Play Book Tag discussion
This topic is about
The Last Watchman of Old Cairo
Archive: Other Books
>
The Last Watchman of Old Cairo by Michael David Lukas - 4 stars
date
newest »
newest »
As this is a book that I recently read, I am very interested in your review and reaction. For me, the best part of the book was reading the author's descriptions of both ancient and modern Cairo. I could visualize Cairo as I was reading. My reading this past year unwittingly has led me to stories set in the Middle East - This one added some more context for me. After reading the book, I learned that the author himself had spent time living in Cairo and had experienced some of the dissonence felt by Joseph, his protagonist... On a different note, I share your dislike of Ali's love story. It seemed unreal.
Holly, I agree the descriptions of ancient and modern Cairo were stunning. I am expanding my reading horizons to cover many parts of the world, and it has been educational and enlightening. For this particular book, I guess I wanted a few more answers, not that I need everything tied up, and it's possible I just didn't "get" what he was trying to say (view spoiler)
Oh I loved this gem! I think I felt it too...
Holly R W wrote: "I'm not well versed either about the Ezra scroll. I don't know if it truly existed. I have been able to see Hebrew calligraphy contained in a Torah scroll. When I read about the Ezra scroll in the ..."Holly - it you click on 'some html ok' at top of comment box, you get tips.
Joy D wrote: "Holly, I agree the descriptions of ancient and modern Cairo were stunning. I am expanding my reading horizons to cover many parts of the world, and it has been educational and enlightening. For thi..."I was not bothered by (view spoiler).
Interesting perspective, Theresa, thanks. I think this book would be a good one for a book club discussion.
Holly, to insert a spoiler tag, do this:< spoiler > Type comment here < / spoiler> (take out all the spaces between the < >)
Thank you. I was able to follow your directions and put my comment in a spoiler tag.I'm enjoying reading everyone's opinions about the book.
Historical fiction about Joseph al-Raqb, an American graduate student of Egyptian descent, who travels to Cairo in the year 2000 in a quest to solve the mystery of a package sent to him after his father’s death. Two other timelines are covered. The first is set in the 11th century and follows Ali ibn al-Marwani, a Muslim orphan, as he is invited by the Jewish council members to become the first night watchman over the Ibn Ezra Synagogue in Cairo. The second involves English twins, Agnes Lewis and Margaret Gibson, as they arrive in Cairo in 1897 to acquire ancient scrolls stored in the same synagogue. The common thread in the three stories is the legendary Ezra scroll, presumed to be the most perfect Torah scroll ever written and rumored to have been stored in the synagogue.
This premise is intriguing. The descriptions of both ancient and modern Cairo are evocative. The author succeeds in bringing three eras in history to life. The author’s message of hope with respect to building relationships and understanding among cultures and religions of the world is positive and uplifting, as is the emphasis on forgiveness.
I liked this book and recommend it as a learning experience regarding history of Cairo. The author clarifies which portions are based on fact. Just be aware that it has an unfinished quality and leaves many open questions for the reader to interpret.