Title: An Arab Werewolf in Liverpool
Author: Omar Sakr
In: Kindred (Michael Earp)
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, LGBTQI, Werewolves
Dates read: 18th June 2020
Pace: Medium
Format: Short story
Publisher: Walker Books
Year: 2019
5th sentence, 74th page: He drifted to his knees, kissing Noah’s belly, driven by surging instinct to this, his own opening.

He’s never really fit in in his family. And he’s never really fit in in his neighbourhood. But something is about to change as he grows into his true self and goes on the hunt…

I really liked this short story. Although, one of the things that I found kind of confusing about it was the fact that I seriously couldn’t tell whether or not the werewolf was a symbol or a fact. There were moments in which I completely believed that there was an Arab werewolf running free. And then other moments when I didn’t quite know what to believe…

I did like the confusion that the whole Arab werewolf lent to the story though. It echoed the confusion that the lead boy must’ve felt in his self as he realised his sexuality. And it highlighted the strains which must have been felt in his life – coming from a conservative culture and family, but being somewhat not conservative in his preferences.

Mostly, I just loved the imagery and the power of this story. It was brilliant, difficult to forget and seriously enjoyable. I loved this and I would be intrigued to see what other stories Omar Sakr has written…

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