Having read and enjoyed Alla Al Aswany's The Yacoubian Building I did not hesitate when I saw this title. The novella He Who Drew Close and Saw, which occupies just over half the book, is an account narrated by Isam, a young Egyptian who clearly has a very low opinion of his countrymen. He briefly takes us through his childhood and to his working career, and along the way describes his relationships with his family, work colleagues and friends. Initially one is inclined to have less than positive thoughts about Isam, for he appears arrogant and selfish, yet there is something about him that wins the reader to his side; it is not until the neat twist at the end that we realise what that strange allure is.

The remainder of the book comprises nine short stories, all of which are centred on Egypt. Several revolve around children and the typical problems of growing up, including a bullying schoolteacher, the victimisation of an overweight boy, the bright new boy who everyone wants to befriend, and the triumph against adversity. Other stories tell of the trials of a bright young medical student who despite his brilliance seems unable to win approval, a political activist who has a vision, and an absentee son trying to justify his failure to support his ageing mother. What unites all these stories is their commentary on human nature, and often the Egyptian way of life. Al Aswany's penetrating perception and frank depiction of Egyptian culture is always tinged with wry humour and peopled with appealing characters. But whatever the story, and however short or even unresolved, one always is left with a thought provoking point to ponder. ( )

Best selling Arabic novelist. The Yacoubian Building