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I actually had the opportunity to meet the author while I was studying abroad in Cairo. He's quite a brilliant writer and very well respected in Egypt--especially as he operates outside of the "literary establishment."
Zaat tells the story of an average woman's life in Cairo. Many Arab authors, such as Naguib Mahfouz, tend to focus more on the middle-class, yet this novel centers around a female from the lower class. The book is extremely witty and satirical, as it offers some scathing observations about Egyptian society. Along with the story of Zaat's life are pieces from newspaper clippings that the author has collected. These newspaper clippings involve government mismanagement, corruption, increasing influence of the West, and the rise of political Islam. Thus, the life of the female character is again made parallel to the life of the nation. Definitely an interesting read, although the clippings can get a bit repetitive.
Zaat tells the story of an average woman's life in Cairo. Many Arab authors, such as Naguib Mahfouz, tend to focus more on the middle-class, yet this novel centers around a female from the lower class. The book is extremely witty and satirical, as it offers some scathing observations about Egyptian society. Along with the story of Zaat's life are pieces from newspaper clippings that the author has collected. These newspaper clippings involve government mismanagement, corruption, increasing influence of the West, and the rise of political Islam. Thus, the life of the female character is again made parallel to the life of the nation. Definitely an interesting read, although the clippings can get a bit repetitive.
