Elizabeth's review

Dec 18, 07

4 of 5 stars
Recommended for: everybody.
Read in December, 2007

Nobel Prize-winning author Naguib Mahfouz has once again written a truthful tale on
society in Cairo, Egypt. Mahfouz was born in 1911 to middle-class parents in Cairo. Most
of his tales tell of the truths and hidden characteristics of society. Midaq Alley weaves the
fates of the occupants of the alley itself. The story goes from the deep unrequited love of
Abbas the Barber to the business-like cold demeanor of Ibrahim Faraj. In the end, all of
these lives blend together and connect in unexpected ways.

The descriptions Mahfouz uses are extremely realistic and imaginable. They provide a
vivid image of each character to the reader and let the reader experience the ongoing
events as if it is in reality. The similes and metaphors used within the text express the
authors own thoughts and feelings. For example, in the characterization of Uncle Kamil
the sweet seller, Mahfouz does not merely state that Uncle Kamil is fat or corpulent.
Instead, he uses similes such as a belly like a barrel and his behind large and rounded
like the dome of a mosque. From these descriptions, we can truly imagine what the
character looks like and his habits.

Although I enjoyed the novel, I thought it was confusing the way Mahfouz seemed to
leapfrog from the life of one character to another. Just as I was enjoying reading about
the life of one occupant of the alley, the story stopped, only to start once again with the
life of a whole different person. This decreased my interest in the story and made me feel
lost in certain places. The author should have finished telling the tale of one persons life
and somehow connected it to the tale of the next person. That way, their lives would still
be connected and the reader would not be as confused.

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this novel. It is probably one of the better ones Ive read
relating to schoolwork. Its originality and creativeness really urged me to continue
reading to find out what happened next. I would definitely recommend this book to
anyone older than the age of 13.
***
2

Jan 01, 2011Joselito Honestly and Brilliantly rated it 4 of 5 stars
Midaq Alley could be any small, familiar place like a small town one grew up
in, or the neighbourhood of his youth. Here, it is a street in Cairo, Egypt and the
story is set sometime during the second world war. Originally written in Arabic, its main
charm is that it takes the reader to where he has never been before: a small street, in the
heart of the Arab world, at the time when his parents, or maybe grandparents, were just
small boys and girls.

Some novels the reader grapples with. This one is an easy read and can be digested even
amidst the firecrackers and drunken new year revelries. Not one word where a dictionary
is needed and most of the characters are people anyone must already somehow met
before: the beautiful, ambitious and materialistic girl, Hamida, who ended up being a
prostitute (when she became her pimp's lover he nicknamed her "Titi"--the Tagalog word
for penis; and she was given a dance instructor named "Susu"--Tagalog for breasts); the
young barber Abbas, who loves her very much and who tragically dies a senseless death
because of her; a holy man whom people at the alley consult when they have problems; a
married businessman with successful children who is addicted to hashish and sex;
another one likes young boys; still another one is constantly being beaten by his wife; the
town fool who loves to show off his knowledge of English and actually spells the words,
unbidden, for his listeners. One character, however, I had not seen anywwhere else
whether in literature or in real life: a beggar who, as a sideline, cripples or maims people
who come to him to make them beggars, or better beggars. The process may be likened to,
say, going to college to take up a course and prepare oneself for a profession. Not making
enough money? One goes to this expert "beggar maker" and he'll know what to do with
you: maybe twist your arm a little bit, or nip off an ear, blind an eye, or smash your knees.
For free. But the beggar maker gets a commission from the income you'll earn later. From
begging.

