Why a Booktrail?
If you think graphic novels are not your thing, we think this one, with its insight into Egyptian culture and magical realism, will change your mind
Cairo
What you need to know before your trail
This book is described as being part of the magical realism genre and this helps to reveal a side of Egypt most will never have seen before. Set in the early days of the people’s revolution, there is plot about Egypt the real country and that perceived by Western eyes. It’s about a magician gangster who is desperately trying to recover a valuable item which is currently being guarded by a Jinn. Ashraf, a native in the hash business, sells a hookah but then people start to realise that this is no ordinary hookah and that a lot of people are after it for it contains much power and magic.
This is a tale heavily dipped in Egyptian culture and mythology and gently reveals the falling away of the veils to show a hidden land.
Travel Guide
It could be said that Cairo, is in parts at least, written as a loving tribute to the city itself. Set in the very capital, it introduces us to several characters from several backgrounds such as a suicide bomber and an Israeli soldier. We meet a drug lord magician and a drug runner. In many ways, it’s as if the story is a direct attempt to examine the politics an society of the middle east in general and the mythical way in particular is helped with the drawings and illustrations a to show and explain what magical realism is.
But Cairo is a mix of fantasy and real life mentions or references to the issues facing Egypt today – the scene where an Egyptian journalist and a young American girl argue politics was particularly notable.
The language also shows the setting and the culture well such as barbed insults – “you’re a repulsive baby-eating Nile-toad, Nar”. A language glossary also helps to place you closer to the action and adds to the cultural flavour. There is a sprinkling of Arabic words in the story too which builds up a nice evocative place and with the illustrations you are right in the market place, the noisy dusty streets and the chaos of the city. If you’re in London, be sure to visit britishmuseum and its Egyptian section.
Booktrailer Review
Clare:
I’d not read a graphic novel before. Shocking perhaps but I did think it was about time I did. I admit to being a bit apprehensive as, well, I was a bit reluctant to read this to be honest. Not my thing I said to myself. I was pleasantly surprised however and although I don’t think I will rush out and buy a whole pile of graphic novels, this one really did work and it was fun to discover it.
Where Next?
