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peacefulwarrior's review
4.0
This is my first Arabic book in a while. I found the depiction on Cairo to be so vividly real. It’s controversial topics, use of somewhat vulgar language makes the book comes alive. Can’t wait to watch the movie so see who they brought these complex characters to life.
wyemu's review against another edition
5.0
In Cairo the Yacoubian building stands, home to people from all of Egypt's social circles. While most of the flats and offices inside the building belong to the social elite but the roof is a home to a massive community living in makeshift shacks. The characters' stories intertwine with each other effortlessly and each reaches their own personal conclusion to the problems they face. Aswany also deals with subject of Muslim fundamentalism and terrorism with compassion and without making any of the characters clichéd. This is a side of Cairo not shown in the guide and I can't wait to read 'Friendly Fire', Aswany's collection of short stories also set in Cairo.
leilatre's review
4.0
A book about the residents of a single apartment/office building in Cairo (crossing class, religion and sexual preference lines). The number of characters and the jumps from one narrative to another made it a little hard to follow (especially on the Kindle), but I found the primary characters to be interesting and well-rounded. I found the character who evolved from a young, naive aspiring policeman into a radical Islamicist particularly compelling. Coupled with watching The Square about the 2011 revolution, I feel like I have much better insight into modern Egypt.
amused_peanut2's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
veganbtch98's review against another edition
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
dear_old_world's review against another edition
Wanted to read this as a social commentary on Egyptian society, which I spent a decade of my childhood in from 2003 to 2013. Unfortunately, the way the author perceives and writes about women is too triggering for me. I lived on the receiving end of that kind of lecherous male gaze for most of my formative years, I don't need a reminder of it. Such a shame - I was hoping he wouldn't be so blatantly misogynistic (and judging by the other reviews also homophobic). I'll stick to Egyptian writers that do women justice in their fiction instead.
ohnoitsharmony's review against another edition
didn't find this all that compelling and struggled to connect with any of the characters. also found the way homosexuality is depicted in the text very problematic and uncomfortable.
meggles's review
informative
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Homophobia