City of Love and Ashes

Name: City of Love and Ashes
ISBN: 9789774246999

EGP400.00

A classic novel from one of the great contemporary writers of Egypt and the Middle East who was described as ‘’the renovator and genius of the short story’’ by Tawfiq al-Hakim

Cairo, January 1952. Egypt is at a critical point in its modern history, struggling to throw off the yoke of the seventy-year British occupation and its corrupt royalist allies. Hamza is a committed young radical, his goal to build a secret armed brigade to fight for freedom, independence, and national self-esteem. Fawziya is a woman with a mission too, keen to support the cause. Among the ashes of the city love may grow, but at a time of national struggle what place do personal feelings have beside the greater love for a shackled homeland? In this finely crafted novel, Yusuf Idris, best known as the master of the Arabic short story, brings to life not only some of the most human characters in modern Arabic fiction but the soul of Cairo itself and the soul of a national consciousness focused on liberation.

4 in stock

SKU: 9789774246999 Categories: Arabic Literature in Translation, Books, English Books, Literature & Fiction Author: Yusuf Idris

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City of Love and Ashes

City of Love and Ashes Book Description

City of Love and Ashes is an English translation of Yusuf Idris’s powerful novel, now available at Kalimat Bookstore Online. Set in Cairo, January 1952, the story captures a nation on the brink of independence. Readers will follow Hamza, a daring young radical, as he forms a secret brigade to fight British rule. Meanwhile, Fawziya, a determined woman, joins the struggle and offers her own brand of courage. Together they navigate love, sacrifice, and the chaos of a city burning with hope and fear.

The novel paints a vivid portrait of Egypt’s fight for freedom. It shows a society bruised by seventy years of colonial domination and a corrupt monarchy. Against this backdrop, personal desires clash with collective duty. Yusuf Idris, praised as “the renovator and genius of the short story” by Tawfiq al‑Hakim, brings the streets of Cairo to life. He also explores the inner turmoil of characters who must choose between love and patriotism.

Key Features of City of Love and Ashes

Readers will enjoy richly drawn characters who feel both heroic and human. Hamza’s idealism drives the plot, while Fawziya’s quiet strength adds depth. Additionally, the novel captures the sound of revolution—chants, protests, and secret meetings—making history feel immediate. Furthermore, Idris’s lyrical prose blends political tension with intimate romance, offering a balanced reading experience.

Fans of historical fiction will appreciate the accurate depiction of 1950s Cairo. Meanwhile, lovers of literary drama will find the emotional stakes compelling. The book also provides insight into the cultural atmosphere that shaped modern Middle Eastern literature. Therefore, it serves both as an engaging story and a valuable educational resource.

Why Read This Book?

Many readers seek stories that reflect real struggles and timeless emotions. City of Love and Ashes delivers both. The narrative explores how love can survive amid destruction, showing that personal bonds often inspire collective action. Moreover, the novel invites readers to reflect on the price of freedom and the resilience of the human spirit.

Because Yusuf Idris is renowned for his mastery of the short story, his novel carries a concise, impactful style. Each chapter moves quickly, keeping readers eager to turn the page. Also, the translation preserves the original’s poetic rhythm while remaining accessible to English‑speaking audiences. This makes the book a perfect choice for book clubs, students, and anyone who enjoys immersive historical tales.

About This Book

More detail about this book and its author can be found on Goodreads. Explore the best English books online in our store through this link. Experience the blend of love, loss, and revolutionary fervor that makes City of Love and Ashes a timeless masterpiece.