These 27 traditional folk stories were written down, shortly before her
death, by Jamal Sleem Nuweihed, who had recounted them to the children
of her extended family over many years. Authentically Arab in their
themes, yet timelessly universal, they are sometimes magical, sometimes
naturalistic, and combine a wealth of vivid detail with elements of
pathos and humor. Translated by family members of various generations,
then expertly edited, the book is a precious store of the kind of tale
endlessly cherished but in danger of disappearing.