The Bonfire

“The Bonfire” offers insight into Yemeni culture and society through a collection of short stories by contemporary Yemeni author Entesar Asseri. The stories address aspects of Arab life like marriage, love, family, religion, gender roles, and social change. Asseri uses her writing as a platform to explore traditions and their intersection with modern challenges in Yemen. She takes stances that can be rebellious, romantic, liberal, or radical in questioning cultural norms from a feminine perspective. The stories provide thought-provoking examinations of Yemeni traditions and human experiences like oppression, freedom of expression, and human rights. Translated by Hatem Al-Shamea, “The Bonfire” gives readers a glimpse into Asseri’s evocative storytelling and her unique voice as a Yemeni woman author commenting on identity, culture and societal issues in the Middle East.