JEDDAH: In a digital era when the future of print is often declared obsolete, three young Saudi women are returning to books as works of art and storytelling. They insist that stories still deserve paper, ink and the unhurried attention of the curious mind.
Khunfus, a women-led publishing house founded by sisters Maria and Lama Alem alongside their longtime friend Haya Bakhashab, was launched in 2025 in the belief that books can be both cultural artifacts and storytelling vessels. And so, the story began with a shared love of literary experiences and, of course, beetles.
“Khunfus, or beetles, is from a folk story we grew up hearing from our grandmother. It embodies something warm, and we wanted to infuse that feeling into the publishing house,” Maria, who joined our group via video call from Riyadh, told Arab News.
Khunfus’ debut title ‘Book of rajab’ is a collection of short stories illustrated by palestinian Spanish artist nader Sharaf. (Supplied)
“It’s about being inspired by local culture,” Lama, who is based in Jeddah, added. “It’s not an exotic animal; it’s an everyday insect you can find in Saudi Arabia. It’s about finding the beauty in the mundane or the unexpected.”
