“New beginning” a collection of short stories by Author Ramia Al-Mallouhi

What can be a better escape from harsh reality  than a book , a new short story collection written by Author Ramia Al Mallouhi , titled “A New Beginning” , as if the title was an unconscious calling for a new beginning we are  all yearning for in Syria, a new beginning where abundance , love peace is all that is !

Author Ramia Al Mallouhi From the city of Homs, born in 1946, came to the city of Hama 57 years ago when she got married and resided there.

Al Mallouhi’s literary life started more than fifty-five years ago, when she started writing a short story in 1964 , published it in Al-Fida daily newspaper, and until this day she is still part of the newspaper as a writer within the editorial family.

She wrote in many other newspapers such as (my Nour Magazine) ,( Voice of Palestine), (Culture Newspaper),(the Literary Week) and (Vanguard Magazin).

Al Mallouhi also published a group of works such as:

A collection of children’s stories titled ( Grandma Tales).

A collection of short stories titled, (Beautiful dream man), issued by the Syrian Book Authority.

A collection of short stories titled (New Beginning), issued by Dar Baal for printing and publishing.

Meanwhile under print is a collection of stories and thoughts titled: (To You I Write).

Syria Times had a talk with the author where she answered their questions, Al Mallouhi set the interview by describing the art of short story:” The story is the most wonderful type of  literature , its aim is not entertainment or pleasure, rather it is the influence on souls through the artistic, objective and conscious display of ideas.

She added, describing her new short story collection: My collection of short stories (A New Beginning) contains twenty-three short stories that delve into human feelings in a beautiful world depicting heartwarming pictures… as they simulate human and social reality.

The characters of my stories moved in a real world with daily details similar to our lives.. to tell the concerns of people looking for a quiet life ,love and an escape to their fantasy world.

Syriatimes asked the author Al Mallouhi what is motivating Syrian writers today to keep on writing even though books in Syria  have become a luxury , meaning that there is no real demand for books , so why bother writing?!

Al Mallouhi answered :”  My dear, you said that you feel that our books have become a luxury and that the demand for books is low..!!

Sorry…Modernity and information technology (internet space) were the ideal alternative through electronic offices that provide various types of books…but despite that, the paper book cannot be avoided for those who seek light and knowledge.

Also, writers and intellectuals have a responsibility to spread intellectual and cultural awareness for future generations… As long as life continues and there is a new dawn.”

She added,

“My favorite books are many because for more than six decades I have been reading until the book became my whole life, I read various literary studies, novels, poetry, and everything that nourishes the soul and thought.

As for wisdom, my dear, it is that: (The word is the first pillar of man’s relationship with another man..!!)

As a writer, in your opinion, what do we   need the most in light of the difficult situation that  our country, Syria, is going through?

In light of the difficult conditions that our beloved country, Syria, has gone through and is still suffering from… As I mentioned to you, the writer has a great responsibility to spread culture and knowledge to build a conscious, enlightened and educated generation, because the homeland is built with the awareness of its children.

In the end, a real new beginning is what we all long for in our beloved Syria – could a short story collection title turn into reality!

Leen Al Salman