Arab Cultural Club hosts talk on “Postman’s Deluge Chronicles”

Bakri began by noting that his career in journalism and broadcasting had taken up much of his time, delaying his literary ambitions — a challenge shared by renowned writer-journalists such as Gabriel García Márquez, Ernest Hemingway, and Bahaa Taher. He added that Arab writers often do not dedicate themselves full-time to writing compared to their Western counterparts.

Modern narrative structure and condensed expression

Bakri explained that he avoids linear storytelling, preferring compressed, symbolic narratives. “If a writer tells his story straightforwardly, it becomes mere narration rather than art,” he said, emphasising brevity and precision as essential in social media-driven storytelling. Referencing icons like Ghassan Kanafani, Tayeb Salih, and Yahya Taher Abdullah, Bakri called the very short story “the highest form of narrative economy,” requiring skill and mastery. He noted that Western fiction now blends various forms — novel, short story, memoir, screenplay, and illustration — creating hybrid narratives beyond traditional limits.

Stories of the ordinary and the overlooked

Bakri stated that “The Postman’s Deluge Chronicles” depicts the struggles of ordinary individuals caught in overwhelming social and economic forces beyond their control. Through these marginalised voices, the stories reveal the emotional toll of materialism and injustice, reflecting what occurs when humanity is reduced to mere survival.

Critical perspectives and literary appreciation

Dr Omar Abdulaziz praised Bakri’s work as a contemporary narrative rich in intuition, realism, and metaphor, blending Kafkaesque complexity with cinematic realism. He noted Sufi symbolism, adding a magical realist touch that deepens emotional impact. Mohammed Ould Mohammed Salem said Bakri’s TV background influences his storytelling, with short, cinematic sequences and quick transitions akin to editing. He also praised Bakri’s language precision and structure, viewing the collection as a cohesive series of short stories rather than disjointed tales.

Engaged audience and closing tribute

The discussion sparked engaging audience participation, exploring topics such as experimental storytelling in modern Arabic fiction and the evolving relationship between art and critique. The evening concluded with a tribute honouring Hani Bakri for his contributions to Arabic literature and creative media.