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Chicago Hardcover – 1 Sep 2008

by Alaa al Aswany (Author), Farouk Abdel Wahab (Translator)
3.1 out of 5 stars 65 customer reviews
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Product details

  • Hardcover: 352 pages
  • Publisher: Fourth Estate; First Edition edition (1 Sept. 2008)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 0007285183
  • ISBN-13: 978-0007285181
  • Product Dimensions: 22.5 x 0.4 x 30 cm
  • Average Customer Review: 3.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (65 customer reviews)
  • Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 982,402 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Product Description

Review

“The only Arabic-language novel to have created greater buzz and sell more copies since ‘The Yacoubian Building’ is Al Aswany’s second novel, ‘Chicago’ … a rare opportunity to consider the contemporary Egyptian condition.” Financial Times

‘He examines with warmth, wit and psychological acuity the way in which exile throws a spotlight on the Egyptianess of his characters. Chicago seems destined to repeat the success of ‘The Yacoubian Building’. With his vivid characters, warm humour and short snappy scenes, Al Aswany is like an Egyptian Anne Tyler. A Hollywood film of Chicago would not seem out of the question – were it not for the downbeat ending. For just when things seem to be moving towards a fairy–tale conclusion, Al Aswany throws a huge, cold bucket of realism over the narrative. It speaks much for his integrity and makes Chicago an incomparably richer and stronger novel.’ Adam Lively, Sunday Times

‘By shifting the location to America al Aswany asks questions of his characters – all but a handful of whom are Egyptian – not demanded of those in The Yacoubian Building. To what extent is the immigrant obliged to remain loyal to his or her old country? Can people ever really cast off the identities into which they were born and become fully paid-up members of a new society? In presenting us with the collision of these two standpoints, al Aswany has written a novel that, if nothing else, feels extremely timely.’ William Skidelsky, Observer

‘Alaa Al Aswany is among the best writers in the Middle East today, a suitable heir to the mantle worn by Naquib Mahfouz, his great predecessor, whose influence is felt on every page. Yet Al Aswany has his own magic. His remarkable gift for narrative momentum sustains Chicago. It reveals a gifted novelist in mid–flight.’ Guardian

‘Chicago, like The Yacoubian Building, is an enormously good-hearted book.’ New Statesman

Review

'Aswany's strength...is his lovingly detailed characterisation. Beneath the strident political message, "Chicago" is a beautifully observed collection of character studies.'


'"Chicago" contains [an] engaging...and touching mix of personal stories and political commentary...He is a natural storyteller'

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Customer Reviews

Top Customer Reviews

3.0 out of 5 starsA tapestry of immigrant life
By Jonathan Birch VINE VOICE on 23 Aug. 2008
Format: Hardcover Vine Customer Review of Free Product ( What's this? )
Alaa al Aswany is an authentic Islamic voice: he lives in Egypt, writes in Arabic, and enjoys a large Muslim readership. All this makes him one of the most important authors in the world today. It also makes it pretty surprising that his intriguing new novel, follow-up to The Yacoubian Building, should be a tale of campus life at the University of Chicago.

On the face of it, the only Egyptian connection is that most of the ten or so main characters are Egyptian emigrants. Delve a little deeper, however, and you'll find some interesting analysis of Egyptian culture. Islam and politics (and the intersection of the two) come under heavy scrutiny through the actions and dialogue of the characters. Who is to blame for repression in Egypt: the state, or Islam -- or neither? Does Islam inhibit true love? Does it sanction domestic abuse? There are no simple answers, but I applaud Aswany for tackling the questions.

Chicago has the feel of a short story anthology hastily rewritten as a novel. There are a frightening number of protagonists: as the focus shifts with each short chapter, you're asked to follow ten disparate subplots at once, and there's no uniting story arc. I've given no summary in this review, because the book defies any quick summary beyond these three words: it's a hodgepodge. The setting is a second weakness. To Western eyes, a patchwork of University of Chicago life is inevitably less enticing than the patchwork of Cairo life presented in The Yacoubian Building.

Most disappointingly, the translation by Farouk Abdel Wahab is workmanlike at best, riddled with clunky sentences and stilted dialogue. Yes, English and Arabic could hardly be more different; but, to a great translator, language is no barrier: Maureen Freely's translations of Orhan Pamuk are the proof.
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4.0 out of 5 starssnub to the ruling regime of Egypt
By C. Y. Winter on 12 Jun. 2009
Format: Paperback
Not sure how he manages to write this type of book and not get arrested or have to live outside the country. This book and the people we get to meet and know,is interwoved with the fabric of trying to cope living away from ones country,but trying to stay true to ones religious and cultural identity.Its makes easy reading as its written lighty,but still manages
to portray the characters hardships/happinesses.My partner is an Egyptian Dr studying and working here,so this book mirrors alot of truths,about Drs
leaving Egpyt and having to practise overseas.
Pity they changed the cover for the paperback version,as they made it look like a 'Chick lit ' book.
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4.0 out of 5 starsAnother excellent book from this author
By Gogol VINE VOICE on 9 May 2010
Format: Paperback
Having read Friendly Fire and Yaqoubian Buildings I have to admit looking at the back cover of this one and reading it was about several Egyptian students and their experiences living abroad I thought to myself "Er maybe not" But after much soul searching I thought I would give it a read especially as I was just about to embark on a long journey that would require several books to prevent me going insane.

