Naguib MahfouzMiramar

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.

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

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

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

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

I've read most of his works and have loved them all. Not just a good story, but a glimpse into a world most of us are ignorant about.

This physical book is a disaster. It's cut into a polygon, half of the pages aren't cut from one another, and the pages aren't centered. It's as if this entire book was photocopied and butchered by someone with a paper cutter. DO NOT BUY.

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.