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 Third Wedding" is a powerful exploration of love, passion, and societal expectations set in mid-20th century Greece. The story revolves around a strong-willed and independent woman who has been married twice and is about to enter her third marriage. The narrative delves into her past love affairs, her struggle with the societal norms of the time, and her quest for personal freedom. The book is a poignant commentary on the condition of women in a patriarchal society and the sacrifices they make in the name of love and duty.

"The Daughter" is a powerful novel set in Greece during the Second World War. The narrative follows the life of a young girl who is forced to grow up quickly due to the harsh realities of war. Her father, a communist, is executed by the Germans, and the girl is left to navigate the complexities of life, politics, and love in a world that is rapidly changing. The book offers a poignant exploration of the human capacity for resilience, survival, and hope in the face of unimaginable adversity.

"Astradeni" is a coming-of-age novel set in post-World War II Greece. The story follows the life of a young girl named Astradeni, who is forced to grow up quickly due to the harsh realities of war and poverty. Despite the hardships she faces, Astradeni maintains a hopeful and imaginative spirit, often escaping into a world of myths and legends. The novel explores themes of resilience, the power of storytelling, and the enduring strength of the human spirit.

"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.

"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.