Mahfouz - Visitors Recommend

Visitors Recommend

Naguib Mahfouz »


Akhenaten. Dweller in Thruth (Al-A'ish Fi Al-Haqiqah)	He wrote this novel in 1985 as a kind of return to the historical form after his last historical novel 'The battle of Tibha' in 1944. He talked about Akhnaton, the leader of the religous revolution who advocated praying to one god which was symolized by the sun named in Pharonic language as Aton. Mahfouz plays the role of historian in analysing the time of Akhnaton. He represents the spirit of Egypt by writing about different times in Egyptian history, especially the Pharonic time. /Moatazmohsen, 28, Egypt

The Beginning and the End (Bidayah Wa-Nihayah)	I am originally from the Philippines and now working in Cairo, Egypt. I recommend this book because 'The Beginning and the End' is a social commentary of what was happening during the 40's and 50's in Egyptian society. Reading it today is as fresh a commentary as it was when the book was first published in 1956. The simmering discontent of the working and labor members of the Egyptian society under British rule, is so much the same and resonant to the simmering helplessness of today's Egyptian poor majority. 'The Beginning and the End' also offers a glimpse into the lives of women in a conservative Arab society. It gives a brilliant dramatization on how women views marriage as the only hope to be desired. On how, again, social standing in a class-assigned society even dictates to whom a girl should be married to. And how, having ordinary looks almost always spell the doom of a young girl no matter how virtuous she maybe. It shows a clash of social classes which insinuates that being in the upper class is the only option one can aspire to uplift moral respectability, and sadly it is indeed a harsh reality. /Jun Tacio, 39, Egypt Realistic and dreamfull at the same time. A strong conflict between the way that people in a society like Cairo must live and the way that they actually do, ignoring the consequences. /Louise. V., 23, Greece A fantastic sketch of modern life in Cairo showing three possible ways of life and how close they are connected. /Clara, 17, Germany

Children of Gebelawi (Awlad Haretna)	It is a mixture of realism, mystery and myth. The believing way is hard in life. Everyone has his own experiment to reach the truth of life's mission. I think the author introduced his own experience in life and his viewpoint about the world and life. No one can prevent the words that describe the real path of our feet on this earth. I think this experience is important to be recorded. /Ramiz Kameel, 32, Egypt

The Journey of Ibn Fatouma (Rihlat ibn Fattumah)	Fattouma is disappointed in love, so he sets out seeking comfort in wisdom. His goal is the fabled land of Gebel, from which no one has ever returned. First, though, his caravan must pass through five other countries, each distinct in governance and religion, and each delaying Ibn for years. Mashriq is despotic, peopled by naked slaves, and here Ibn falls in love with Arousa and starts a family. War separates them, and he pursues her through Haira, a theocratic police state; Halba, the land of freedom; and Communist Aman. Finally, from Ghuroub, where only reason is worshipped, he leaves to enter Gebel, his journey toward perfection almost complete. This novel is Mahfouz's most purely polemical work, directly engaging the issues of religion and politics that have been the strong subtexts of his previous fiction. /Dr. Sargon Gorjian, 44, Australia

Love in the Rain (Al-Hubb Taht Al-Matar)	He presents the Egyptian society in the time of 1967. This novel talks about the greatness of the Egyptian people, how they faced loss with great heart, solid face and softly spirit. /Moatazmohsen, 28, Egypt

Midaq Alley (Zuqaq al-Midaq) Excerpts »	Deep analysis of humans. /Amal Bourhrous, 14, Morocco

Palace Walk (Bayn Al-Quasrayn)	I found this novel extraordinarily beautiful. The way that Mahfouz portrays his characters makes them very real to the reader. While reading this novel one will find oneself feeling a part of this family. One comes to care about them. /Barbara, 22, United States

Rhadopis of Nubia (Radubis)	He wrote his second novel in his life as a historical narrative in 1942 and this novel gave him the Qut El-Qulub El-Demerdashiya Prize from a rich Turkish woman who lived in Egypt and was impressed by his writing. /Moatazmohsen, 28, Egypt

Thebes at War (Kifah Tibah)	Mahfouz gave his readers a great surprise when he turned a spotlight to the ancient Egyptian civilization, especially in the time of Ahmos who wrote the beginning of the liberty pages in the Egyptian history by attacking the Hecsos army after 150 years of occupation. He wrote about the greatness of the Egyptian people. /Moatazmohsen, 28, Egypt

The Thief and the Dogs (Al-Liss Wa-Al-Kilab)	It is very simple, it is so human. When we read this book we know how great Mahfouz is as an author and as a person, perhaps because I read it in the original language which is Arabic. /Majed Othman, 25, Tunisia

Tell us about your favorite! »	NEXT RECOMMENDATION »