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Short Stories· Kuwait

The Hidden Light of Objects

by Mai Al-Nakib
Aggregate Editorial Score30/100
Published 2014English
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About This Book

Mai Al-Nakib's The Hidden Light of Objects (2014) stands as one of the most significant works of short stories of its era. The Hidden Light of Objects is a collection of short stories that weave together the lives of individuals in the Middle East, exploring the impact of war, loss, and memory. Through a series of interconnected narratives, Al-Nakib captures the delicate interplay between personal and political histories, offering a rich tapestry of human experience. The book is celebrated for its lyrical prose and insightful reflections on the complexities of life in the region. Themes of memory, loss, war run through the work. The book has received recognition from Edinburgh International Book Festival First Book Award 2014.

Book Details

AuthorMai Al-Nakib
Published2014
Country of Origin🇰🇼 Kuwait
LanguageEnglish
Category📄 Short Stories
ISBN9781620403022
Editorial Score30/100
About the Category

📄 Short Stories

Collections of concise fiction exploring a wide range of human experience.

Explore all Short Stories books →
Country of Origin

🇰🇼 Kuwait

This book is part of Kuwait's rich literary tradition.

Explore books from Kuwait →

Editorial Assessment

First published in 2014, Mai Al-Nakib's The Hidden Light of Objects is a work of short stories that has drawn sustained interest from critics and prize committees alike. Its engagement with memory, loss, war, personal history gives the book a depth that extends well beyond its genre. Critics and institutions have consistently placed The Hidden Light of Objects among the notable works of its period. Among its recognitions: Edinburgh International Book Festival First Book Award 2014. Our aggregate score of 30/100 is compiled from 1 editorial sources that range from Nobel and Booker committees to leading literary journals. What distinguishes The Hidden Light of Objects is how it handles its central concerns — memory, loss, war, personal history — without reducing them to neat conclusions. The book invites close reading and holds up well to it. Mai Al-Nakib's role in the literature of Kuwait is well established. The Hidden Light of Objects can be read as both a standalone achievement and as part of a broader national literary conversation about identity, history, and the possibilities of narrative form.
About this assessment: Editorial scores are aggregated from 1 independent sources including major literary prizes, critical surveys, and leading publications. Our editorial team reviews and contextualises this data. Rankings reflect critical consensus, not personal opinion or popularity metrics. Learn about our methodology.

Awards & Recognition

NYT Best Sellers
notable · global
20140
✍️
About the Author
Mai Al-Nakib
Kuwait
View Author →

Mai Al-Nakib is a Kuwait author whose work in short stories has earned recognition from readers and critics alike.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is The Hidden Light of Objects about?

The Hidden Light of Objects is a collection of short stories that weave together the lives of individuals in the Middle East, exploring the impact of war, loss, and memory. Through a series of interconnected narratives, Al-Nakib captures the delicate interplay between personal and political histories, offering a rich tapestry of human experience. The book is celebrated for its lyrical prose and insightful reflections on the complexities of life in the region.

Who wrote The Hidden Light of Objects?

The Hidden Light of Objects was written by Mai Al-Nakib, from Kuwait. First published in 2014.

What awards has The Hidden Light of Objects won?

The Hidden Light of Objects has received the following recognition: Edinburgh International Book Festival First Book Award 2014.

Is The Hidden Light of Objects worth reading?

The Hidden Light of Objects is a well-regarded book with an aggregate editorial score of 30/100 on 50 Best Books. It is particularly recommended for readers interested in memory, loss, war.

Where can I buy The Hidden Light of Objects?

You can buy The Hidden Light of Objects on Amazon. Click the Buy on Amazon button above to find the best edition.

What category is The Hidden Light of Objects?

The Hidden Light of Objects is classified as Short Stories. Collections of concise fiction exploring a wide range of human experience.

What country is The Hidden Light of Objects from?

The Hidden Light of Objects originates from Kuwait's literary tradition. Explore more books from Kuwait on our country page.

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