Tales of Tangier: The Complete Short Stories of Mohamed Choukri

In one of his short stories, Choukri portrays a place called Tangier, which is a coastal crossroads between Europe and Africa. The stories are about the lives, sufferings, and hopes of the people who live in Tangier, including the abused, abandoned, and addicted. Writing is a protest, not a parade, and Choukri prioritizes the voices of those ignored by society.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 264 pages
Publication date: 11 July 2023
Publisher: Yale University Press

Acclaimed Moroccan author Mohamed Choukri's captivating short stories, translated into English and gathered in a single volume for the first time, have been recognized as a 2023 Notable Translation by World Literature Today. Renowned for his profound insights and captivating storytelling, Choukri's work offers a unique window into the inner world of his intellect and the enigmatic landscapes of Tangier.

In his vivid narratives, Choukri transports readers to the bustling streets of Tangier, an ancient coastal crossroads between Europe and Africa. Through the eyes of his characters, we explore the vibrant tapestry of this city, witnessing its diverse inhabitants at markets, beaches, cafés, and brothels. Tangier, as portrayed by Choukri, is a place where the ordinary and extraordinary collide, where newborns are for sale, swindlers hawk the shoes of the Prophets, and boys scavenge for trash to sell for food.

Choukri's writing is a powerful protest against societal injustices and a celebration of the marginalized voices that often go unheard. In these thirty-one stories, he prioritizes the narratives of those who have been abused, abandoned, or addicted, offering profound reflections on the lives, sufferings, and hopes of his fellow Tangierines. The tales are simultaneously vibrant local vignettes and profound explorations of the human condition, touching on themes of love, loss, resilience, and the search for meaning in a complex world.

Through his masterful storytelling, Choukri invites readers to wander the streets of Tangier, to immerse themselves in the lives of his characters, and to gain a deeper understanding of the complexities of human existence. His work serves as a testament to the power of literature to transcend boundaries, connect people across cultures, and shed light on the hidden treasures that exist within the human experience.

In recognition of his outstanding contributions to literature, Mohamed Choukri has received numerous accolades and awards, including the prestigious International Prize for Arabic Fiction (IPAF) and the Moroccan Ministry of Culture's National Prize for Literature. His work has been translated into numerous languages and has been widely read and celebrated around the world.

In conclusion, Mohamed Choukri's short stories are a testament to his talent as a storyteller and his commitment to social justice. Through his vivid narratives and profound insights, he offers readers a unique perspective on the world and invites us to explore the hidden corners of our own lives. His work is a valuable addition to the world of literature and a testament to the power of storytelling to inspire, educate, and transform.

Dimension: 197 x 127 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780300251357