A review by randi_jo
If an Egyptian Cannot Speak English by Noor Naga

challenging sad 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

2.75

I really liked this book. I did! Part 1 and 2, at least. I enjoyed the complex themes of culture shock, identity, nationalism, and the hairline balance someone walks when (essentially) immigrates to a place that is so divorced from their childhood views, but that is meant to be part of their 'culture', that they will let anything happen to them in order to feel a sense of belonging.

What I did not like was Part 3 preemptively trying to shame me for wondering about any of the other aspects of the story.

Like yeah, I get it, those things aren't what the story is about, but they're such self-centric and, really, western 1st world country-centric that many people won't look passed them in their activist stances, but like, come on, at least have a lengthy clap-back about it instead of a fake humblebrag about being fake published. Ugh.