Quote:Twenty-six hard-hitting, passionate, moving, funny and human stories from North Africa.

Many of these authors are major literary figures in their own countries and the Arab world, who have broken with taboos and censorship, and established standards of innovation that have encouraged younger generations of authors.

Pain, hardship, heartache, humour, identity, joy, loss and strategies for survival are universal themes and all are represented here, writes Peter Clark, who edited and introduces the stories, and is one of the thirteen translators of the volume.

To read selections from the book, click here: http://www.banipal.co.uk/banipal_books/37/sardines-and-oranges/