HARAFISH

A modern Arabic literature classic, winner of the Nobel Prize for Literature here beautifully and simply translated, a multi-generational saga. Mahfouz was born in Cairo in 1911 and was a student of philosophy influenced by many western writers and he has more than 30 novels to his credit. This novel goes deep back in time to track the route of Ashur al-Nagi's family through Egyptian history as we live a dream with whirling dervishes, belly dancers, falling dreams, bullies in the neighbourhood alley, complex family relationships, genies and sheikhs. The saga of the al-Nagi family moves at a brisk pace as they go from deeply poor to suddenly rich in a magical and picaresque novel weaving complex stories of teeming life in the back alleys of Cairo. The epic story is the tale of Ashur al-Nagi, who grows from his humble roots to become a great leader and legend among his people, epitomising a time of glory for the harafish or common people when they were led by one of their own. Generations later his descendants stray further from his legendary example. They lose touch with their origins as they amass and then lose large fortunes, marry prostitutes when they marry at all, and develop rivalries that end in death. Finally, a Nagi appears to restore the family name to its former distinction. A funny, colourful and sexy tale. 380pp in large softback.