A review by idah_mrashui
The Yacoubian Building by Alaa Al Aswany

dark emotional funny informative reflective tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

Heh! Where do I start with this one? It was such a pleasant surprise. I had initially DNF’d it because I had not recognized it for the gem that it was. It was so interesting that they were all connected to the Yacoubian building in some way. 
I had no hopes for that ending, however,

Abduh killing Hatim was so necessary, that relationship was so annoying to see. He wasn’t feeling it and Hatim forcing issues was so uncomfortable. Taha! TAHA! It was full circle for you honey huh? You had to die from gihad. Busanya ! What a surprise! Baby, I don’t know about you loving Zaki, but I’m glad it all worked out for you in the end. I wonder what happened to Malak and Dawalt. Dawalt with all her pomp and circumstance to ruin her brothers life for a ring ? I don’t know, this was just heartbreaking.

 
It was a very necessary read and I’m glad I read it when I did and I recognized it for the gem that it is ……. finally.