Miramar

Mahfouz always teaches me something. I began reading his works because I wanted to find out more about life in Egypt during the 20th century under Islamic regimes. In this point in history I think the West needs to do more of this sort of thing. I remember King Farouk, Nasser, and the Egyptian history since then so Mahfouz was pretty immediate--the things Mahfouz wrote about. Not only are his books enlightening, Mahfouz himself was an interesting and erudite man, member of the Wafd party, victim of a violent attack by opposition factions. He lived in a turbulent historical period. (Egypt still is, heartbreakingly, trying to find its way.) His characters are surprising, fully drawn, and live wonderfully amazing lives--just the common folk, getting by from day to day. The contemporary history he exposes, the social difficulties of his characters, bring their world to full view. I was always surprised by what was happening and how they reacted. Another good read along these lines is anything by Orhan Pamuk--Turkish author.

Very good book, though not perfect. I don't know whether that was due to the Egyptian author or the English translator. In any case most enjoyable. I will read more by this author.

A great read whether just at face value or analyzing the characters as they relate to Egypt.

good book

Beautiful language, interesting observations into universal human condition, great introduction into writings of a giant in Arabic literature. I must read more!

It was a good story, with 5 characters telling their side of the story. Some one died, so some "violence" but by today's standards, not really, and some sexual harassment but no explicit sexual content

Wonderful - absorbing and rewarding. It, like many of this author's work, is a little programmatic in its reflection of Egyptian society but the characters are real and sympathetic, the story gripping.

Sometimes hard to read but that might be the translation, still a page-turner.

Books in good order and came on time

All the books by this author deserve attention and are fascinating. This book provides understanding of a society little understood by Europeans

Mahfouz is a superb writer, he understand the mood of the time and has a natural feel for the dpeth of the characters. a great read.