53 pages • 1 hour read
Naguib MahfouzMidaq Alley
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1947A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
Midaq Alley by Naguib Mahfouz is a historical realist novel set in 1940s Cairo, focusing on the intertwined lives of residents in a vibrant market street during the British colonial occupation. The story explores themes of tradition versus modernity, love, sexuality, and class divisions through the experiences of diverse characters such as Abbas, Hamida, Saniya Afify, and others living in the vicinity. The narrative vividly depicts the personal and societal transformations of the time. The book contains discussions of public and domestic violence, sex work, and anti-LGBTQ+ themes.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Midaq Alley by Naguib Mahfouz offers a vivid portrayal of Egyptian working-class life. Reviewers appreciate its rich character development and authentic depiction of societal struggles. Some critics argue the pacing drags in places. Overall, the novel is praised for its insightful cultural exploration and Mahfouz's narrative skill.
Who Should Read Midaq Alley?
A reader who enjoys Midaq Alley by Naguib Mahfouz is likely interested in richly detailed settings, complex characters, and social commentary. Fans of A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens and The Cairo Trilogy by the same author will appreciate the exploration of societal struggles and diverse narratives within urban life.