The Cairo House

by SamiaSerageldin (Author)

• Used

  Hardcover
  2004

  $3.52

  The brilliant, haunting and fascinating story of a pre-eminent and large family, Cairo society post-war onwards and Egyptian politics. 'While I was writing the book, I thought the title was something I could decide on later. But in effect I realized that I would only know what the book was about when I knew what the title was. And the title is The Cairo House because the novel, for me, is about an entire era in Egyptian twentieth century history that witnessed the rise, and fall, of the nationalist movement, party politics, and the Egyptian landowning bourgeoisie. The history and fate of the house reflect this pivotal era that spanned a century and came to an end with the passing away of the last Pasha at the turn of the 21st century. ' Samia Serageldin

• Used

  Paperback
  2010

  $3.52

  A beguiling, entrancing novel that tells the story of a prominent Egyptian family's struggle to survive the turmoil of post-World War II Cairo. Gigi grew up in a wonderful house in Cairo, a house that was home to a large, extended family. The men of the house were involved in politics and business, cotton and trading, and the women visited and gossiped, shopped and arranged marriages and other family matters. The house was always open to visitors, political associates, family: the traditional Egyptian hospitality mixed easily with a cosmopolitan style. It was an opulent world that seemed unchangeable. But the pashas' time was ending. Many were forced into exile, and for those who remained there was an uneasy mix of new expectations and old traditions. Gigi, a modern woman from a patrician background, faced the conflicts between a traditional marriage and the loss of a family, between exile and the need to create a new life while striving to stay in touch with her roots. Samia Serageldin's first novel is a brilliant, haunting and fascinating story of a woman, a family and a culture in transition.

• New

  Paperback
  2010

  $15.34

  A beguiling, entrancing novel that tells the story of a prominent Egyptian family's struggle to survive the turmoil of post-World War II Cairo. Gigi grew up in a wonderful house in Cairo, a house that was home to a large, extended family. The men of the house were involved in politics and business, cotton and trading, and the women visited and gossiped, shopped and arranged marriages and other family matters. The house was always open to visitors, political associates, family: the traditional Egyptian hospitality mixed easily with a cosmopolitan style. It was an opulent world that seemed unchangeable. But the pashas' time was ending. Many were forced into exile, and for those who remained there was an uneasy mix of new expectations and old traditions. Gigi, a modern woman from a patrician background, faced the conflicts between a traditional marriage and the loss of a family, between exile and the need to create a new life while striving to stay in touch with her roots. Samia Serageldin's first novel is a brilliant, haunting and fascinating story of a woman, a family and a culture in transition.