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This excellent book has a little bit of everything: humor, pathos, helpful history, an emphasis on the importance of family and familial love, and singular style. All these elements, and more, make the book a must-read. The author reveals the ugliness of anti-Semitism. Your heart goes out to this family who loved Egypt but was forced to move--first to France and then America--in the wake of Gamel Abdul Nasser's hateful regime and a growing pan-Arab nationalism. The family lost virtually everything and chose to start over again. While the picture the author paints of her father, Leon, is unflinchingly honest (he was a notorious womanizer who, even after married to the author's mother continued his philandering), it is also painted in words of love, admiration, and great affection. The author's style is exemplary. To read this book is to become a better person.Read full review
Lucette's book is marvellous as she remembers her life with her family in Cairo in the 1960s and before. The book shows everyday life of a Jewish family in Cairo in the 1960s. It reflects how Cairo was a cosmopolitan city welcoming all people regardless of their sex, religion and ethnic bacground. Tolerance was prominent everwhere. What changed this situation is the creation of the state of Israel and the suppressive rule of Nasser. Egyptian Jews suffered greatly on the hands of Nasser as his regime looked at them as spies and rioters. Therefore, Jews started their second exodus from Egypt in very bad circumstances. They faced miserable situations during their journey out of Egypt. Lucette reveals all that in a wonderful narrative style calling for pity and sympathy.
This is a beautiful story. Just fell in love with Ms. Lagnado, her father and all the family. This story takes you to places and a time in history that otherwise you will not know in a way that you are "there" sharing their pain & joy. Like good writing should be. But Ms. Lagnado is not good in telling her story, she is great & amazing. After reading this book, will read all her books, just buought "The Arrogant Years"!
It tells the story of the author's family as they flee Egypt as stateless refugees. Hearbreaking story, yet beautifully written. I often skim through books, but this was so well written that I read it cover to cover. Highly recommended!
Verified purchase: No
I bought the book for a book club. We all found it interesting to learn of life in Cairo during that period of time. The characters were well drawn out. Book is well written.
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