She fell silent, perhaps feeling I meant her because, in the end, she is a white woman. But I cannot forgive all these white people who feel like gods. Is it because I am a black man that I deserve all this cruelty? It is a matter of fate, divinely ordained, that I have black skin; your skin is like an affliction you have no control over, it is the Lord's choice. But these white people do not believe that: so how can I discuss it with them? To defend myself before them, when I carry something I had no choice in? My color is a taste from heaven that must be respected.

About the Author: Alwan Al-Suhaimi is a Saudi novelist and writer, born in 1983 in Tabuk. His published works include:

• Al-Dood (novel), Dar Al-Farabi, 2007.
• The Earth Favors No One (novel), Dar Al-Farabi, 2009.
• A Kiss and Other Things (short story collection), Dar Towa, 2011.

Book Details:

• Publishing House: Dar Al-Farabi for Publishing & Distribution
• Author: Alwan Al-Suhaimi
• Number of Pages: 264
• Year of Publication: 2012
• ISBN: 9789953718149
• Cover Type: Paperback