And what a good decision I made! Its set in the present day, the students are all at the University in Chicago studying various post graduate degrees while others are University professors who have emigrated to America and made their lives there. I have heard previous people mention that the characters are not linked in any real way well all I can say is the person clearly didnt bother to read the book! The characters are as follows. An Egyptian girl who wears the headscarf, religious and conservative she is caught between continuing her studies or getting married as most girls in Egypt at the age she has come to are generally married. 2. A young man also of a religious background, obsessed with his studies and with few friends. These 2 are soon to meet and begin a relationship that may have long lasting consequences. 3. A secular Egyptian who is a political activist back home who gets involved with an American Jewish lady and also with the anti Mubarak diaspora abroad. 4. The head of the Egyptian student society, a man obsessed with power who both controls the students abroad and also works for the Egyptian government behind the scene. 5. A University professor who has settled in America and done everything he can to be an "American" Only to have his whole world turned upside down. 6.Read more ›
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4.0 out of 5 starsIn the hands of a natural storyteller....
By Wynne Kelly TOP 1000 REVIEWERVINE VOICE on 13 Aug. 2008
Format: Hardcover Vine Customer Review of Free Product ( What's this? )
Chicago takes us into the world of the University of Illinois Medical Centre where we meet a range of staff, students and their partners. Many of the students are Egyptians as are two of the professors.

The characters quickly come to life: Rafat Thabit claims he has shaken off his Arab past and is now a fully fledged flag-waving US citizen. Muhammad Salah is a generous, kindly man who has never got over leaving his first love behind in Egypt. John Graham is a professor with a left-wing political past who still claims to hold liberal credentials. Shaymaa tries to be a good student and a devout Muslim but wants a loving relationship. Tariq is handsome and hard-working but very egocentric. Ahmed Danana is greedy, corrupt and manipulative. Into this mix comes a new student Nagi who is idealistic and strongly opposes the Egyptian regime.

The characters collide and interact and the narrative moves towards a climax of a visit by the Egyptian president. This is supported by some people, opposed by others.

But nothing in Chicago is quite what it seems. There are no heroes - all the main characters are flawed. The two "baddies" Danana and security officer Safwat Shakir are unremittingly corrupt, cruel and unpleasant - almost like cartoon characters. Unfortunately, they were both all too believable!

And throughout the book is the pervading presence of modern Egypt from which none of the characters is able to escape. Although there is much affection for the country Al Aswany doesn't flinch from describing the torture, the corruption and the stultifying religious attitudes.

A great read. You know you are in the hands of a natural storyteller.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews

4.0 out of 5 starsChicago gently amuses

Very beguiling .

Published 8 months ago by Elljaygee
2.0 out of 5 starsDisappointing. Too many stereotypic protoganists and too much...

Second generation Egyptian doctor (not a crack addict I assure you!) so very familiar with the Egyptian medical diaspora. Read more

Published 18 months ago by A Reader
4.0 out of 5 starsA profound lesson

This is a very special view of the immigrant experience, which does not avoid the heartache and the homesickness of people who leave their country to find a better or a safer life... Read more

Published on 14 Dec. 2012 by jackrock
4.0 out of 5 starsAn entralling interlude concerning the clash of cultures

Despite the title, Chicago isn't much concerned with that American city. Instead it tackles head on the cultural differences between a moderate Middle Eastern society (Egypt) and... Read more

Published on 11 Oct. 2012 by Rowena Hoseason
3.0 out of 5 starsillustrating reality

While I was reading this book, I felt that all the characters in the story are real. I guess the writer succeeded in illustrating each character,however, the ending was a little... Read more

Published on 10 May 2012 by Kim
2.0 out of 5 starsComplicated Mix

Bought as I have read other books by the same author.I must say that this was not up to his usual standard. Read more

Published on 11 May 2011 by blueapple
4.0 out of 5 starsA thought-provoking read

This is the second of Alaa al Aswany's books I have read (The Yacoubian Building being the other). Chicago is also a book where the reader drifts into people's established lives,... Read more

Published on 26 Mar. 2011 by Keen Reader
1.0 out of 5 starsDull and disconnected

Gives some interesting insights into the mindset of Egyptian medics studying in US and their motivations, but ultimately the stories of the different characters are flat and poorly... Read more

Published on 23 July 2009 by Heckenhocker
2.0 out of 5 starsAn uneven jumble

I had no preconceptions opening this book since I had never heard of the author, but upon getting fifty or so pages into it it was already hard to overlook the problems of... Read more

Published on 25 Jun. 2009 by Dr. Michael Heron
3.0 out of 5 starsMixed Bag

I was looking forward to reading this book, as I enjoy books that explore the difficult relationship between east and west that the world struggles with today. Read more

Published on 27 Mar. 2009 by Stracs

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