ArabLit Quarterly Fall/Winter 2019: The…: is this $6.5 stack worth it for Writing & Publishing?
Quick answer
| Best for | Readers who want a dense, thematic anthology of Arabic fiction and poetry in English, with a focus on the visual and the gaze. |
| Skip if | You are looking for a writing template, a productivity system, or a how-to guide on publishing. This is a literary magazine issue, not a tool. |
| Price | $6.50 |
| Format | EPUB (35 MB, 110 sections) |
| One-line take | A $6.50 digital issue that treats the “eye” as a literary device, featuring dual translations and short fiction from major Arab authors. |
What you’re actually buying
At first glance, a $6.50 EPUB might look like a minor purchase, but what you are getting here is a curated literary experience rather than a utility. This is the Fall/Winter 2019 issue of ArabLit Quarterly, and it is organized around a single, potent theme: the eye. It is not just about seeing; it is about the politics, magic, and physicality of the gaze. For a reader who enjoys short fiction and translated poetry, this is a high-density offering that packs 110 sections into a single file.
The standout feature of this issue is its commitment to translational conversation. You get to see the same text approached by different translators, which is rare in commercial publishing. For example, Yasmine Seale and Robin Moger both translate poetry by Ibn Arabi, allowing you to compare their nuances side-by-side. Similarly, Haytham al-Wardany’s Book of Sleep is presented in two distinct ways: one as a text rebuilt by Robin Moger, and another as a musical playlist concept by Maha ElNabawy. This dual approach turns the reading experience into a comparative study, making the ArabLit Quarterly issue feel more like a literary workshop than a simple collection.
The short fiction selections are equally specific. You will find Ameer Hamad’s “Suad’s Eyes,” which focuses on the hypnotic physicality of the human eye, and Tareq Emam’s “One-Eyed Woman,” translated by Katherine Van de Vate. There is also Rami Tawil’s “Eyes Shut,” where the protagonist navigates the world with closed eyes, and Bushra Fadil’s “Phosphorous at the Bottom of a Well,” a metaphysical piece about seeing the world from the perspective of the dead. These are not generic stories; they are tightly focused on the mechanics of sight and perception. (ArabLit Quarterly Fall/Winter 2019: The Eye)
Beyond fiction, the issue includes essays and visual translations. Hadeel Eltayeb writes about a 1980 children’s book called The Evil Eye that she discovered in Qatar, tracing its strange path from an Irish folktale to a Syrian illustrator to a Beirut publisher. May Hawass challenges the cliché that beauty is in the eye of the beholder, asking if societies in crisis actually need beauty at all. The full EPUB download includes these essays, along with visual translations from Melissa Chalhoub’s Badly Translated Arabic Songs, making it a multi-modal reading experience.
Why it’s on our radar
This issue is interesting because it refuses to treat translation as a one-way street. By placing multiple translations of the same text next to each other, it invites the reader to become an active participant in the meaning-making process. That is a level of editorial ambition you rarely see in a $6.50 digital product. (ArabLit Quarterly Fall/Winter 2019: The Eye)
The thematic cohesion is also impressive. Every piece, from the poetry to the essays, circles back to the concept of the eye, but from wildly different angles: magical, political, physical, and metaphysical. This creates a unified reading experience that feels like a curated exhibition rather than a random assortment of articles. The thematic depth of the issue makes it a compelling choice for anyone interested in contemporary Arabic literature.
What actually matters
Before you buy, consider what you are looking for in a literary anthology. If you want a broad survey of Arabic literature, this issue is too narrow. It is specifically about the eye, and every piece is chosen to fit that theme. If you are a fan of short fiction and poetry, and you enjoy the nuances of translation, this is a strong pick. (ArabLit Quarterly Fall/Winter 2019: The Eye)
Check the file size and format. The EPUB is 35 MB, which is a reasonable size for a text-heavy document. It should open on most e-readers, tablets, and computers. The file specifications are straightforward, so you can be confident it will work on your device.
Also, consider the value of the dual translations. If you are a student of translation or a writer interested in how language shifts across cultures, the side-by-side translations of Ibn Arabi and al-Wardany are worth the price alone. This is a niche feature that adds significant value to the literary content.
Mid-check
If you are interested in exploring the full range of stories and poems in this issue, you can see the details and purchase the file here. (ArabLit Quarterly Fall/Winter 2019: The Eye)
FAQ
Is this a writing template or a productivity system? No. This is a literary magazine issue. It contains fiction, poetry, and essays. It is not a tool for organizing your work or improving your writing process. (ArabLit Quarterly Fall/Winter 2019: The Eye)
What is the format of the file? It is an EPUB file, which is a standard e-book format. It is 35 MB in size and contains 110 sections. You can read it on most e-readers, tablets, and computers. (ArabLit Quarterly Fall/Winter 2019: The Eye)
Who are the authors featured in this issue? The issue features a range of Arab authors, including Ameer Hamad, Tareq Emam, Rami Tawil, Bushra Fadil, and Naguib Mahfouz. It also includes translations by Yasmine Seale, Robin Moger, and others. The author lineup is diverse and includes both established and emerging voices.
Is this issue available in other formats? The listing specifically mentions the EPUB format. If you need a PDF or another format, you may need to check with the seller directly. However, the EPUB is the most versatile format for reading on multiple devices. (ArabLit Quarterly Fall/Winter 2019: The Eye)
Bottom line
If you are looking for a dense, thematic anthology of Arabic fiction and poetry, ArabLit Quarterly Fall/Winter 2019: The Eye is a strong choice. At $6.50, you get a curated collection of short stories, poems, and essays that explore the concept of the eye from multiple angles. The dual translations and the thematic cohesion make it a unique and valuable reading experience.
If you are a fan of translated literature and enjoy the nuances of different translation styles, this issue is worth your time. The full issue is available for purchase and should be a rewarding read for anyone interested in contemporary Arabic writing.