We Wrote in Symbols

‘In We wrote in symbols, Selma Dabbagh … elevates self-assertive voices and banishes long-held silences on matters such as same-sex desire and masturbation … Daring. Electrifying.’

‘A fascinating collection … eye-opening in its scope and styles, and rewarding in its daring and novelty … as fun and accessible as it is successful in challenging preconceived notions of sexuality in the literary output of Arab women authors … a revelation.’

‘Fierce, captivating, revolutionary. A dazzling collection that will win hearts and change minds.’

‘These voices are furious, witty, outrageous, tender and entranced. This collection offers much delightful entertainment and fresh perspectives on women and sex in the Middle East.’

‘A rich and diverse selection of poetry and prose … [these women] write about lust, passion, sex, and desire in lyrical detail.’

‘This anthology provides a glimpse into a world that has been constantly made invisible or policed … these voices provide a point of reference for the long-forgotten tradition of erotic writing and the censorship of Arab women’s sex lives and experiences.’

Selma Dabbagh is a British Palestinian writer of fiction. Her debut novel Out of It (Bloomsbury) was named a Guardian Book of the Year by Ahdaf Soueif and Marina Warner. Her radio play The Brick was nominated for the Imison Award and produced by BBC Radio 4. She has also published numerous short stories with Granta, Wasafiri, Saqi, Telegram and International PEN, and is a PEN and Pushcart Nominee. Her work has been translated into Arabic, Mandarin, Spanish, Portuguese, Italian and French.