Mikhail Naimy: Once Upon A Time

There are six short stories included in this book: The Cuckoo Clock, Her New Year, The Barren Woman, The Amulet, His Excellency, The Bey and Shorty. Through the stories, which are both entertaining and didactic, Naimy emerges as a social reformer, a rebel, a peace maker, a defender of women's rights, and a wise man. He transports us into a magical world of charm and mystery blended with folklore, tradition, and superstitious beliefs.

Some of the stories deal with the topic of immigration, especially to America, the "Land of Opportunity," where it was believed that "Money grew on trees." Besides immigration, Naimy addresses other critical topics, which were pertinent to his contemporary readers and also to readers universally. Topics like war and its evil effects, love and its implications and rewards, faith and superstition, marriage, children and infertility are all introduced and developed in this book.

Naimy warns us of the material trappings of the West while simultaneously criticizing the antiquated and false superstitious beliefs of the villagers in the East, especially in regards to women and children. Ultimately, Naimy advises us to stay with the land, for the closer you remain to it, the happier you will be; the more distant you are from your land, the more detached you will be from your roots and your faith.