Circle of Glass
by Sama Shaheen
Genre: Short Story
Written by Sama Shaheen and narrated by Lena Headey
This audio © 2026 by Sama Shaheen. Cover design © Martyna Michalowska.
Circle of Glass is our first short story publication from Gaza. Written by Sama Shaheen and narrated by Lena Headey, it is a story of courage under fire and a commitment to truth.
A reporter films the evacuation of a residential tower block moments before its destruction. The world must bear witness, no matter the risk, no matter the cost.
Circle of Glass is a reflection on the courage of Gaza's reporters, and the ripple effect of their bravery and commitment.
Listen: Support
Circle of Glass is sponsored by Doctrine Skincare. At the start of this audio story you'll hear a very short advert (it's less than 20 seconds). This is one of the best adverts you'll ever hear, because every time a new listener clicks play, Doctrine donates to the author. All the revenue generated goes to the Sama, meaning you can support her just by listening. No need to donate, no need to register, just click play on this amazing story, written by Sama Shaheen, a talented young writer in Gaza, and narrated by the one and only Lena Headey (Game of Thrones, Normal, Ballistic, The Purge, 300).
Oh, and share it please. Share it far and wide.
Thank you.
about the author
Sama Shaheen is a 16-year-old Palestinian writer from Gaza.
Her creative work is shaped by the reality of war and daily life under siege. For her, writing is a form of resistance and a means to speak the truths that are often left unsaid. Her words emerge from pain and honesty, carrying the voice of a generation growing up under bombardment, yet refusing to give up on hope. She sees writing as a continuous path toward expression and survival.
Sama on Instagram: instagram.com/sama.shahean/
about the narrator
Lena Headey is a multiple Emmy and Golden Globe nominated actress, known for her roles in Normal, The Purge, 300, The Brothers Grimm, Fighting With My Family and many more successful film and TV credits.
Lena is best known for her role as Cersei Lannister in the award winning HBO series Game of Thrones (2011 - 2019).
As well as her film and TV roles, Lena Headey is an advocate for human rights, actively supporting causes for LGBTQ rights, and organisations including The International Rescue Committee (advocating for migrants in the European migrant crisis) and Alzheimers Research UK. Most recently Lena contributed to a video series published by the Palestine Festival of Literature, in support of South Africa's motion accusing Israel of genocide in Gaza.
Lena Headey on Instagram at: instagram.com/iamlenaheadey/
about the sponsor
"Founded by industry veterans Mark, Tracey, and Caoimhe, Doctrine was built to create skincare products worthy of cult-level obsession.
Each formula is developed in-house by our co-founder and cosmetic chemist, using active ingredients at effective, evidence-based levels to deliver real, visible change. No fear. No false promises. Just results.
With luxurious textures, beautiful scents, and formulas designed to make consistency effortless, every product transforms daily skincare into a ritual. Driven by innovation, sustainability, and transparency, our results-focused approach ensures customers not only see the difference, they feel it."
Discover more at: doctrineskincare.com
about the artist
The cover for 'Circle of Glass' was designed by Martyna Michalowska, an artist sensitive to ecological and ethical causes. To see Martyna's work go to @mmichalowskart