Review
Between Ta-Nehisi Coates and Me
Ta-Nehisi Coates has built a distinctive public voice by combining moral clarity and self-reflection and consistently centering humanity throughout his writing. His latest book, “The Message,” expands his view to take in Israel and Palestine, and cuts to the heart of the conflict.
Language as a Lifeline
Writers in Gaza today, threatened by relentless bombardment and displacement and forced to focus their attention on the small details of survival, have been leaning on language to document, communicate and seek refuge from the brutal war that has now entered its second year.
Four New Books Attempt To Reckon With Russia’s Recent Past
A growing number of nonfiction books published since the start of the war in Ukraine by journalists, diplomats and other experts seek to document and understand Russia’s descent into full-blown authoritarianism, and how it reached the point where it could launch such a murderous war on its neighbor.
Yahya Sinwar’s Novel Is a Tale of Palestine, and of His Own Past
While in prison, Yahya Sinwar wrote a novel recounting the history of Palestine's struggle for independence. The narrative reveals his vision for reclaiming Palestinian rights and provides a glimpse into his autobiography.
Preserving Iraqi Memories Through Immersive Virtual Reality
The virtual reality “House of Memory” created by the artist Basil Al-Rawi takes viewers on a journey through photos and memories of Iraq’s past, allowing the diaspora to share personal stories and reclaim their cultural heritage.
Edward Said’s Cultural Universalism and Love of Opera
Edward Said’s writings on opera show a side of the famous Palestinian academic and activist little appreciated today — his enduring belief in cultural universalism. His legacy cannot be captured without taking into account what his lifelong passion for classical music meant to his broader corpus.
‘A Round of Applause’ Finds the Funny Side of Despondency
Do we know what’s best for ourselves? Can we choose to lead meaningful lives? Is life worth living? A brilliant new Turkish Netflix show, “A Round of Applause,” tackles such existential questions with dark insight and biting humor, following the fate of its miserable protagonist right from the womb.