Blue Fire [Paperback]

Huda Orfali (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 11, 1999

Blue Fire is comprised of two parts; short stories and poetry. Almost invariably, the pivotal thematic concern of the short stories is the precariousness of the human condition balanced by the resilience of the human spirit trying to outdo life at its own game. The stories constitute a poignant representation of human beings seeking to pick up the shattered rainbows of their lives. The creative impulse for the poems is equally idealistic and humanitarian for the large part. The poems are predominantly concerned with social and political issues that contribute to universal well being and to the common good. Stylistically, the stories have a charming simplicity and economy. They are woven around sparsely plotted situations. That Huda Orfali empowers us with a purer vision of our humanity at a time when violence, apathy, and corruption threaten to devour it leaves behind the gray ashes of a world is an impressive achievement.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Huda Orfali has been writing poetry and short stories ever since she was in elementary school, both in Arabic and in English. She started working on her collection Blue Fire in 1991 and has been adding or revising her work ever since. She also has a small collection of poetry in Arabic published in local magazines. The world of Blue Fire is similar to her world. Many stories reflect in an indirect way a personal experience. The characters of her fiction are always traumatized but they have the inner strength to defy their disabilities and live an accomplished life. They transcend life and assert their identity through living up to the choices they have to make, sometimes at the expense of their own lives.

Product Details

• Paperback: 336 pages
• Publisher: IUniverse (August 11, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1583483497
• ISBN-13: 978-1583483497
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #9,508,514 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Watch out Hollywood!, October 31, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Blue Fire (Paperback)

Excellent Work. Orfali is a great storyteller. HOLLYWOOD-take a look at this book! What wonderful movies it could make! I highly recommend Blue Fire to anyone looking for a good story. I hope to see more from Orfali.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Very interesting book, October 30, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Blue Fire (Paperback)

The book offers many different stories full of human feelings that make us reflect deep in our selves. It makes us think of pain and death with a new different way. very interesting and attractive till the last page.

Congradulation author.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Photo Gallery, September 2, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Blue Fire (Paperback)

I was one of the first to read Blue Fire before it hit the market; it is a very impressive book.The stories are interesting and full of action.They are full of dialogue and read like TV scripts. The title story, however, is very intriguing concering the paternity isssue of the hero and the ensuing events that deal with almost every aspect in our lives, family, drugs, murder and politics. Another story that touched more was A Rose From Me. I'm a Catholic and I related that story to the struggle in Ireland. The poems are equally interseting and address contemporary and humanistic issues. I was espicially impressed by the poem Flip-Flop in its diversity of addressing more than one political issue. I felt as if I was looking at a photo gallery. Perhaps what touched me more was the poem Flower in The Cold. This heartbreaking poem about a dying child brought tears to my eyes. I strongly recommend this book.