The Nobel laureate Naguib Mahfouz, born in Cairo in 1911, embarked on his literary career with the publication of Khufu’s Wisdom (Hikmat Khufu) in 1939. He passed away in 2006, having left behind an impressive array of notable works that continue to resonate with readers today.
- The Cairo Trilogy (Thulathiat Al-Qahira)
The Cairo Trilogy stands out as his most renowned creation. It chronicles the lives of three generations within a Cairo family. The trilogy includes:
- Palace Walk (Bain Al-Qasrain), published in 1956
- Palace of Desire (Qasr Al-Shawq), published in 1957
- Sugar Street (Al-Sukkariyya), published in 1957
The initial installment, Palace Walk, depicts the daily life of a middle-class family residing in Bain Al-Qasrain, exploring the contradictions brought about by societal conditions.
Palace of Desire, the second installment, continues to follow the same family but shifts focus to the second generation and their marital experiences.
The concluding book, Sugar Street, carries on the narrative, emphasizing the experiences of the third generation against the backdrop of the political climate before and after World War II.
It is interesting to note that all three parts were adapted into films in 1964, 1967, and 1973, all directed by Hassan Al-Imam.
- Children of Gebelawi (Awlad Haretna)
This novel delves into the eternal conflict between good and evil, expertly intertwining elements of symbolism, plot intricacy, imagery, and creativity. It was subsequently adapted into a radio series, captivating audiences far and wide.
- Morning and Evening Talk (Hadeeth Al-Sabah w Al-Masa’)
In this work, Mahfouz explores crucial aspects of human existence and addresses diverse social issues, including traditions and customs. A distinctive aspect of the novel is its alphabetical arrangement based on the characters’ names, and it was adapted into a series of 28 episodes that aired in 2001.
- Wedding Song (Afrah Al-Qobba)
This novel, later adapted into a series in 2016, focuses on stage actors, addressing themes of dreams, idealism, happiness, and how minute details can significantly influence circumstances and perceptions.
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