The Flood () is a 1975 short story collection by the Syrian writer Ḥaidar Ḥaidar. The collection consists of 11 short stories, all centering on the themes of suppression and oppression experienced by Arab countries following their liberation revolutions. Similar to his other works, Ḥaidar Ḥaidar employs a stream-of-consciousness narrative style, delving into the psychology of the Arab world and the inner machinations of nationalistic pioneers.
Stories in the collection 11 short stories make up the collection:
Al-Namlu Wal Qat () Al-Rihan () Al-Zawaghan (The Illusion) Ughniya Ḥazina Li Rajulin Kana Ḥayyan () Man Allathi Yathkuru Al-Ghaba? () Ṣamtu An-Nar () Al-Ightiyal () Al-Fayḍān () Al-Juuʿ Wal Luṣuṣ Wal Qatala () Al-Barabira () Wishaḥun Wardiyun Li Rajulin Waḥid ()
Author's statements Ḥaidar Ḥaidar attributes his use of stream-of-consciousness technique to his childhood experiences, noting that childhood recollections evoke a dream-like state more than reality. He has criticized traditional Arabic narratives for their simplistic portrayal of reality, arguing that they fail to delve into the inner workings of characters. Despite his Syrian origins, Ḥaidar views all Arab nations as part of a unified cause. His writing often adopts a cynical tone, yet he does not regard the plight of Arab countries as inevitable; rather, he sees reality as mutable and in need of reform. These themes are evident in his short story collection, 'The Flood'.
Complete works of Ḥaidar Ḥaidar A Feast for the Seaweeds () (Novel) The Desolate Time () (Novel) The Mirrors of Fire () (Novel) Elgies of Days: Three Stories on Death () (Novel) Immigration of Swallows () (Novel) Al-Fahd () (Novel) Al-Fayḍān () (Short Stories) Ighwā’ () (Short Stories) Al-Wuʿul (The Deer) (Short Stories) Al-Wamḍ () (Short Stories) Al-Tamawujāt () (Two Stories) Awraqul Manfa: Shahadatun Ḥawla Zamanuna ()
References