A review by misspalah
The Cheapest Nights by Yusuf Idris

challenging dark emotional reflective tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

"Well, you see, Saleh," I said, offhand, "the human body is a strange thing," and I rambled on about how the blood circulated in the body, and what made the heart beat and I went on to describe several other functions. I paused to see how this was going down and whether they had forgotten the question. But Saleh screwed up his eyes again. "But what's this 'moris' the Effendi is talking about?" he insisted. Abou Ebeid was still flashing his cold smile at me. "That'll teach you," he seemed to be saying. When he saw I did not answer Saleh immediately he volunteered. "With your permission, Doctor. Well, you see, folks, a human being is all filled inside with lime and iron and arsenic and mercuric chloride, and Markuro Cron... and as long as we are alive these things float about in our bodies, but as soon as a person dies they sort of get stuck together in a lump, as you might say, like a mud pie, so that when you come to feel a dead body with your hands you will find it feels exactly like a plank of wood." What he was saying was so preposterous they would not allow themselves to believe it until I approved. They turned to me and waited. I could think of nothing by which to refute Abou Ebeid's learning, so I nodded, which they took for acqui-escence. Only then did their remarks come, all in the same breath. "After all, a man's nothing but carrion."
  • The Caller in the night by Yusuf Idris (The Cheapest Night)
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Naquib Mahfouz and Yusuf Idris are often compared, with their works seen as reflections of each other in both novels and stories. Personally, I find Yusuf Idris' writing to be more palatable. By "palatable," I mean that Idris focuses on highlighting the lives of the working class and the struggling poor in his country. However, it is important to acknowledge that the depiction of women in his stories is another topic of discussion. Many would argue that the sexism and oversexualization of some female characters can be attributed to the time period in which these stories were written, the 1950s. Despite this, I believe it is necessary to overlook these aspects and focus on the broader themes and messages conveyed in the stories. One aspect I agree with is the editor's introduction, which emphasizes that Idris does not judge his characters in his stories. Regardless of how simple the stories may be, they provide a sense of closure and often convey strong moral lessons. It is remarkable how Idris manages to make his stories work without relying on excessive exposition or lengthy explanations. There is a certain subtlety in his writing that allows the stories to speak for themselves if that makes sense. In contrast to some authors who tend to be preachy in their storytelling, Idris demonstrates a poignant portrayal of Egyptian lower-class society, primarily based in Cairo. His stories vividly depict the harsh realities of poverty, the pervasive ignorance that plagues communities, and the daily struggles faced by ordinary people living in small towns and villages. Through his writing, Idris sheds light on the often-overlooked lives of those at the bottom of the social ladder, offering readers a deep understanding of their experiences. In conclusion, Yusuf Idris' works stand out for their focus on the working class and the struggling poor in Egypt. While there may be discussions surrounding the depiction of women in his stories, the overall impact of his writing is undeniable. The stories provide a sense of closure and moral guidance, without the need for excessive explanation. Idris' portrayal of Egyptian lower-class society is both poignant and thought-provoking, shedding light on the harsh realities faced by ordinary people in their daily lives.
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These are the list of stories featured in the book and the rating I gave for each one of them. 
1. The Cheapest Nights – 4/5
2. You Are Everything to Me – 3/5
3. The Errand – 5/5
4. Hard Up - 5/5
5. The Queue – 3/5
6. The Funeral Ceremony – 5/5
7. All on a Summer's Night – 3/5
8. The Caller in the Night - 5/5
9. The Dregs of the City - 5/5
10. Did You Have to Turn on the Light, Li-Li? - 4/5 
11. Death from Old Age – 4/5
12. Bringing in the bride – 3/5
13. The Shame - 5/5
14. Because the Day of Judgment Never Comes – 4/5
15. The Freak – 5/5