Syrian Brides

Anna Halabi

SMASHWORDS edition

Copyright © 2019 Anna Halabi

All rights reserved.

ISBN: 978-1-989048-21-4

Second edition

with three new stories

Unless otherwise noted, epigraphs are recalled by the author from the common heritage of Arabian culture.

This is a work of fiction: no persons or organizations are considered real.

Should readers have any corrections, please contact the publisher.

Cover: Tulip garden, William Morris (1834-1896)

Victoria & Albert Museum, London

editing and design

Danielle Aubrey

Peter Geldart

Petra Books

petrabooks.ca

Reviews of the first edition

A delightful peek into the lives of Syrian women revealing the good, the bad, the sad, the funny, the warmth of a culture unknown to most American women.— B.

Brilliant short stories…Serious themes containing elements of humour reminded me of cautionary folk tales or fables. They draw from the way of life for many Syrians, but like parables, they contain universal truths. The stories emphasized the oppression of women by brutal or callous men…painful to contemplate but contained sly humour. — C.

Don’t let the humor or the cheekiness of the characters fool you. There are some serious themes explored here — A.

I thoroughly enjoyed all the stories. — S.M.

…skillfully mimicked the language of Arabian folk tales to offer a trenchant portrait of the plight of women in Syria…Concealed beneath a disingenuously simple style lies a biting critique of the lot of women in Syria. — A.W.

The charms and difficulties of everyday life in the Syrian culture and customs are woven into these relatable stories, that can appeal to both male and female readers. —H-J K.

Great character development, great settings. —J.L.

Dealing with oppression in (at times) a light hearted way…— L.R.

…this book develops characters really quickly which I liked. I also liked how 'everyday' a lot of the stories are, but at the same time, each one is special.— E.G.

…a great job at making a world foreign to readers like me understandable and relatable.— S. G.

So many emotions were torn from me. I felt like I was there.— T.B.

…fascinated by the intricacies of a culture so different —A.B.

It is a wonderful insight into a culture which, up until now, I knew nothing about…Gorgeous writing from a really talented author who draws you in to each story so easily. Every story is different, and so cleverly composed. The characters are superbly drawn, the writing beautifully crafted — G.J.

…how well the author could describe the different problems faced by women in just a few pages, while maintaining a light tone. — A.M.

Some stories are really shocking, about the violence and the brave women enduring it. Others were funny and socially critical.—A.H.

The characters are memorable as they live their lives. Some love in terrible circumstances. Others incredibly funny! — L.H.

…entertained and educated.— R.W.

Some are shocking, some are funny or have an surprising turn. —L.

Like I was strolling Aleppo, gathering the sounds and flavours. —T.S.

Very nice collection of short stories. Offers insight on lives of women in Syria.— S. Ma.

…both entertaining and informative, as well as well-crafted. — F.S.

For all the strong Syrian women,

enduring battles — at home

and at war in their homeland.

Contents

Reviews of the First Edition

Nobody’s Bride

The Groom’s Miracle

The Nostalgic Groom

Examining the Bride

The Bride’s Maid

The Groom’s Excuse

Counterfeit Bride

The Groom’s Hand

The Greedy Bride

The Bride’s Poison

The Old Groom

The Bride’s Gown

Imperfect Groom

The Bride’s Cake

About the Author

Endnotes

Wealth comes like a turtle,

and runs away like a gazelle.¹

Nobody’s Bride

Abu Issam was smoking a cigarette on the sidewalk under the awning of his bakery.

This damn rain. It’s keeping the customers away, he murmured under his breath, taking a long drag on his cigarette. He pleasurably exhaled the white smoke when a young woman walked past him and into his store.

He coughed awkwardly, flicked his unfinished cigarette into a puddle on the street and fondled his thick black moustache as he followed her inside.

"Ahlan wa sahlan², Madam! It’s an honor to welcome you in our bakery. Welcome! Welcome!" he babbled.

The slender woman loosened the knot under her chin and peeled the wet, white scarf off her head to reveal a long mane of black curls. The aide in the back froze next to the burning-hot oven, the metal baking tray in his hand — lined with rows of pistachio fingers — hovering in midair. He stared at the beautiful customer, his lower jaw dangling loosely from its joint.

She rummaged through her handbag and pulled out a small mirror and a tissue. She dabbed the runny kohl from under her black-rimmed eyes.

Then she peered over her own reflection and looked around the shop. Abu Issam, finally feeling noticed, repeated his warm welcome.

What a pleasure to see a fresh face in our bakery! Welcome to my store. I am Abu Issam, owner of this humble establishment. Please, let me know what I can do for you. Your wish is my command, he declared.

"Thank you, Muallim³. That’s very kind of you, she replied. I’d like to order a hundred-and-fifty ma’amoul⁴ with date filling, please."

Madam, please. There is no need for the formalities. Call me Abu Issam, he insisted with a sheepish grin on his lips and a flirty sparkle in his beady, brown eyes.

Alright then, Abu Issam, she answered politely.

"As for the hundred-and-fifty ma’amoul. They’ll be ready by this afternoon. Do you want to pick them up or would you like them delivered some place?" he asked. His smile was replaced with an earnest expression.

No, no, no, she said, clicking her tongue in disapproval. I need them right away. I have guests coming over in an hour.

