was the best selling Arabic book in both 2002 and 2003. It has been made into a motion picture as well as a TV show. And no wonder it got all that attention, considering how candid it is about sensitive topics such as sex (especially of the homosexual variety), religion and politics.The Yacoubian Building doesn't have much of a plot, instead it is largely character driven. It follows the residents of the Yacoubian building, an apartment complex in Cairo (which actually exists, and where the author Alaa-al-Aswany had his first dentist's office). Ranging from the expensive, large apartments in the actual building to the improvised houses built on the roof by the very poorest, the Yacoubian building accomodates all sorts. There are crooks, idealists, politicians and young women just about to blossom.
More than anything this novel is a biting criticism of the modern Egyptian society. Its corruption is ruthlessly exposed. Alaa-al-Aswany doesn't spare anyone, but he doesn't condemn either. One of the strongest points about The Yacoubian Building is the warmth and compassion with which the characters are described. Taha, who joins a militant islamist organization craving revenge after having been brutally tortured and raped by policemen, and Busayna, who performs sexual favors to her boss for some extra cash and gifts; they and everyone else can be understood and even forgiven.
The Yacoubian Building is permeated by great story telling joy and has some really memorable characters. Above all, it offers a unique insight into modern day Egypt.
The BBC World Book Club has a downloadable interview with Alaa-al-Aswany that is well worth a listen here.
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