A review by urbanheron
The Republic of False Truths by Alaa Al Aswany

challenging emotional funny informative reflective sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Overall enjoyed this book which gave me more of an insight into the 2011 Revolution, which I knew very little about. But it did drag on a bit and could have been more condensed (I took a break to read a more light-hearted book, which helped). Also I couldn't help comparing it to another book of Aswany's I'd read, The Yacoubian Building, which I remember finding more compelling and character-driven. Nevertheless I found it an interesting exploration of the different views among Egyptian people about the Revolution (including among its participants), how they changed over time and the 'behind-the-scenes'  of the ways in which the state tried to manipulate the public during that Spring.