The Yacoubian Building by Alaa Al Aswany

The Yacoubian Building

Alaa Al Aswany with Humphrey Davies (Translator)

256 pages • first pub 2002 (editions)

fiction literary

Description

This controversial bestselling novel in the Arab world reveals the political corruption, sexual repression, religious extremism, and modern hopes of Egypt today.All manner of flawed and fragile humanity reside in the Yacoubian Building, a once-ele...

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Community Reviews Summary of 482 reviews

Moods

informative 57%
reflective 53%
dark 46%
emotional 46%
sad 39%
tense 35%
challenging 21%
funny 17%
hopeful 10%
adventurous 7%
lighthearted 7%

Pace

medium 66%
slow 20%
fast 13%

Plot- or character-driven?

Character: 80% | A mix: 15% | Plot: 5%

Strong character development?

Yes: 52% | It's complicated: 36% | No: 12%

Loveable characters?

It's complicated: 40% | No: 40% | Yes: 20%

Diverse cast of characters?

Yes: 92% | It's complicated: 7%

Flaws of characters a main focus?

Yes: 84% | It's complicated: 12% | No: 4%

Average rating

3.47

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Content Warnings

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