The Map of Love

This book starts slowly, it's a wonderful read for the summer(the beach) or whenever you have the time to read it right through and to absorb the impact of a very proper English Lady (i.e. aristocrat) of the 19th century embracing an entirely new life and circumstances with the man she falls in love with, an Egyptian, who, being persona non grata with the British colonists, results in the same status being conveyed on her. It's not a romance novel, it's far more serious. It's about love in all its many facets, it's a contrast of life in the nineteenth, versus the late twentieth,century. I recommend it, it challenges conventional notions of life in Egypt, as well as giving background to Middle East politics from the inception of the twentieth century. Anna knew duty, and caring. What she had yearned for was love, and it found her, and alongside she gave, and received, love from her husband's mother (her belle-mere), his sister, and all their family. This book embraces the redeeming quality of love. The parallel contrast with her modern-day relative, Isabel, makes the reader pause and reflect. I read this after an extensive blitz on the Patrica Cornwell/Kay Scarpetta novels, which are addictive. The pace here is slower, the language more evocative and wordy. Let it transport you, Anna and her story will stay with you longer than Dr Scarpetta.

Ahdaf Soueif's book is a wonderful reading experience. She is no doubt the voice of the egyptian generations born after Nasser's military group came to the power in 1952. She describes our lives, hopes, dreams in such a beautiful and elegant way. For anybody who is interested in the modern egyptian culture, this book is a must and it is so full of insights about our national identity crisis throughout this last one hundred years.

I read an advance copy, and there may be subsequent changes in the published version, but this book is definitely on my gift-giving list for Xmas 2000. In a lilting and effortless style, this page-turner by Soueif captures much that we need to know about the 20th century history of the Middle East -- while retelling the romantic tale of Valentino's 'The Sheik'. But it does SO much more than revisit the heyday of the 'naughty Orient': it explains, analyses, and criticizes a welter of stereotypes, and charts territory for better poliitcal and gender relations in all of the countries upon which it touches.

Having already read Aisha and In the Eye of the Sun, I was thrilled that Soueif had recently published another novel in time for my summer vacation! Anyone who loves reading about the Middle East will truly enjoy this book. It is utterly romantic but retains a logical, intelligent perspective; lots of political and sociocultural details are also interwoven. Thanks to Soueif's adept storytelling, the reader comes to value the characters as good friends (I cried for Anna!). Soueif's command of both English and Arabic is evident and beautiful, the incusion of Arabic phrases adds to the appeal of her writing style. As always, I was devastated to finish the book and leave the characters she crafted. I can't wait to see one of her books made into a film...

I came across A Map of Love quite by accident. I knew nothing of the author and found myself totally entranced from the first paragraph. The first chapters were a little confusing until I was able to sort out who were the characters and who was the narrator. I found the writing style to be crystal clear and as smoothly flowing as a gentle streams luring you into its embrace. It is the story of a young English widow who goes to Egypt at the turn of the century and there meets the love of her life. The story is recounted by her great niece who at the same time interweaves the story of the family in the 1990's. It is skilfully done. Egyptian politics both at the turn of the century and today create an interesting and enlightning backdrop for the stories giving the reader an view not normally found in todays current events. I not only enjoyed the book but heartily recommend it, not only as a great love story but as an insightinto the private life of an Egyptian family.