I enjoyed the Egyptian feel of this book, as well as the turn of the 20th century era (mixed with contemporary). Probably because I have personally been exploring other cultures this summer, so I'm drawn to the nationality and figuring out how Egypt and its culture is different from America's and what makes them tick.

That being said, something fell flat for me in this story. I think it was mostly with the characters: I feel like I never really got to know them. There could have been a rich story behind Amal, her nationality, tie to her country, kids, family, etc. that I just didn't get. I was most interested in AMal, but Soueif could have done more with most of the principal characters: Isabel, Anna, Layla, even Omar. I didn't feel that I loved Sharif as much as Amal did, which makes me wonder if Soueif just didn't portray the emotion sufficiently. I enjoyed the story, though; I'm glad I read it. But I also can't help but think I missed out, not being familiar with Egyptian culture, sayings, and idioms.

Soueif includes a lot - A LOT - of historical and political details that I couldn't follow most of the time. It could have been a good treatise on Egyptian history and colonialism if a. I had some sort of background in it and already understood who the principal characters and events were (because she didn't explain those much) and b. that's what I was looking for.

As is typical with me, I read fast (especially toward the end) and I shouldn't have on this one. There was a lot there and if I had taken extra time to roll the story around in my mind I may have gotten more of the richness of the story. I don't think I'd reread it to get that, but I'd consider another of her books. And maybe a trip to Egypt!

Note: I didn't see that there was a glossary at the back of the book until I was about two-thirds through. That would have been helpful earlier!