The Olive Crop and Other Stories by Tawfiq Al-Dayeh is a short story collection inspired by stories the author either witnessed or experienced while living in his birth country of Palestine, and while travelling to various other countries.
Although set in different countries, many of the stories are relatable perhaps because they are rooted in:
- Culture / custom
- Family
- Community
- Spirituality
The stories are intimate, made more so through the author’s use of first person narrative. Many of the stories end with a lesson or moral. The book is especially perfect for those who love to learn about other cultures and societies.
Excerpt from The Olive Crop and Other Stories by Tawfiq Al-Dayeh:
“Late October, early November, 2018, was the time when olive growers started gathering their crops in the province of Jenin, in the north of Palestine.
The town of Yabod became like a beehive. People were rushing around all day, dispatch- ing big canvas sacs, full of fresh olives, to the five oil mills in the town.
They were using donkeys, mules, pickups, etc. They would take advantage of days when there was no rain.
All olive oil mills would work all day and night. One would see many big empty cans waiting their turn to be filled with fresh, tasty, extra virgin olive oil.
It was a time for those who had no olives to buy their needs of olive oil for their family. Usually, most people would store enough olive oil to last until the following year’s crop.”