Naguib Mahfouz, 1988 Nobel Prize winner for literature
3

Dec 18, 2007Brooke rated it 4 of 5 stars
Midaq Alley is written by Naguib Mahfouz, an Egyptian writer who has also written The
Cairo Trilogy and Arabian Nights and Days. He has won the Nobel Peace Prize in
Literature and is one of the leading Arabic writers, forcing the world to consider Middle
Eastern literature seriously. He writes about his homeland, Egypt, and the people that
inhabit it. He has been influenced by many Western writers including Flaubert, Zola,
Camus, Dostroyevsky, and Proust. This story follows the lives of the inhabitants of a dark
sub-division of Egypt named Midaq Alley during World War II. These people weave in
and out of scandals and despair, never seeming to break through their discontent. The
effect of Westernization affects all of them in some way, and Naguib shows his negative
opinion on it and its effects on Cairo. His writing technique is filled with satire, irony, and
symbolism. Naguib uses four main themes for each of his characters: love,
modernization, greed, and religion. Each character is a satire for at least one of these
subjects.
I find the use of satire and symbolism very interesting in the book. Through events like
Hamidas prostitution to Salim Alwans spiritual downfall because of his mingling in
greed, I can tell a lot about Mahfouz and his opinions based on what he writes and the
books underlying meanings. There is a lot of metaphoric meaning, requiring the reader
to look underneath the literal meanings and events in the book. It takes a bit more effort
than some books, but when completely understood, the book is well worth it. The
numerous plot twists kept my attention focused on the book, and there were not many
dull moments. The characters are extremely well developed, and this is a major strength
of the book. The reader is able to connect with the events that take place because of the
wonderful development of the characters and the satire hidden away.
One weakness I found was a bit too much information on one subplot, when it is not all
needed. For instance, there were two chapters narrating Salim Alwans new lack of vigor
and spirit, but there could have been less information, and shorter descriptions of his
changes. I dont think that two chapters were needed for this. They could have been
combined into one and still convey the message that Mahfouz is trying to say and inform
the reader about the same events and go into the same level of depth of Salims character.
There could be slightly better transitions from chapter to chapter, instead of just jumping
from subplot to subplot. It leads to shorter, choppier views of the story until the very end,
whereas it could be made so that the story is flowing and all of it is smooth and put-
together. Lastly, the ending of the book is very abrupt and quick. The speed of the ending
is out of place, almost like Mahfouz is eager to be done writing his story, too eager to have
Abbas die. He could have built up more suspense and let the reader have time to think
before suddenly ending his life.
Despite the few small improvements that could be made, Midaq Alley overall is a great
book that shows the many views of Naguib Mahfouz and the issues he writes about
dealing with Egypt. I enjoyed this book very much and valued its satire and political
comments. This book is for people who are open minded and are willing to spend time
reading between the lines. If they are willing to not take everything literally and get
enthralled in a quick turn of events, then they will enjoy this book.
4

Dec 21, 2007Marissa added it
Egyptian author Naguib Mahfouz has written Many satirical pieces of literature, such as
"The Happy Man", and probably his best-known book, "Midaq Alley." This book
describes the strange events of a forgotten, traditional alley in modern Cairo, and satire is
used to craft characters from human flaws. Such characters are like Hamida, a greedy and
vain stepdaughter engaged to
a barber, a businessman, and a pimp.

One interesting thing in the novel was the characterization; the characters' personalities
were almost exaggerated, and it seems as if all of the traits of society were concentrated
into each inhabitant of the alley.

A weakness in the novel was the fact that some characters were left without an end,
especially important characters such as Ibraham Faraj, the cause of the turmoil near the
end of the book. The ending might've been more complete if Mahfouz had described what
happened to Salim Alwan and Ibraham Faraj.

Despite the rather weak ending, the book had an interesting and unpredictable plot, with
never-ending action. This book is more for people who enjoy reading about a more
realistic view of society.(less)
5

Wenxin's review
Oct 27, 08

4 of 5 stars
Read in October, 2008, read count: 1

Midaq Alley

Naguib Mahfouz was born in Cairo, Egypt in 1911 and wrote many books about the city
including The Cairo Trilogy andSugar Street. He was also the first writer to be rewarded a
Nobel Prize in Literature in Arabic. His novel, Midaq Alley, presents an interesting story
about life in Cairo as well. The story is composed of many distinct characters with bizarre
lives that all unite in Midaq Alley. The differentiated characters exercise very different
personalities which result in drama and unpredictable actions. Midaq Alley also reveals
numerous aspects of Egyptian culture within the lives of the colorful characters.

This novel has no direct plot and it displays more of a soap opera or sitcom view rather
than a book with one main goal and one protagonist with a conflict. The story of each
character adds onto the disorder in the alley and each chapter exhibits a different story
and character. For example, right after Hamidas story with Ibrahim, Salim Alwan is
brought right back from his heart attack and his entirely different life is told. It is very
quick and Mahfouz skips flowingly from person to person. This set up is interesting
because it is new and refreshing and it is more exciting to read about a variety of stories
instead of just one. The unpredictable elements that provide the reader with an
unexpected twist are absorbing because it is difficult to predict the outcome. These
components make the reader curious about the result and maintain the readers desire to
learn more about the characters and their lives.

The novel can be confusing at times when too many things are happening at once. There
are also times when too many characters are involved and it is unclear who is speaking to
whom. The novel can also become overwhelming due to the large amount of characters
and plots. For instance, Kirshas life has nothing to do with Hamidas and they barely
affect each other at all. So when the author talks about one and then the other, it makes
the book more complicated and harder to follow. The separating and merging of different
stories is hard to comprehend at times when an excessive amount of detail or action is
being told. This confusion also consists of the diverse characters with similar names that
occasionally come together and at other times come apart. Mahfouz could have made the
chapters more distinct and organized so the reader could follow the storyline more easily.
The major weakness of this novel is that it may cause confusion which appears when too
many things occur at once.

