The stories in this collection are luminous and tender, whether dealing with a woman performing burial rites for her brother in "Ghusl," or a great-aunt struggling to explain cultural identity to her niece in "Once We Were Syrians."Alzayat's stories are rich and relatable, chronicling a sense of displacement through everyday scenarios. There is the intern in pre-#MeToo Hollywood of "Only Those Who Struggle Succeed," the New York City children on the lookout for a place to play on the heels of Etan Patz's kidnapping in "Disappearance," and the "dangerous" women of "Daughters of Manåat" who struggle to assert their independence.

Ghusl -- Daughters of Manät -- Disappearance -- Only those who struggle succeed -- In the land of Kan'an -- Alligator -- Summer of the shark -- Once we were Syrians -- A girl in three acts.