I have wanted to expand my reading and one of my goals is to read more literature from women around the world and about women around the world. These stories are beautifully written and as some are short, they are easy to get through and you can read anytime.

I'd love to read more from/ about women in Palestine.

Helawy offers an intimate insight into the world of Bedouin women in this tight collection of shorts, the traditions and culture of a minority group carefully examined through each story in such a way as to bring each one to life even for those who have little other context. In particular, They Fell Like Stars From The Sky, Umm Kulthum's Intercessor, and The Day My Donkey Died stand apart as compelling examples of Helawy's skilled storytelling. Though sparse, with some stories lasting only three pages, this collection is a unique and insightful look at the world from a novel perspective.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for access to this ARC.

A fascinating collection of short stories with the subject of Palestinian Bedouin women.

I know nothing of the Bedouin people so this book appealed greatly to me. I see I'm the first person to review so hope I do it justice.

So I gave it four stars because some of the stories were just a bit too short for me. I loved the sparseness of them but at times I wanted more. Sheikha Helawy is clearly a unique and compelling voice and I wanted longer stories that gave me more of that voice.

My favourite stories were the title story They Fell Like Stars from the Sky about the feeling of freedom the girls of the village got on a rope swing they were discouraged from using, Pink Dress about how a certain garment can make you feel, Soulless Cities which tells the story of a mother and her children trying to survive and Umm Kulthum's Successor about a grandmother's devotion.

As I said some stories are very short - only a page or two but sometimes that's all that's required to make a powerful point.

I'd love to read more by this author, see her develop some of the themes in this collection.

Highly recommended for fans of women's fiction or simply those who wish to read a new voice giving a unique point of view.

Thankyou to Netgalley and Neem Tree Press for the advance review copy.