Although the novel can be confusing, overall, it is a captivating tale. Most of the
characters connect or relate to each other somehow, for example, Abbas and Alwans life
cross eventually so the novel does unite most of the characters. The lives of the characters
come to life and the story as a whole is intriguing. The surprises from the culture alone
are fascinating and the surprises from the abnormal characters are even more
entertaining. Anyone who enjoys surprises, amusing dramas or stories, and strange, yet
inquiring characters would enjoy this novel.
6

Adrianna's review
Oct 06, 10

4 of 5 stars
bookshelves: fiction, historical-setting, egypt, cafe-libri
Recommended to Adrianna by: Cafe Libri
Recommended for: Anyone
Read from June 20 to August 01, 2010, read count: 1

Review Dedication: Many thanks to Cafe Libri Yahoo Group member Jeffrey Taylor for an
engaging book discussion that aided in my research for this review.

This is the first book I've read by author Naguib Mahfouz, and I was pleasantly surprised
by the pace and development of the story and characters. Mahfouz is well-known as one
of Egypt's first novelists; he dared to break traditions and focus on a genre that was not
encouraged by his country. The passion and love he had for the novel is depicted in every
word that he wrote. Though his writing style is simple and direct, he focuses on a specific
time and place that connects readers to the myraid characters he develops in Midaq Alley.
He doesn't give a fully detailed view of these characters, though, but instead provides a
distant surface view of the scenes letting the reader fill in some of the gaps with their own
imagination.

As I was reading, I was able to get inside the characters, understand some of the
connections between everyone, and the reasons behind their motivations. I appreciated
this approach rather than the typical omniscient narrator that tells the reader what they
need to know.

The setting says a lot about the characters. The novel takes place in a small and poor alley
(Midaq Alley) in Cairo, Egypt. There are over fifteen characters that live in this alley, and
Mahfouz shows how they interact, or don't interact, based on the concerns facing each
family. Many of the younger characters, like Hamida and Hussain, desperately try to
escape the poverty that awaits them if they continue to live in the alley. Yet, no matter
what happens to each character, no matter the tragedies or triumphs, life continues in the
alley.

Midaq Alley is a novel about dramatic confrontations that stage the events in the lives of
the characters created without surfacing all the personal conflicts that motivate those
actions. One member in Yahoo Cafe Libri compared the novel to an opera because of the
presentation of larger elements of conflict without the knowledge of the interior elements
that support the actions and reasonings of the characters. I agree with Jeffrey's
assessment because the novel does read like an opera or a play. For example, everyone
has dramatic fights with each other, like a bad daytime soap, in which there is yelling,
screaming, and storm-offs between fathers and sons, husbands and wives, daughters and
mothers, etc. The reader doesn't understand why there is so much dissatisfaction with the
status-quo and wonders if the characters even understand their own motivations and
behaviors; why leave now? Where can they run to? Love is displayed with violent
confrontations that often end with tragedy while sexual deviance arises as a minor subject
matter in an already jam-packed book. The main point of confusion that might hit
readers is whether or not the characters' actions are justified. Are they independent
activities in the larger scheme of the alley or will they connect later to another point in the
novel? In this sense, Midaq Alley reflects real life scenarios in which passions control
characters' actions and logic takes a back seat as readers get carried away by the moment
as painted by Mahfouz.

The story and plot focuses on life in the alley. Each chapter is almost like a vignette
because the emphasis skips from character to character. For instance, one chapter is
dedicated to Hamida and her search for the perfect, rich husband to take her away from
the poverty of the alley while the next chapter focuses on the Kirsha family and the
problems between husband, wife, and son. The stories don't always intersect, so
sometimes it can be a little difficult to follow the plot, especially if you get invested in one
character's story and then the novel switches to another character. I found myself
impatiently waiting to see how Hamida's actions would affect her and her mother's lives
as well as the multitude of beaus that were chasing after her. Eventually, I learned to
appreciate each character for a different reason, and I especially came to respect the
preachings of the spiritual advisor to the alley, Radwan Hussainy. His speeches and
advice were always powerful and important even though many in the alley refused to
listen. Hussainy represented the Islamic faith, and taught me new lessons about life even
if he didn't always reach the people in his flock.

One part that was truly fascinating about life in the alley is how people were not always
involved or interacting with each other, yet the gossip still spread when something bad
happened. For example, Hamida never interacts with the Kirsha family, but they are
quite aware of the scandal she causes with her finicky choices for a husband. The way the
people in the alley interacted, or didn't interact, reminded me of a small suburb where
everyone knows everyone else's business even if they don't speak to the people they are
gossiping about. Some of the more exciting points were unplanned and unforeseen
activities that are suddenly revealed closer to the end of the novel. One of my favorite
moments was when Dr. Booshy's true personality is revealed when his relationship with
Zaita, the town crippler, is revealed through some of their nefarious late-night activities.
It was a surprising reveal and changed the way I viewed them and others in the alley.

