9 stories
The Ivory Carver's Daughter of Dar es Salaam | بِنْتُ نَحّاتِ العاجِ في دارِ السَّلام
In the bustling port of Dar es Salaam, an ivory carver's voluptuous daughter learns the art of pleasure from a sophisticated Yemeni merchant.
Mother and Daughter
He came to Dar es Salaam for the daughter. But Mama Rehema has her own ideas about hospitality—and sharing. Some families do everything together.
The Marriage Counselor
His marriage is failing. The counselor says she needs to understand the problem from both sides. Her therapy methods are unconventional. Her success rate is perfect.
The Water Seller
She delivers water to the homes of Dar es Salaam's wealthy. Behind every door is a woman alone. Some need hydration. Some need something more.
The Coffee Ceremony
The Ethiopian coffee ceremony takes hours. Three rounds. Each round more intimate than the last. By the third cup, she's offering more than coffee.
Nikah Mut'ah
A temporary marriage contract. Renewable monthly. Between an aunt and nephew who've found a loophole in tradition. Some marriages are meant to expire—and be renewed.
Ramadan Nights
Staying with his aunt in Dar es Salaam during Ramadan, the nights after iftar grow longer—and more dangerous. Some hungers can't be satisfied with dates.
The Midwife
She's delivered every baby in the village for forty years. When a young husband's wife can't conceive, the midwife offers an old remedy—one that requires his personal participation.
Pilgrimage Sins
The night before his aunt leaves for Hajj, she asks him for one final sin. She wants to arrive in Mecca with something worth repenting.