Alaa Al Aswany, The Yacoubian Building

This novel was hypnotically uncomfortable to read, but also so rich in detail, colour, life, event, that I couldn't help but keep going. I know a great deal more about modern Cairo than I did before, and I think I understand more of the horrific nature of Egyptian social and political corruption that brought about … Continue reading Alaa Al Aswany, The Yacoubian Building →

Now posting on Vulpes Libris: Don’t Panic, I’m Islamic

Over on Vulpes Libris I reviewed the miscellany Don't Panic, I'm Islamic, which has the ridiculously long subtitle of Words and Pictures on How to Stop Worrying and Learn to love the Alien Next Door. I think that gives you everything you need to know. I enjoyed it!

Three Moroccan marriages: Tahar Ben Jelloun’s About My Mother

About My Mother is a combination of novel, memoir, Alzheimer’s case study and history of Moroccan domestic life. The author’s mother (or the narrator’s mother: it’s hard to see the difference) has Alzheimer’s disease and is increasingly confused in her small house. Her memory wanders and she confuses her sons and daughters for her parents … Continue reading Three Moroccan marriages: Tahar Ben Jelloun’s About My Mother →