Born in Latakia in 1924, Hanna Mina is a Syrian writer, known as ¡°Syria¡¯s most prominent novelist.¡± His early novels were products of the movement of social realism, but his later works are known to contain a more symbolic analysis of class differences. His writing on the suffering of ordinary people was partly inspired by his own experiences, working as stevedore, barber and journalist. His numerous publications include such novels as the End of a Brave Man, Harat al-Shahhadeen, Black Wolf, Sun on a Cloudy Day, and Fire between the Fingers of a Woman. Several of his works are set during the period of the French mandate of Syria, or in the period immediately following independence. He was awarded the Arab Writer¡¯s Prize in 2005 for his collective works.