That Other Me: A Novel

Name: That Other Me: A Novel
ISBN: 9780062391384

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Book Summary

From the #1 internationally bestselling author of The Sand Fish, Maha Gargashâ€™s second novel is set in mid-1990s Dubai and Cairo and tells the story of how secrets and betrayals consume three membersâ€”an authoritarian father, a rebellious abandoned daughter, and a vulnerable nieceâ€”of a prominent Emirati family.

Majed, the head of the eminent Naseemy family, is proud to have risen into the upper echelons of Emirati society. As one of the richest businessmen in Dubai, heâ€™s used to being catered to and respectedâ€”never mind that he acquired his wealth by cheating his brother out of his own company and depriving his niece, Mariam, of her rights.

Not one to dwell on the pastâ€”he sent Mariam to school in Egypt, what more could she want from him?â€”Majed spends his days berating his wife and staff and cavorting with friends at a private apartment. But heâ€™s suddenly plagued by nightmares that continue to haunt him during the day, and he feels his control further slipping away with the discovery that his niece and his daughter are defying his orders.

Mariam despises Majed, and although she blames him for her fatherâ€™s death, hers is a strictly-organized, dutiful existence. But when she falls for a brash, mischievous fellow student named Adel, he might just prove to be her downfall.

Largely abandoned by Majed as the daughter of a second, secret marriage, the vivacious Dalal has a lot to prove. The runner-up on â€œNights of Dubai,â€‌ an American Idol-type reality show for Arab talent, Dalal is committed to being a singer despite the fact that itâ€™s a disreputable career. When her efforts to become a celebrity finally begin to pay off, she attracts the attention of her father, who is determined to subdue Dalal to protect the family name. As Majed increasingly exerts his control over both Dalal and Mariam, both girls resist, with explosive consequences.

An exhilarating look at the little-known Khaleeji (Gulf-Arab) culture, That Other Me explores the ways social mores contribute to the collapse of one family.

Language: English
Paperback: 384 pages
Publisher: Harper Perennial (2016)
ISBN-10: 0062391380
ISBN-13: 9780062391384
Genre: Popular Fiction
Size: 14.9 cm x 21.4 cm
Shipping Weight: 79 grams
Condition: New

SKU: 9780062391384 Categories: Books, English Books, Literature & Fiction Author: Maha Gargash

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That Other Me: A Novel

That Other Me: A Novel Book Description

From the #1 internationally bestselling author of The Sand Fish, Maha Gargash returns with That Other Me: A Novel. Set in the mid‑1990s, the story moves between glittering Dubai and historic Cairo. It follows three members of a powerful Emirati family—a domineering father, his rebellious abandoned daughter, and a vulnerable niece—who grapple with secrets and betrayals that threaten to destroy them.

Majed, head of the prominent Naseemy clan, is known as one of Dubai’s richest businessmen. He built his empire by cheating his brother out of a company and denying his niece Mariam her rightful inheritance. Although he sends Mariam to school in Egypt, he continues to dominate his household, berating his wife and staff while indulging in private parties. However, recurring nightmares shake his confidence, and he discovers that both his niece and his secret daughter are quietly defying his commands.

Mariam despises Majed for her father’s death and the life he forced upon her. She lives a strict, organized existence until she meets Adel, a brash and mischievous fellow student. Their intense romance threatens to expose cracks in Majed’s control and could become Mariam’s undoing.

Dalal, Majed’s hidden daughter from a secret marriage, craves recognition. As the runner‑up on “Nights of Dubai,” an Arab talent show reminiscent of American Idol, she dreams of a singing career despite its questionable reputation. When her fame begins to rise, Majed moves to crush her ambitions and protect the family name. Both Dalal and Mariam resist, leading to explosive confrontations that could tear the family apart.

Beyond the family drama, That Other Me offers an exhilarating glimpse into little‑known Khaleeji (Gulf‑Arab) culture. The novel explores how social customs, honor, and gender expectations fuel the collapse of a once‑imperial household, making it a compelling read for anyone interested in Middle Eastern narratives.

Key Features of That Other Me: A Novel

Readers will experience a richly detailed setting that captures Dubai’s rapid modernization and Cairo’s timeless charm. Additionally, the novel blends romance, ambition, and revenge, providing a balanced mix of emotional intensity and cultural insight. Furthermore, each character is crafted with distinct motivations, allowing readers to empathize with both oppressor and oppressed.

Fans of family sagas will appreciate the multi‑generational conflict and stark portrayal of power dynamics. Meanwhile, lovers of literary fiction will enjoy Gargash’s lyrical prose and her ability to reveal hidden societal pressures through personal stories. Moreover, the fast‑paced plot ensures that suspense never wanes.

Why Read This Book?

Many readers seek novels that transport them to unfamiliar worlds while reflecting universal themes. This book delivers both. It helps readers explore how secrets can poison relationships and how courage can spark change. Because the narrative is rooted in real cultural contexts, it also educates while it entertains.

The emotional depth makes the novel perfect for book clubs and discussion groups. Additionally, its exploration of gender roles and family expectations resonates with modern audiences, encouraging thoughtful conversations about tradition versus personal freedom.

About This Book

Language: English
Paperback: 384 pages
Publisher: Harper Perennial (2016)
ISBN‑10: 0062391380
ISBN‑13: 9780062391384
Genre: Popular Fiction
Size: 14.9 cm × 21.4 cm
Shipping Weight: 79 grams
Condition: New