Mazen Maarouf's 'As a Sunny Day on the Substitute Bench' is a captivating collection of short stories that delves into the lives of ordinary people in extraordinary circumstances, blending reality with the surreal. Maarouf, a Palestinian-Icelandic author, skillfully uses black humor and poignant observations to explore themes of displacement, identity, and the inherent absurdities of human existence. His narratives often feature fantastical elements, offering a unique and compelling perspective on the struggles and resilience of his characters. This critically acclaimed collection was notably shortlisted for the International Prize for Arabic Fiction, cementing its place as a significant contemporary work.