Dear reader,
These past couple of years have felt akin to wandering aimlessly through an incessant desert. Whenever we thought we might be nearing an oasis, it turned out to just be a trick of light. An unfounded hope. A mirage.
The Strand’s spring 2022 magazine features nine pieces that consider the theme of “mirage” through various lenses. In this collection, you’ll find a dissection of the Canadian myth, a tribute to Don Quixote, an exploration of grief, a visual explanation of the science behind mirages, and so much more.
I am so grateful for the work I get to do with The Strand, and none of it would be possible without my fantastic team. Thank you to the magazine editorial team, Holly, Anna, and Tehlan, for all of your support and for your care in shaping these pieces with our contributors. To Mahathi for lending your expertise to designing the print magazine, both at home and in the office (we finally got to use the office!). To Faith, Roensa, and our copy team for editing all of our written content with sharp eyes and unwavering attention to detail. To Seavey, Shelley, and our art team for creating beautiful illustrations that fit the written content like gloves to hands. To Kelsey and our photo team, for carrying out a stunning photoshoot that ties the entire magazine together. To Adam for designing a companion website for the print magazine so that our work can reach far and wide.
I want to thank our contributors for allowing us to publish their wonderful stories. And I want to thank you, dear reader, for taking the time to peruse our little magazine. I can’t begin to express how grateful I am to everyone who has put their energy into The Strand over this past year. It’s been a tough one, but your dedication is beyond inspiring. Amidst the mirages, your support has been unbelievably real.
Take care,
Khadija Alam
Editor-in-Chief
