Jokes for the Gunmen

Jokes for the Gunmen cover
Good Books rating 4.17
Buy online
Technical
  • ID: 4055
  • Added: 2025-10-21
  • Updated: 2025-10-21
  • ISBN: 9781846276699
  • Publisher: Granta Books
  • Published: 2019-01-03
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

Jokes for the Gunmen is a brilliant collection of short stories that capture the unique and often unsettling perspective of children living in a war-torn world. These tales are filled with surreal mistakes, tragic accidents, and painful encounters, all narrated with a dark humor that is both unsettling and captivating. The stories explore themes of sex, death, and the human tendency to make light of life's harshest moments, offering a fresh and unforgettable voice in contemporary fiction. Longlisted for the International Man Booker Prize 2019, this collection is compared to the works of Roald Dahl, Etgar Keret, and Amy Hempel. It features a variety of characters, from fantasist matadors to perplexed voyeurs, each story weaving a tapestry of life that is both tragic and darkly comedic. The author's unique style and fresh perspective make this a standout collection that lingers in the reader's mind long after the last page is turned.

Reviews
Everybody's Reviewing · Laura Besley · 2024-01-30
harrowing 4.00

The collection is a tough read due to its depictions of war-torn families, but it is ultimately heartbreaking and impactful.

Laura Besley finds the collection to be a tough read due to its heartbreaking depictions of war-torn families. Despite the emotional weight, she appreciates the impactful storytelling. The reviewer acknowledges the difficulty of the subject matter but commends the author for handling it with sensitivity and depth. The stories are described as heartbreaking but ultimately rewarding.


Quick quotes

    In many ways this collection is a tough read; the depictions of war-torn families are heartbreaking.

    However, despite the losses these stories depict, there is a sense of hope and resilience that shines through.

    The collection is a powerful exploration of the human condition in the face of adversity.

Mother Booker Blog · 2021-06-16
insightful 4.00

The collection is well-formatted and cleverly avoids being tied to a specific conflict. The stories offer a unique perspective on the impact of war.

The reviewer appreciates the clever way the collection avoids being tied to a specific conflict, making it more universal. They highlight the unique perspective it offers on the impact of war on people's lives. The stories are well-formatted and engaging, providing a fresh take on a familiar theme.


Quick quotes

    Jokes for the Gunmen is a well-formatted collection of stories and it's very clever that it is so rarely connected to a specific conflict or place.

    The stories are well-formatted and engaging, providing a fresh take on a familiar theme.

    The collection offers a unique perspective on the impact of war on people's lives.

The Guardian · 2019-01-20
brilliant 4.50

The stories are deeply peculiar, occasionally touching, and often very funny. The translation is beautifully done.

The reviewer finds the stories to be deeply peculiar, which adds to their charm. They are occasionally touching and often very funny, making for a delightful read. The translation by Jonathan Wright is praised for its beauty, enhancing the overall reading experience. The reviewer appreciates the unique blend of humor and pathos in the stories.


Quick quotes

    Maarouf's stories are deeply peculiar, occasionally touching and often very funny.

    They are also beautifully translated by Jonathan Wright, who manages to capture the essence of the original text.

    The collection offers a unique blend of humor and pathos that makes it a memorable read.