“This story couldn’t have taken place in Egypt,” states the Dean of Arabic Literature with sarcasm. The story we have here, written in the mid-20th century, portrays people of ill character; the strong overpower the weak, the rich belittle the poor, and the happy despise the unfortunate. Such a depiction is unacceptable for a free patriot, especially a thinker dedicated to freedom and social justice like Taha Hussein.

Aside from promoting reform and hope amidst bleakness, the narrative is interactive, requiring the reader’s participation to complete its unfinished lines and fill the intentional gaps left by the author. Beyond the river lies a tale waiting for its reader to complete it.