A review by clare26
If an Egyptian Cannot Speak English by Noor Naga

challenging informative reflective tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Nearly gave this book 3 stars but that last 1/3 brought up so many questions and points of reflection that I think tied the previous parts together very well. This book interrogates race and identity and the idea and act of "returning to the homeland" (for lack of a better term) and forces the reader to think and form and change their opinions of these as it goes on.

I can't speak to the accuracy or quality of representation of Cairo and people from Egypt, but I do appreciate the footnotes that explain culture and give me a deeper look into socio-cultural norms and customs.
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