Beer in the Snooker Club

Beer in the Snooker Club was written in 1964, and is narrated by Ram, a reluctant member of the privileged class living in post-Farouk Egypt. He likes to joke and gamble, and is constantly trying to get someone else to pay for his lifestyle. He is a Christian Copt and the woman he loves is a slightly older Jewish woman, Edna. His best friend is Font and Ram gets him a job at the snooker club to keep him from getting involved in any political activity. Eventually, Edna pays for Ram and Font to go the England where they can freely drink Bass and seduce women.

Ram lives in a changing Egypt but acknowledges he still has more opportunities than the less privileged Egyptians. He embraces socialism, but still takes advantage of his show more entitlements, while complaining that the government is corrupt. He spends his days drinking liquor paid for by other people. Somehow he is able to come off as both idealistic and cynical.

This is a short, but interesting book, set in a time of national turbulence, but doesn't feel the need to get into the deeper, more complicated questions of politics. Through Ram's adventures, the subjects are dealt with in a humorous way. I wouldn't read this for a real look into that time period, but a sort of 1950s feel that could be compared to Salinger. show less

Ram lives in Cairo in the 1950s. He comes from a privileged family, although circumstances mean he constantly relies on wealthy family and friends for money for drinking and travelling. Egypt is in upheaval and the political situation is the background to the novel, without giving much detail, except for concern for friends who are political prisoners. Ram trundles through life, being in love, drinking and gambling but manages to be a sympathetic character. He worries about politics but wants life to be carefree and fun. A short novel that gives a fascinating glimpse into life for some in Egypt at that time of change.

The book is a look at what happens to the angry young revolutionary when he's well read, has traveled., and the revolution disappoints. It's a excellent portrayal of a lost and disillusioned young man trying to find a way to live.

Beer in the Snooker Club was written in 1964, and is narrated by Ram, a reluctant member of the privileged class living in post-Farouk Egypt. He likes to joke and gamble, and is constantly trying to get someone else to pay for his lifestyle. He is a Christian Copt and the woman he loves is a slightly older Jewish woman, Edna. His best friend is Font and Ram gets him a job at the snooker club to keep him from getting involved in any political activity. Eventually, Edna pays for Ram and Font to go the England where they can freely drink Bass and seduce women.

Ram lives in a changing Egypt but acknowledges he still has more opportunities than the less privileged Egyptians. He embraces socialism, but still takes advantage of his show more entitlements, while complaining that the government is corrupt. He spends his days drinking liquor paid for by other people. Somehow he is able to come off as both idealistic and cynical.

This is a short, but interesting book, set in a time of national turbulence, but doesn't feel the need to get into the deeper, more complicated questions of politics. Through Ram's adventures, the subjects are dealt with in a humorous way. I wouldn't read this for a real look into that time period, but a sort of 1950s feel that could be compared to Salinger. show less

Imagine Lucky Jim by Kingsley Amis except replace the misogyny with anti-colonialism. So yeah, a much better book.

"There is only one perfect ending to everything, and that is death, but there are other good endings as well."

I won this book through the goodreads "First Reads" program. Looking forward to the book's arrival!