Here's what I wrote in 2008 about this read: "Remember this vividly, and often recall this educated, beautiful Egyptian's frigidity and marriage. Her eye was in the sun in the end (Neferteri). How fastinating to read a book written by a modern Egyptian woman!". You missed some of the points about culture clash; of the mid-east, transplanted into northern England and with English men. ( )

This book reminds me of Richardson's Pamela, where I kept on cheering on the narrator in her quest at suicide. Except Asya doesn't really attempt suicide. Oddly, though, I found myself unable to put this book down, which is a feat considering that it is a thick tome that inspires thoughts of what paraphernalia I might be able to hide within its covers given a sharp X-acto knife and some paper-cutting skills. Nonetheless I can't be too mean considering how doggedly I continued to read this thing. I've given up on shorter books. ( )

Terribly well written and dealing with various interesting and important theme, but oh my word it goes on and on. And on. And on (and I don't normally object to large volumes). I struggled to the end and lost most of my sympathy for the protagonist in doing so. ( )

This is a real page turner and a fantastic holiday read - but more than that. Asya's life in Cairo and England, her family, friends and relationships, not only give us a fantastic insight into the world of the Egyptian elite - existing somewhere between Islam and secularity, west and east, modern and traditional, family and friends - but it's also a fantastically perceptive and well written book about good and bad relationships, literary criticism and the academic life, beauty, survival and how politics and life collide.

Sprawling novel about a privileged young Egyptian woman, Asya, beginning with her as a teenager and following her for a decade of her life. Family, love, marriage, the political climate of the 60's and 70's in the Middle East, are all feature. I loved it and felt I could really relate to the protagonist. Her writing, characters, and descriptions are especially wonderful. ( )