Zaat (Modern Arabic Writing)

Rating:
Summary: Excellent Book
Review: I am halfway through the book and I must say that I am enjoying it tremendously. The author describes the life of Zaat, a simple egyptian woman who works in the archives department of a government newspaper. The book would have deserved 5 stars if not for some obvious typos in the text. The editor should have gone through this book at least one more time.

I like the way the author alternates between chapters of excerpts from egyptian newspapers and chapters dealing with the daily life of Zaat. The newspaper excerpts are very effective in conveying the corruption, totalitarian system of government, and apathy towards human and consumer rights in Egypt. The life of Zaat shows the daily concerns of a simple minded egyptian, some sort of egyptian Forrest Gump without the achievements of the latter.

As an aside, I had no idea that Egypt was this corrupt. It is a shame that corruption has permeated this society at every level. I had just finished reading a book about the Congo and Mobutu's reign. It is now obvious to me that foreign aid is a curse when given to totalitarian nations. It keeps unsustainable forms of government thriving as the elite of the regime suck all the foreign aid to their benefit and use that money to distribute favors and stay in power.

I highly recommend this book.

Rating:
Summary: The best you can evre read
Review: If you want to know the modern history of Egptian you must read this book !! it takes you to the social life of the modern egyptian from 70's to end of 80's . and also the effect of the media,poltics and economy on our life. with real headers of newspapers.It is a new way of writing in arabic shockes you about the facts we face in our life and we don't care!!! we just live!!Sonallah lights up we are doing in our life. braeks all the taboo's we belive in !!!IT is amazing book.