The Cheapest Nights, Yusuf Idris

Short StoriesA vivid portrait of Cairo’s forgotten lives—told with raw honesty, biting humor, and deep humanity.The Cheapest Nights is a powerful collection of short stories by acclaimed Egyptian author Yusuf Idris, offering a rare glimpse into the daily struggles, dreams, and contradictions of Cairo’s working-class neighborhoods. Originally written in Arabic and translated into English by Peter Owen, these stories blend realism with compassion, capturing the voices of the marginalized with striking authenticity. Content and GenreGenre: Literary fiction, short stories, Arabic literature in translationThemes: Poverty, social justice, urban life, human dignity, class struggleStyle: Gritty, empathetic, satiricalSet in mid-20th-century Egypt, Idris’s stories are populated by barbers, beggars, laborers, and lovers—each navigating a world of hardship with resilience and wit. His writing is both political and poetic, making The Cheapest Nights a cornerstone of modern Arabic literature and a compelling read for fans of global fiction.About the author(s):Yusuf Idris (1927–1991) was one of Egypt’s most influential literary voices. Trained as a physician, he turned to writing to explore the social and political realities of postcolonial Egypt. Idris is celebrated for his pioneering role in Arabic short fiction, often compared to Chekhov for his psychological insight and narrative economy. His work has been translated into numerous languages and continues to resonate with readers worldwide.Peter Owen, the translator, was a renowned British publisher and translator known for bringing international literature to English-speaking audiences. His translation preserves the rhythm and nuance of Idris’s original Arabic prose.This book is in stock at our warehouse in the Netherlands and available for fast delivery (no customs fees for orders within the Netherlands and the EU). Product Information:Title: The Cheapest NightsAuthor(s): Yusuf IdrisCo-author(s): –Translator: Peter Owen (from Arabic into English)Bookdesign: –Publisher: Heinemann, London / Three Continents Press, Washington D.C.ISBN: 0894100416Language: EnglishBinding: PaperbackNumber of pages: 196Illustrations: NoneEdition: 1978Dimensions: Approx. 22.0 x 14.0 x 1.5 cmWeight: Approx. 250 gramsCondition: Clean and well-kept copy, with only minor wear to the coverEAN: 9780894100413Categories: Literary Fiction, Short Stories, Arabic Literature in Translation, Middle Eastern Studies Price without shipping costs