Distant View Of A Minaret by Alifa Rifaat

The book is a collection of short stories that delve into the lives of women in contemporary Egyptian society, offering a poignant and often stark portrayal of the challenges they face. Through the lens of various female protagonists, the stories explore themes of sexuality, marriage, fidelity, and the role of women within the constraints of a patriarchal culture. The narratives often highlight the inner lives and suppressed desires of these women, revealing the gap between personal aspirations and societal expectations. The title story epitomizes the collection's essence, presenting a woman's reflection on her unfulfilling marriage and her yearning for spiritual and emotional fulfillment, symbolized by the distant view of a minaret.

The 4510th greatest book of all time

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Total Points: 108

Since this book was first published in 1983, there is a penalty of 14.4%. The age adjusted score is 92.45.

This is to prevent newer books from reaching super high on the ranked list of the greatest books of all time. The greatest books should also stand the test of time.