Details

In this collection of short stories, Naguib Mahfouz deals with local situations and global conflicts in a manner characterized by hidden sarcasm, and relies on absurdity and strangeness in building his story worlds. This is clearly evident in the story "The Honeymoon," where we meet the newlyweds who return to their luxurious home after the honeymoon has ended, only to discover that the house has been occupied by strangers. They decide to seek help from passers-by passing in front of the building, and there they are surprised by a barrage of bricks that rain down on them from outside as soon as they open the window. The story continues and its events escalate in this absurd and stressful framework, which contains many symbols and revelations that open the door to interpretation of the story wide open.