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[Palace of Desire] The second book of The Cairo Trilogy, taking place after 5 years of Palace Walk. This book continues to take us through Al-Sayyid Ahmad Abdel Jawad's family saga, but this time it's more in-depth and gives more airtime for the sisters Khadija & Aisha, and the brothers Yassin & Kamal.
We still see the father figure with two personalities: in the house: he is the strict husband and father, who is also religious and holds strong control over his family. And with his friends: he is a fun-loving person who enjoys drinking, prostitutes, and music. He did stop all this for 5 years as he was mourning the death of his son, but of course, his friends tempt him to go back to these old habits. So basically, the contradiction of his father/husband figure continues.
The main character in this book without a doubt is the youngest son, Kamal, as we get to witness his character development from this kid who wants to discuss his college options to his many sessions with his friends who are differed from him in everything, especially in class, and the philosophical discussions they have, then him falling in love with Aida, and ending with a heartbreak. Then finally witness the radical transformation in his thought and principles regarding religion. His monologues are by far the best I've ever read.
And this is why I believe this book was the reason it earned Naguib Mahfouz the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1988. It's been circulated that Kamal was the closest person to Mahfouz's heart, as it was more of him than any other character, especially with his views in rebelling against religion.
Excellent writing, beautiful language, and amazing monologues. It was raw and made you truly feel you are part of the family.
Let's dive into the third part Sugar Street.
We still see the father figure with two personalities: in the house: he is the strict husband and father, who is also religious and holds strong control over his family. And with his friends: he is a fun-loving person who enjoys drinking, prostitutes, and music. He did stop all this for 5 years as he was mourning the death of his son, but of course, his friends tempt him to go back to these old habits. So basically, the contradiction of his father/husband figure continues.
The main character in this book without a doubt is the youngest son, Kamal, as we get to witness his character development from this kid who wants to discuss his college options to his many sessions with his friends who are differed from him in everything, especially in class, and the philosophical discussions they have, then him falling in love with Aida, and ending with a heartbreak. Then finally witness the radical transformation in his thought and principles regarding religion. His monologues are by far the best I've ever read.
And this is why I believe this book was the reason it earned Naguib Mahfouz the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1988. It's been circulated that Kamal was the closest person to Mahfouz's heart, as it was more of him than any other character, especially with his views in rebelling against religion.
Excellent writing, beautiful language, and amazing monologues. It was raw and made you truly feel you are part of the family.
Let's dive into the third part Sugar Street.