Alligator and Other Stories

Alligator and Other Stories cover
Good Books rating 4.08
Technical
  • ID: 3834
  • Added: 2025-10-20
  • Updated: 2025-10-20
  • ISBN: 9781529029925
  • Publisher: Pan Macmillan
  • Published: 2020-05-28
  • Reviews: 3

Alligator and Other Stories by Dima Alzayat is a collection of nine luminous tales that capture the essence of feeling different in a world that often seeks to categorize and separate. Each story is a snapshot of those moments when unusual circumstances highlight our differences, whether as a Syrian, an Arab, an immigrant, or a woman. The collection includes a remarkable piece titled 'Alligator,' which weaves real and invented sources to rescue a forgotten story of a Syrian American couple who were tragically murdered by the state. Alzayat's writing is both startling and profound, delivering an emotional punch that lingers long after the last page is turned./n/nThe stories in this collection are not just about plot; they are about the human experience, the weight of history, and the search for identity. Alzayat's prose is sardonic, monstrous, and tender, offering a unique perspective on the American dream and the hollowness that can lie beneath it. This is a book that will resonate with anyone who has ever felt like an outsider, offering a glimpse into the lives of those who navigate the complexities of belonging and otherness.

Reviews
mixed 3.00

The collection is varied and experimental, with mixed quality across the stories. The titular story, Alligator, stood out as the best.

This reviewer appreciated the variety and experimental nature of the collection but found the quality of the stories to be mixed. They particularly enjoyed the titular story, Alligator, which stood out as the best. While some stories were more impactful than others, the overall collection offered a range of themes and styles that kept the reading experience engaging. The reviewer acknowledged the author's skill in exploring different time periods and themes, but felt that not all stories were equally successful.


Quick quotes

    Alligator & Other Stories is a varied, experimental collection

    I found the quality of the stories very mixed

    The standout was the titular Alligator

Waterstones · 2021-04-15
powerful 4.50

The stories explore startling and real experiences, delivering an emotional punch that lingers long after reading.

This reviewer was deeply moved by the emotional impact of the stories, which explore experiences that are both startling and real. They found the collection to be powerful and evocative, with a lasting emotional resonance. The reviewer highlighted the author's ability to deliver an emotional punch that lingers long after reading, making this a memorable and impactful collection. The stories were praised for their authenticity and the depth of emotion they convey.


Quick quotes

    Alzayat explores experiences that are startling and real

    Delivering an emotional punch that lingers long after reading

    The award-winning stories in Dima Alzayat's collection are luminous and tender

Goodreads · 2020-05-29
haunting 4.75

The collection is haunting and spellbinding, marking the author's arrival as a tremendously gifted new talent. The stories are unforgettable and deeply impactful.

This reviewer found the collection to be haunting and spellbinding, with each story leaving a lasting impression. They believe Dima Alzayat has arrived as a tremendously gifted new talent, and the stories are unforgettable. The emotional depth and unique perspectives make this a standout collection. The reviewer was particularly struck by the emotional punch that lingers long after reading, highlighting the author's ability to explore complex themes with sensitivity and skill.


Quick quotes

    Alligator and Other Stories is haunting, spellbinding, and unforgettable

    Dima Alzayat's arrival as a tremendously gifted new talent

    The stories are luminous and tender