of human beings in navigating and overcoming these physical obstacles. From the iconic Berlin Wall and the formidable Mexico-US border to the barbed wire fences of Bangladesh's refugee camps, these short stories delve into the devastating effects of these dividing structures on individuals and communities. All Walls Collapse serves as a powerful anthology that brings together writing from across national, ethnic, and linguistic boundaries, challenging the political impulse to separate and segregate and celebrating the role of literature in traversing division. As we navigate a world where walls are being constructed at an alarming rate, it is more important than ever to remember the lessons of history and to work towards a future where walls are replaced with bridges of understanding and compassion.

Dimension: 198 x 128 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781912697571