Tristan’s choices
*THEME: Mid-century Cairo*
READ: Naguib Mahfouz - Midaq Alley
It turns out that Midaq Alley (1947) is a classic of modern Arabic literature.
Naguib Mahfouz really brings the alley to life, and the interconnected lives of its diverse inhabitants, each with their own dreams, struggles, and moral compromises.
We visit the alley at a pivotal moment, the traditional way of life slowly being eroded and challenged by Western influence and the economic benefits brought by the war.
The very first scene sees the Poet getting turfed out of the cafe to be replaced by a radio
Midaq Alley is unambiguous and unabashed about the vices of some of the characters
The alley is also rife with class distinctions, envy, and it explores how money and social position empower or destroy the inhabitants.
So how did Tristan come across this book? It must have been the fruits of hours of diligent research. Or perhaps not? It turns out Tristan stumbled across the book in his son’s bedroom, absentmindedly picked it up and thought to himself that it would do for his HBG choice.
When he discovered it was set in Cairo the deal was sealed. Tristan was born in Cairo. Yes, really. He wore a Fez until the age of five.
How did this literary revisit to the place of his birth work out?
Sadly Tristan was distinctly underwhelmed. He thought the book was good in parts but also a bit of a slog. The idea was better than the reality. Not only that, this novel lacked any sense of place.
Would the rest of the group feel so disappointed?
Nigel’s reaction was in stark contrast. He really liked it and felt there was a strong sense of place and a fabulous array of distinctive characters to illuminate a powerful and enduring book.
Nick also felt it was very authentic. Even Dickensian in parts. He loved the setting and said it all came together beautifully.
Robin agreed. He lauded the interesting and diverse characters, and the cripple maker.
Roland felt it started slow but then, before he knew it, *boom* it became a great book. He loved the atmosphere, the characters, and the social realism. All time classic.
Keith wondered why we had never visited Egypt before. He said HBG had been asleep at the wheel and that this was a lacuna. He described the book as very believable and that it hung together well. He read it in Marrakesh. Maybe this added to the experience, maybe not? Keith didn’t know. Nor did anyone else.
Perhaps Hamida, the main female character, could have been made a little more sympathetic? Then again Naguib Mahfouz is equally unstinting about many of the male characters, and many of the other women.
It's a novel that endures and which brings the sights, sounds, and smells of the alley alive.
The characters are multi-dimensional, complex, and relatable in their flaws and aspirations.
Although the book is set during World War 2, the themes of human desire, social pressure, and corruption are timeless.
(Hamish missed this meeting due to a family crisis and was unable to read the book or get to the other choices)
Nick 7 / Tristan 5 / Nigel 8 / Keith 8 / Robin 8 / Hamish - / Roland 9
LISTEN: Enta Omry by Umm Kulthum
Enta Omry is not just a song; it is a cultural cornerstone of the Arab world, widely regarded as one of the most important and moving compositions in Arabic music history.
A classic love song. A classic of the Arab world. An undisputed masterpiece, but how would HBG react?
Tristan was struck by the crowds reaction. They were going mental. They loved it. They couldn’t get enough of this shit.
Keith thought it was fantastic. Then he admitted he’d only listened to a few seconds. He went onto recommend Terry Hall and Mushtaq.
Roland felt it was a perfect choice for the theme. He would like to listen to it stoned off his gourd.
Robin liked it and wondered if she was the Fela Kuti of Egypt
Nick said that Arabic music is an acquired taste.
Nigel concluded the this one of those occasions where the cultural barrier is just too great to bridge. It is interesting that this is apparently so enduring. It hints at a strong traditional romantic and melodramatic streak in Egypt that we more pragmatic and modern Westerners cannot really understand.
Nick - / Tristan 5 / Nigel 4 / Keith - / Robin - / Hamish - / Roland -
WATCH: Cairo 30
Based on this film (and the music) there’s a strong streak of melodrama and romance in the Egyptian psyche that seems to run through this film.
Despite being made in 1966 it feels like a much older film complete with the moody and expressive orchestral film score, and some very hammy acting.
It’s good on highlighting the widespread corruption, poverty, and class divide in pre-revolution Egypt with the main characters embodying broad brush archetypes.
The story of Mahgoub’s descent into disgrace following his opportunistic compromises is really just a short storm massively expanded into a 130 minute film. Far too long for the basic story.
The film is obviously an indictment of the corruption and materialism that characterised the elite of the era and which makes moral compromises attractive to the disenfranchised.
Tristan described it as Fez Central and this contributed to him finding it hard to distinguish between characters. A clunky film with the occasional striking piece of cinematography.
Nigel found it a simplistic, overlong, and a very dated film which still makes its point fairly well.
Nick watched this at double speed. It didn’t inspire him to want to slow down.
Robin thought it was like a film made in the 1930s.
Roland stated that the strength of the story overcame any of the other limitations. Very good!
Keith managed to watch three seconds of this film. He said he would go away and watch it having been intrigued by the rest of the reviews.
Nick - / Tristan 5 / Nigel 3 / Keith - / Robin 6 / Hamish - / Roland 7
ENDORSE IT
HBG endorse it: 9th October 2025 - 13th November 2025
TV
Steve (Netflix)
Riot Women (BBC iPlayer)
PODCASTS/RADIO
Ill Advised by Bill Nighy
Unwind (BBC Sounds)
MUSIC
Kathryn Joseph live
Domenique Dumont - People On Sunday
Mutations Festival
OTHER
Chris Packham nature walk
BOOKS
The Trees (2021) by Percival Everrett
The Places In between by Rory Stewart
Down and Out in Paris and London by George Orwell
