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A review by mmcloe
If an Egyptian Cannot Speak English by Noor Naga
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
informative
mysterious
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Oh what a jarring and clever little novel that I almost completely fell for if it weren't for Googling one of the footnotes.
Masterful structuring and writing on all levels. I'm so impressed by how the content of the novel begins to poke holes in "Western" understandings of universal race/class/gender/language identities all while the structure creeps up on us the whole time to totally tear those understandings to tiny pieces. A stunning example of how even well-meaning Western narratives about the Middle East and north Africa can twist and distort the complexities of people's lives so quickly.
Masterful structuring and writing on all levels. I'm so impressed by how the content of the novel begins to poke holes in "Western" understandings of universal race/class/gender/language identities all while the structure creeps up on us the whole time to totally tear those understandings to tiny pieces. A stunning example of how even well-meaning Western narratives about the Middle East and north Africa can twist and distort the complexities of people's lives so quickly.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Racism, Rape, Sexism, and War