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Location: Yacoubian Building by Alaa Al Aswany
Discussion: A review of the Yacoubian building by Alaa Al Aswany
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coshamreadinggroup |
A review of the Yacoubian building by Alaa Al Aswany
May 27 2009, 4:56 AM EDT
A disappointing reaction to this novel really. The Yacoubian building is an important book, tackling head-on controversial themes such as religion, homosexuality, political corruption and sexual harrassment. It caused a storm in Egypt, leading to a film and spin-off television series.The author is a true storyteller, weaving an interlocking tale between characters who live or work in the Yacoubian building. Each character's story is told in 'bite-sized' pieces throughout the novel giving the impression of a tapestry, where each thread is integral to the overall design and integrity. However, we felt there were problems. Al Aswany is overly keen on florid prose (perhaps a problem in translation) and the huge cast of characters caused some confusion, with many members of the group losing track of who was doing what and muddling them all up. Furthermore, Al Aswany's device of ending each person's segment on a cliff-hanger lent comparisons with cheap soap opera tactics. I'm surprised the group didn't like this to be honest, it's a thoroughly readable, absorbing portrait of contemporary Cairo. Al Aswany is brave enough to criticise the corrupt Egptian political regime via the struggles of this building's inhabitants. 1 out of 1 found this valuable. Do you? |
crazywriter |
1. RE: A review of the Yacoubian building by Alaa Al Aswany
May 29 2009, 8:31 AM EDT
I haven't read the novel but I've seen lots about Al-Aswany in the press lately - there is certainly a buzz around his work and I think we will be hearing about his books a lot more in the future.
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