I’m sorry, Madam, but we’re swamped with orders. After all, we are the best bakery in all of Aleppo, he said proudly, his chest puffed like a rooster. I’ll tell you what. Why don’t you take fifty with you now and we’ll deliver the rest later?

He turned to his aide in the back, who was still in a trance. "Jassem! Stop staring and get me Abu Haitham’s order! Yallah! he yelled. We can make a fresh batch for him later."

The boy rushed to fetch a cardboard box and handed it to his boss, who in turn set it on the counter in front of the young woman.

There you go, Madam, he said. Where would you like the rest delivered?

You can drop them off at my husband’s store across the street. The goldsmith over there, she replied, pointing out the window.

The goldsmith? Uh — Abu Ghassan is your husband? stammered Abu Issam. He scratched his black toupee, shifting his hairline back by an inch. His now extended forehead emphasized the surprised look on his face.

Yes, exactly. Abu Ghassan, she assured him.

"Then I’ll deliver the remaining hundred ma’amoul to him personally! He’s a dear neighbor, your husband. A very decent man," he praised.

"Thank you. Sweet of you to say. But now tell me, Abu Issam. How much do I owe you for the ma’amoul?" she asked.

"No, nothing at all. The first order is on the house for new customers. It is a tradition in my shop; so that we can have the pleasure of welcoming you here again. Ahlan wa sahlan," he said and smiled at her like a teenager with a crush.

The boy at the oven snorted loudly and smirked. His boss shot him a warning glare that sent him back to the counter in the back, where he slouched over the balls of dough and started kneading briskly.

No, I can’t possibly accept your generous offer, Abu Issam, the young woman protested. "Please, let me pay for the ma’amoul. After all, we’re neighbors, not strangers."

"By Allah, neighbor! You’re embarrassing me, he said, blushing. But if you insist."

I insist, she asserted, pursing her lips impatiently.

"Fine then. A hundred and fifty ma’amoul. That makes one thousand two hundred Liras. Let’s say one thousand, ma’alesh⁵."

Here you go, she said, handing him a wad of cash from her purse. One thousand Liras.

"And here are the first fifty ma’amoul, he replied, pushing the cardboard box on the counter towards her. Enjoy them, inshallah."

Thank you. I’m looking forward to tasting them, she said, covering her black curls with her white scarf. She bid him farewell and waved good-bye, as she walked out of the bakery.

"Ma’asalameh, Madam, he called. Come back soon and enlighten our shop with your visit!"

He stared after her with a dopey grin on his face, as she rushed across the street in the pouring rain and entered Abu Ghassan’s jewelry store.



Would you please show me that necklace in the window and the bracelet over there? The one with the red rubies, she asked the goldsmith behind the counter.

Of course, Madam, replied Abu Ghassan. He reached into the display and undressed the plastic bust.

Here you go, he said, presenting the two pieces to his new customer with the curly black hair.

How much are they? she asked, weighing the jewelry in her hand.

Abu Ghassan placed them on the scales and started punching his calculator with his index finger. He mumbled some numbers under his breath and scratched his shaven chin. A few moments later, he looked up at the young woman.

I can give you the necklace for twenty thousand. The bracelet on the other hand is heavy and the ornate design is very elaborate. It’s a bit more expensive. Thirty-three thousand Liras, he said.

Do you have something heavier than this necklace? Show me that one over there, she said and pointed at the showcase behind him.

This one, Madam? he asked, as he retrieved a thick necklace from behind the glass. Are you sure? It is more for older women or Bedouins. You have a slender neck and fine features. Maybe something more delicate would be more to your taste.

She wrapped her fingers around the necklace and slowly poured it from one hand into the other.

How much is it? she asked.

Again, the goldsmith weighed the necklace, theatrically calculated the price and determined it was worth fifty-eight thousand Liras.

You see, Madam, he explained. This design here was inspired by the Afghan motifs, mixed with our Arabesque patterns. I’ve never left the country, believe it or not, he chuckled, but I love to experiment with exotic…

Then add the two bangles from over there and that cobra ring with the diamond eyes, she interrupted, pointing to the jewelry in the glass counter. That should bring us to a total of about a hundred-and-fifty thousand. Am I right?

Abu Ghassan, appalled by his customer’s lack of appreciation for his art work, hastily weighed every piece separately and calculated their prices.

You have a good eye, Madam, he said, giving her a suspicious look. "All six pieces would cost a hundred and fifty-four thousand Liras. But one hundred-and-fifty thousand is fine, ma’alesh. As you wish."

I’ll take them then, she said and rummaged through her handbag.

Very well. Would you like me to put them in a fancy gift box for you? he asked.

No, that’s fine. I’ll just put them in my bag, she answered.

She pulled out a stack of banknotes from her purse and handed it to Abu Ghassan.

Here are fifty thousand. My husband will bring by the rest later this afternoon. He owns the bakery across the street, she said and reached out for the necklaces.

Abu Issam is your husband? he asked, blinking nervously.

He yanked the jewelry back out of her hand before she could answer.

Forgive me, Madam, he said. Not to sound rude, but it’s a lot of money. I can’t just take your word for it. Why don’t I put the necklaces aside for you, and your husband can pick them up when he drops off the money.

"I understand your worries but I need the necklaces now. They’re