The list of characters is extensive. My favorites were Hamida, the alley's beauty, Radwan
Hussainy, the alley's spiritual leader and advisor, and Abbas, a young barber who loves
Hamida. There is no real villain to the piece, although Zaita is the closest resemblance.
He cripples people so that they can become professional beggars. There are all types of
characters for every type of reader, and although all the stories don't have a finality to
them, the reader is left with a realistic impression that this was just another few days in
the life of one alley. There are more stories that lie in wait for those who escape the
despair this time around.

There are many themes and motifs in this novel, which are tied together with the message
and purpose of the author. One of the main themes that stood out to me was the affect
that the British had on Egypt's development, even in such an insignificant place as this
one alley. Since the novel takes place during WWII, there is the constant presence of war
and fighting, which permeates the activities of the inhabitants of the alley. Many of the
younger characters who are trying to leave the alley use the war as a means of escape. By
serving at a trading post under the British army, they are able to live in a bigger city, save
up money, and hopefully escape the poverty that is their destiny. Later in the novel,
readers are introduced to a pimp that shows how the British army men want dark women
who can dance a certain way to act as their "friends" during their brief stay in Cairo.
There is even a school for prostitutes in which they are taught to look, act, and dress a
certain way. Everything the women are taught is used to impress the seemingly rich,
white soldiers.

Anger and violence is a major theme in the novel. The people in the alley feel helpless to
escape their fates; everything has a fatalistic quality to it. Because of the injustices and
fears the characters face everyday, they lash out at those closest to them or cheat others in
order to get a small respite in their doldrum lives. Radwan Hussainy has the toughest job
out of all those in the alley because he must advise all that despair. His message is usually
the same: Leave everything in the hands of Allah, which is translated to God in my
version of the text. People don't always listen to him, and they end up causing more harm
to themselves than good. The preachings and teachings of Hussainy contrasts nicely with
all the destruction the selfish people of the alley cause each other. If only they listened to
what God wants rather than what they want, perhaps life would be easier and less
disappointing.

By the end of the novel, situations have changed for different characters. For example,
one person is now disconnected with life after having a brush with death while another
has found wealth through a "career" change and a new state of mind. Whether or not
these changes are for the better is asked but not answered. In the end, the truth lies with
the perspective of each character, which aren't clearly defined. Midaq Alley ends with a
climatic event that won't leave readers disappointed.

Since the book is written in a straight-forward manner, readers of any age would enjoy it.
However, if they are unfamiliar with Egypt and the Islam religion, certain parts might
seem confusing. The characters and the setting really make this book stand out, and
although I was saddened by the ending, I was not disappointed by the outcome. In fact, I
guessed some of the tragedies while others were still able to surprise me. I've never read a
book quite like Mahfouz's, and I look forward to reading more of his novels in the future.
7
Kaitlin's review
Dec 18, 07

3 of 5 stars
Read in December, 2007

Naguib Mahfouz, one of the most prominent authors in the Middle East, is well known
for his novel, Midaq Alley. He began writing at age seventeen and has written over 30
novels and more than 100 short stories. He is a winner of the Nobel Prize in literature.
His contributions in the world of literature are renowned around the world. Midaq Alley
takes place in Cairo, Egypt during World War II. This satire describes the impact
modernization has on the city. The characters in the book represent many of the effects of
modernization. Some of the major themes include greed, love, and westernization.
I found this novel interesting because it was completely different from anything I have
read previously. One thing about the book that I found fascinating was the complex story
line that was followed for the duration of the story. There were at least five different
characters whose lives were documented in the book. Also, I thought the way that
Mahfouz used satire to express his viewpoints was neat. Although I did not catch all of his
subtle humor, I found the book to be very interesting and more humorous. Finally,
because the book took a very sudden twist at the end, it captivated my interest even more.
Midaq Alley is definitely not a book in which the ending becomes clear by the end of the
first chapter.
Though the novel became riveting at some points, it still had a few weaknesses. I thought
that the first couple of chapters were weaker than the rest of the book. However, this
could be due to the fact that some introduction was needed before the real plot could
begin. I also disliked some of the main characters because their lives were not nearly as
action filled and dramatic as others. For example, I found that Salim Alwans life was not
very eventful. Meanwhile, I thought Hamida and the many decisions she had to make
were much more interesting. While I enjoyed reading about some characters, other
chapters became very boring.
Despite its weaknesses, Midaq Alley is still an excellent book. Although some chapters
were definitely not as enjoyable to read, I still appreciated this novel. Anyone interested
in a satire with many underlying subplots included would love this book.