The Tree and Other StoriesPaperback, 30 July 2004

Abdallah al-Nasser's attractive collection reveals the art of the short story in all its variety: vivid description is found alongside social satire, political reflection, traditional humorous anecdote and complex allegorical writing. A number of the stories explore, in sometimes subtle and unexpected ways, life in the author's Saudi homeland, considering both traditional aspects and the effect on these of a modern world imposing itself with often bewildering speed. Others reflect on issues in the wider Arab world, and others still deal with timeless elements of the human condition.