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ffn's review
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
2.0
so mid and so political, very unlikeable main character. it had the most confusing way of explaining what the main character was thinking. i could have written a better version of it.
mg_in_md_'s review against another edition
4.0
This review is based on the ARC I received via a FirstReads giveaway. Originally published in the U.S. in 1964, this gem set during the 1950s tells the tale of Egyptian Ram Bey as he navigates through young adulthood. Ram and his friends travel between Cairo and Europe, trying to find their way in societies they don't quite fit into and, perhaps, find a little bit of happiness along the way. The tale was witty and wise, and offered a unique perspective on 1950s Egypt that is still relevant today. Its universal themes will resonate with many readers and make this a timeless read. Several reviews have favorably compared this book and its anti-hero, Ram, to [b:The Catcher in the Rye|5107|The Catcher in the Rye|J.D. Salinger|https://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1349928703s/5107.jpg|3036731]; the praise is well-deserved. I laughed out loud in several spots and thoroughly enjoyed Ram's snarkiness, even though he wasn't exactly the most lovable character. Overall, this was a refreshing read and I feel lucky to have discovered this book thanks to the FirstReads program -- it was a truly enjoyable treat!
sjparker98's review against another edition
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
4.0
mustafa_marwan's review against another edition
4.0
An important account of Egypt post the military coup / revolution of the fifties. This work of literary fiction was multilayered but was marred with tedium in many parts. It took me a while to finish it but I don't regret the time spent on it.
I liked how in one section an American academic went to study the Egyptian and concluded how rich they were because he spent his time with one of the richest families there. Echoes of this work could still be heard to this day.
The author has killed himself and in my opinion this gives this work a stamp of superior honesty. R.I.P. Wguih Ghali.
I liked how in one section an American academic went to study the Egyptian and concluded how rich they were because he spent his time with one of the richest families there. Echoes of this work could still be heard to this day.
The author has killed himself and in my opinion this gives this work a stamp of superior honesty. R.I.P. Wguih Ghali.
meghanson's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
befriendtheshadow's review
5.0
Ram is a westernised Egyptian in the midst of a revolution and his own nihilism, and struggling to see where he fits in it all. Offers a fresh perspective on the Cairo of the 40s and 50s, with particular resonance in today's revolutionary climate. It's rare that a book comes close to describing my reality and experience. This is one of those books. Waguih Ghali writes with a raw energy and is unafraid to write truthfully and devastatingly. This is his only novel- he committed suicide shortly after, in London.
lunazagor's review
emotional
informative
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
A really impeccable window into Egypt of the time, the struggles between old class and modern ideals, and some of the best sentences constructed in the English language.
ilobna3laa's review against another edition
4.0
انقطعت عن للقراءة لفترة قصيرة ثم عدت بهذه الرواية، قرأتها في قت طويل نسبيا، لو كنت في حالتي الطبيعية لقرأتها في يوم أو اثنين.
وجدت بالرواية تخبط وغضب مشابه لما بداخلي، رام وإن كان مشاغباً فهو يحمل روح طفل ناقم على من حوله.
فكرة أنني أقرأ لكاتب مات متنحراً تجعلني أفكر، لماذا انتحر؟ هل رام هو وجيه غالي؟ لا أعرف.
أنظر إلى السماء أرسل سلاما لروحه ووعداً باللقاء.
وجدت بالرواية تخبط وغضب مشابه لما بداخلي، رام وإن كان مشاغباً فهو يحمل روح طفل ناقم على من حوله.
فكرة أنني أقرأ لكاتب مات متنحراً تجعلني أفكر، لماذا انتحر؟ هل رام هو وجيه غالي؟ لا أعرف.
أنظر إلى السماء أرسل سلاما لروحه ووعداً باللقاء.