This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.

1. 1. Midaq Alley

   

   Set in an old Cairo neighborhood during World War II, the novel delves into the lives of the residents of a bustling alley, offering a tapestry of human experiences and social issues. Through the stories of a diverse cast of characters, including a young beauty dreaming of a better life, a wealthy businessman seeking love, a cafe owner yearning for his past, and others, the narrative explores themes of love, ambition, and the struggle for personal fulfillment. The alley serves as a microcosm of society, reflecting the larger cultural and political changes occurring in Egypt at the time, and the characters' intertwined lives illustrate the complexities of human nature and the universal quest for happiness and meaning.

   The 857th Greatest Book of All Time

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2. 2. The Cairo Trilogy

   

   "The Cairo Trilogy" is a captivating tale set in Egypt during the early 20th century, following the lives of the Abd al-Jawad family. The trilogy explores the intricacies of family dynamics, societal changes, and political unrest, as it delves into the personal struggles and triumphs of its characters. With vivid descriptions and rich storytelling, the trilogy offers a deep insight into the complexities of Egyptian society, tradition, and modernization, making it a timeless masterpiece of literature.

   The 1115th Greatest Book of All Time

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3. 3. Children of Gebelawi

   

   "Children of Gebelawi" is a novel that allegorically presents the stories of Moses, Jesus, and Mohammed through the lives of characters in a Cairo neighborhood. The patriarch, Gebelawi, has five children, each representing a different prophet or religious figure, and their struggles mirror the religious and philosophical conflicts of the 20th century. The book explores themes of power, faith, and redemption, and it sparked controversy upon publication due to its portrayal of sacred figures.

   The 1232nd Greatest Book of All Time

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4. 4. Palace Walk

   

   The novel is set in Cairo during World War I and revolves around the life of a conservative Muslim family. The patriarch, a shopkeeper, has two wives and several children, and the story explores the dynamics within the family, particularly the tyrannical father's relationships with his wives and children. As the family navigates through a changing society, they encounter various challenges including political unrest, societal norms, and the struggle between tradition and modernity.

   The 2051st Greatest Book of All Time

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5. 5. Miramar

   

   Set in 1960s Egypt, "Miramar" tells the story of an aging revolutionary, a rich man's daughter, a corrupt journalist, and a real estate agent who all come to reside at the Miramar Pension in Alexandria. Their lives intertwine with the life of the young peasant woman who works there as a maid, and through their interactions, the novel explores themes of social and political change in Egypt, the struggle between old and new, and the power of the individual to shape their own destiny.

   The 2493rd Greatest Book of All Time

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6. 6. Fountain And Tomb

   

   "Fountain and Tomb" is a collection of interwoven short stories that paint a vivid portrait of life in a Cairo alley during the early 20th century. Through the eyes of a young narrator, the book delves into the daily lives, secrets, and communal relationships of the residents, offering a tapestry of human experiences that range from the humorous to the tragic. The narrative captures the essence of a changing society, where tradition clashes with modernity, and where characters grapple with issues of morality, love, and the inexorable passage of time. The work is a poignant reflection on the complexities of life within a tight-knit community, encapsulating the universal themes of change, memory, and the enduring human spirit.

   The 9833rd Greatest Book of All Time

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7. 7. Palace of Desire

   The Cairo Trilogy, Volume 2

   

   "Palace of Desire" is a novel set in Cairo in the 1920s, continuing the saga of the Cairene patriarch Al-Sayyid Ahmad and his family. It explores the dynamics of the family, the father's authoritarian rule, the sons' rebelliousness, and the daughters' submissiveness. The book also delves into the themes of love, lust, power, and the struggle between tradition and modernity in Egyptian society. The narrative is a blend of social realism and psychological insight, offering a vivid portrait of a society in transition.

   The 13528th Greatest Book of All Time

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8. 8. Sugar Street

   

   "Sugar Street" is the final novel in a trilogy set in Cairo, Egypt, from the 1919 Egyptian Revolution through the end of World War II. It follows the lives of the al-Jawad family, focusing on the younger generation's political activism and romantic entanglements against the backdrop of a changing society. The book explores themes of modernization, colonialism, and the clash between tradition and progress.

   The 13528th Greatest Book of All Time

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9. 9. Adrift On The Nile

   

   Set against the backdrop of 1960s Cairo, this novel delves into the lives of a group of disillusioned intellectuals who gather nightly on a houseboat to escape the oppressive realities of their society. Through their conversations and interactions, the narrative explores themes of existential despair, moral ambiguity, and the search for meaning in a rapidly changing world. As the characters grapple with their own personal crises and the broader social upheavals around them, the story paints a vivid portrait of a generation caught between tradition and modernity, ultimately questioning the very essence of freedom and identity.

   The 14946th Greatest Book of All Time

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