The Yacoubian Building, by Alaa Al Aswany
Through five principal characters and numerous lesser characters, the author paints a portrait of life and culture in Egypt during the time of Nasser (and presumably continuing to the present time). The overriding theme of the book is one of hopelessness resulting from the corrupt political system that completely permeates all aspects of life. Meaningful and legitimate occupations are nonexistent; only through participating in personal or political corruption can anyone eke out a living or move forward successfully. The author shows the terrible toll of the corruption on individuals, leading some to break down emotionally, others to engage in whatever form of behavior they determine necessary to survive, and still others to seek peace of mind through religious extremism. No joy can be found; no peace can be found; mere survival is the most one can hope for. Fortunately for the readers of the book, in the end, two of the five principal characters find the possibility of joy with each other, although we know that even that joy can only be short term, for Zaki Bey is 65 and Busayna is only 18.
This book has been a best seller in the Arabic world since 2002, and a film was made of the book.
The Yacoubian Building
The Yacoubian Building (film)
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