Customer Reviews

The Yacoubian Building: A Novel

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

The truth is often controversal especially in cultures that do not face truths!

Aswany does not hesitate to pen truths about political corruption, sexuality and fundamentalism rampant in his country. This is not to say that such controversies are non-existent in many other parts of the world, but it is harder for such truths to come out of countries and cultures that would prefer not to be exposed. A glimpse into Aswany's country and society is painful to read, but the need to know the conclusion compels the reader to continue.

This is an amazing book. I did have to refer to the glossary and character pages a few times but it was well worth it. It is the best book I have read in years and a very good introduction into modern Egypt. I was engrossed with all the characters and wished that it was the first of a series.

An eye opener regarding the hypocrisy that Egyptians deal with and partake on a daily basis. The characters and the parallel story lines made it difficult to put the book down.

I congratulate the author for writing a book that may in turn put his life in danger-- but is so necessary for Egyptinas and non-Egyptians alike to read.

I read the Arabic version and am about to read the english one, but this is the best book i've read in so long..
Definately worth the time and worth readong over and over..funny, witty and plain great!
great author and great book
a must have for every Egyptian/Egypt lover

In the style of Charles Dickens, but far more engrossing and easy to follow. A fascinating portrait of Egyptian society. Scary in the way that it presents a terrorist trainee in such a sympathetic light, but, at the same time, without justifying his actions. A very worthwhile read as a primer to visiting Egypt.

The other reviewers gave the book 5 stars but I thought it was only worth a 3. I wonder if a lot was lost in the translation...This book didn't turn out to be as engrossing as I thought it would be. I was disappointed that all the characters lives didn't somehow intersect as happened in Mave Binchey's "Evening Class". Some people have already commented that this book is a true reflection of modern life in Cairo and I can see how this book would have been quite controversial there with it's honest portrayal of the personal lives of the characters. The movie is being released on DVD this month and I can certainly see that this novel would make a great movie. Hoping I'm right....