Title: Chicago
Author: Alaa Al Aswany
Published: 2008
Genre: Fiction
In the aftermath of the recent
uprisings in the Arab world, this was an informative read. One of the members
of my Book Club made a comment recently about Egypt that I found to be
accurate- especially regarding the World's perception of the Arab states that
have just experienced the 'Arab Spring'.
"I feel like we have been lied to." She was referring to Egypt and I
could not have agreed more. No, I do not live under a rock and yes,
I was aware of the fragility of Egypt's democracy before the uprisings,
but in relation to seemingly more despotic states, Egypt was at the periphery
of wider political discussion. Or so I thought until the uprisings and
subsequent resignation of Hosni Mubarak in February.
