Hookah Nights: Tales from Cairo [Paperback]

Anne-Marie Drossos collection of fourteen short stories guides us through the turbulence of Egyptian modern history  from Gamal Abdel Nassers early days of glory, to Abdel Fatah el-Sisis recent assumption of power. Each story weaves a tapestry of hope, crisis and despair, illustrated through an array of characters trying to make sense of their lives in the face of social change and political turmoil. Drosso fictionalises potent segments of time from the mid-20th century onwards, revisiting illuminative figures from and affiliated with the Cradle of Civilisation. The collection kicks off with Good Man, a story based on the life and death of writer and diplomat Herbert Norman (1909-1957), who was the Canadian Ambassador to Egypt (1955-1957) during the Suez Crisis. Lee is Coming is loosely based on Lee Miller (1907-1977), the model, muse and photographer, following her divorce from an Egyptian businessman. These personal, often touching tales provide a seamless narrative to the Egypts tumultuous transitional phase.These elegant, unadorned narratives of Egyptians at home and at large, as variegated as the city from which they take their name, span classes, continents and decades with confidence and humour. We are in the company of a hugely promising and individual talent.' Aamer Hussein, author of Insomnia. 'A beautiful portrait of life in Egypt. I strongly recommend it.' Alaa al Aswany, author of The Yacoubian Building. This short story collection examining the inner lives of Egyptians at home and abroad is remarkable for its measured, delicate approach to its subjects...appealingly understated. An interesting collection.' Pulp.netCollection of short stories which guide us through the turbulence of Egyptian modern history.Will appeal to readers interested in historical fiction, colonial and post-colonal literature and anyone with an interest in Northern Africa and Egypt.Anne-Marie Drosso was born in Cairo, Egypt, in 1951. She left in her early twenties for lĂL