Really liked this book about Alexandria during WWII, especiallly the relationship between Sheik al-Din and the Christian Dimyan. The novel seemed to be as much about religious diviersity as about the city during the war and how it effected the lives of its citizens. Interesting, similiar in time to the Durrell Quartet but like a different world. ( )

Arabic point of view of Alexandria during the WWII years, and how the people were affected. It tells the story of two good friends, Magd-al-Din, a devout Muslim peasant, who has been banished from his village and a Coptic Christian, Dimyan, who meet in Alexandria and become as close as brothers. We see the panorama of Alexandrian life. The author intersperses the story of the two friends with descriptions of Alexandria--historical and of other people, then, like reportage: global news about the war, news of Egypt then Alexandria, and pop culture, both American and Egyptian. The two men get jobs for the railroad then are transferred near al Alamein. The bombing by both Germans and Italians in Alexandria is as horrific as the London Blitz. Finally, when fighting in their al-Alamein area becomes so bad, they decide to return to Alexandria. But tragedy strikes.

I enjoyed the book for a different view of Alexandria and of her people encapsulated in the two men. I liked the fact that they were very tolerant of each other's religion, questioning each other to learn. They discussed, did not argue. The author made the city come alive for me, but some of the humor was over my head. Fascinating information on "Pompey's Pillar", commemorating Emperor Diocletian. The Copts date their calendar from his accession [because of his Great Persecution]. It occurred mainly in Egypt. ( )