'A boatman fishes bodies from the Yellow River searching for the one he can claim. A construction worker speeds through the Indonesian jungle to board his plane on time. Playing a terrifying game of cat and mouse, an isolated sniper in Beirut observes the city from his rooftop perch.

'With profound insight El-Zein's stories cross continents and time zones, effortlessly melding themes of loss and longing with larger questions of power, politics, faith and love. His characters, as provacative as they are diverse, confront issues of violence, justice and redemption with varying degrees of rage, suspense, satire and wit.

'With a sharp eye for the ridiculous, El-Zein's collection cleverly illuminates stereotypes and contemplates global truths. These are worldly stories in the best sense, and wise ones.' (Publisher's blurb)