The Yacoubian Building by Alaa Al Aswany

The Yacoubian Building

Alaa Al Aswany

255 pages • first pub 2002 (editions)

fiction literary reflective slow-paced

Description

"Some live in squalor on its rooftop, others inhabit the faded glory of its apartments and offices - here a womanizing aristocrat, there the secretly gay editor of Le Caire newspaper. Religious fervour jostles with promiscuity; bridery and exploit...

Read more

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

See all reviews...

Content Warnings

Submitted by users as part of their reviews

Expand filter menu View summary

See all...