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pdestrienne's review
slow-paced
3.0
I skipped 2, including the title story. I think I just wasn't in the mood for this book.
reneereads's review
dark
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
silkevdb's review
challenging
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
3.0
bookalong's review
5.0
"There used to be a time when our names mattered, when being Syrian meant somthing else. Turn that off. They could count us like grains of rice. I cannot bear it. Come closer."
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Thoughts~
Two Dollar Radio has done it again! I have yet to read something they have published and not absolutely love it!
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Alligator and Other Stories is a haunting collection of stories that focus on the Syrian experience. Showcasing the violence, grief, intergenerational trauma and cultural differences through generations. The title story Alligator is a outstanding! About the lynching of a Syrian couple in Florida. Told through reportage style, it reveals the racial injustice and brutality in America and how that carries through to future generations. One of the best short stories I have ever read! The other stories are excellent also. Alzayat has a wonderfully unique writing style with stirring prose. The way she unified these stories that all had such a different scope is pure talent! I can't wait to read more from her.
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Thank You to the publisher for sending me this book opinions are my own.
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For more of my book content check out instagram.com/bookalong
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Thoughts~
Two Dollar Radio has done it again! I have yet to read something they have published and not absolutely love it!
•
Alligator and Other Stories is a haunting collection of stories that focus on the Syrian experience. Showcasing the violence, grief, intergenerational trauma and cultural differences through generations. The title story Alligator is a outstanding! About the lynching of a Syrian couple in Florida. Told through reportage style, it reveals the racial injustice and brutality in America and how that carries through to future generations. One of the best short stories I have ever read! The other stories are excellent also. Alzayat has a wonderfully unique writing style with stirring prose. The way she unified these stories that all had such a different scope is pure talent! I can't wait to read more from her.
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Thank You to the publisher for sending me this book opinions are my own.
•
For more of my book content check out instagram.com/bookalong
reading_rainbow_with_chris's review
4.0
“Alligator & Other Stories” by Dima Alzayat
This collection of short stories was one of those books I picked up randomly for no reason; it was listed as one of the best of 2020 by our local bookstore (shoutout to Dotters Books in Eau Claire, WI) so I decided to give it a try. Alzayat has created a beautiful collection of stories revolving around grief, loss, and cultural identity. Her voice as a writer is preeminent in each story without overwhelming the individual narrative speakers. Particular standouts for me included “Ghusl,” “Disappearance,” “In the Land of Kan’an,” and “Summer of the Shark.” The title story “Alligator” is also a wonderful piece, but I found it more an intellectual exercise than an engaging one due to the intertextual nature of writing. It was a wonderful story, but less engaging than others.
As a collection the book is cohesive and consistent, perhaps to a minor fault. The themes here resulted in similar tones of each story which at times made it harder to pick up again after each story. I enjoyed them when I was reading, but I never felt compelled to pick up the book later because I already felt I knew what tone or vibe I would get. Still a phenomenal collection well worth a read for anyone who loves short stories or has an interest in cultural performance and narratives.
This collection of short stories was one of those books I picked up randomly for no reason; it was listed as one of the best of 2020 by our local bookstore (shoutout to Dotters Books in Eau Claire, WI) so I decided to give it a try. Alzayat has created a beautiful collection of stories revolving around grief, loss, and cultural identity. Her voice as a writer is preeminent in each story without overwhelming the individual narrative speakers. Particular standouts for me included “Ghusl,” “Disappearance,” “In the Land of Kan’an,” and “Summer of the Shark.” The title story “Alligator” is also a wonderful piece, but I found it more an intellectual exercise than an engaging one due to the intertextual nature of writing. It was a wonderful story, but less engaging than others.
As a collection the book is cohesive and consistent, perhaps to a minor fault. The themes here resulted in similar tones of each story which at times made it harder to pick up again after each story. I enjoyed them when I was reading, but I never felt compelled to pick up the book later because I already felt I knew what tone or vibe I would get. Still a phenomenal collection well worth a read for anyone who loves short stories or has an interest in cultural performance and narratives.
taibreakfast's review
4.0
An astonishing collection of short stories that will turn you inside out and then shake you so the lint and coins will come out. I'm embarrassed to say this was my first exposure to reading about Syrian American experiences, and I learned a lot. Some fascinating play with form, especially in the title story.
whistlestubbs's review
3.0
(3.5 stars) Even though I wasn’t particularly impressed by this book, the author demonstrates a lot of talent. I think some stories were good- excellent imagery- but often too predictable and not adding much depth to an already existing conversation. My biggest critic is that the author didn’t seem to totally understand her characters, probably because the aim at greater social commentary such as racism, sexual abuse or abuse of authority, and other identity issues.
Super interested by her use of form, which encouraged me to buy the collection in the first place.
Would recommend “those who struggle succeed.”
Super interested by her use of form, which encouraged me to buy the collection in the first place.
Would recommend “those who struggle succeed.”
chameleonhound's review
challenging
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death of parent, Grief, Hate crime, Infidelity, Kidnapping, Misogyny, Police brutality, Racism, Religious bigotry, and Suicide