Friendly Fire: The First Egyptian Short Story Collection – Powerful Tales of Modern Middle Eastern Life

“In our country, the walls have ears.”

Living under a dictator changes how people love. Even a simple dinner feels heavy with what nobody says.

Older men in these stories cling to status because it is all they have left. They use rules to hide their own deep fears.

Small acts of cruelty often happen because people feel powerless at work. They go home and take it out on their families.

Cairo feels like a character that never sleeps and never forgives. The crowded streets make every secret feel public.