Egypt Writers’ Union Hosts Discussion on “Pomegranate-Flavored Lives”
On the sidelines of the Cairo International Book Fair 2026, the Egypt Writers’ Union will host a discussion tomorrow evening on the short story collection “Pomegranate-Flavored Lives” by Emirati author Ali Al-Shaali.
The session will be moderated by journalist Abdel Sabour Badr, with literary critic Dr. Howaida Saleh providing a critical reading, followed by an open dialogue with the audience. 📚✨
On the sidelines of the Cairo International Book Fair 2026, the Egypt Writers’ Union will host a literary session tomorrow evening to discuss the short story collection “Pomegranate-Flavored Lives” by Emirati writer Ali Al-Shaali.
The event, scheduled for 8 PM, offers readers a rare chance to explore a narrative world that blends realism with surrealism and dives into the lives of ordinary people living at the margins of society. 🌿📖
The session will be moderated by Abdel Sabour Badr, Deputy Editor-in-Chief of Al-Akhbar newspaper, while Dr. Howaida Saleh will present a critical reading of the collection. The event will conclude with an open dialogue between the author and the audience, allowing for direct interaction and in-depth discussion. 🗣️
About “Pomegranate-Flavored Lives”
The collection invites readers to taste life, not from its center but from its overlooked margins. It focuses on ordinary characters woven into the fabric of the world, whose dreams and struggles often go unnoticed. 🌙🍂
The stories depict small victories—over insomnia, hunger, illusions, and thirst—while confronting issues such as marginalization, poverty, betrayal, and forced migration. Through selective memory and transformative remembrance, the collection reflects the human condition and the question of the hero in modern society. 🔍
Literary Style
The work blends realism with surreal touches, capturing daily life and then shifting into dreamlike scenes that reveal human fears and curiosity about the future of our planet.
Al-Shaali presents sharp, unforgettable lives through characters whose impact lingers long after the story ends. 🌍✨
About Ali Al-Shaali
Ali Al-Shaali is an Emirati poet, novelist, and publisher. He graduated from the International Writing Program at the University of Iowa and holds a fellowship from the Frankfurt Book Fair.
He holds a degree in civil engineering and a professional certificate in project management, giving him a unique perspective that bridges science and literature. 🎓📚
He has published several literary works, including five poetry collections and various narrative pieces. His latest novel is titled “My Name is Aliya, and This is My Father.”
He won the Al Owais Creativity Award and was named Poet of the Year at the Sharjah Arab Poetry Festival 2024. His works have been translated into multiple languages. 🏆🌐
A Session for Deep Reading
Tomorrow’s session offers readers a chance to explore a literary work that goes beyond conventional storytelling. “Pomegranate-Flavored Lives” is not just a collection of stories—it is a reflective journey into what it means to live, dream, and endure. 🍷📖
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