This is the fascinating story of the Egyptian revolution and the rise of Nasser seen through the life and mind of a young Egyptian Coptic woman. The reader is witness to the Coptic community's customs, stories, religious rites and food and the desire of the Egyptian woman for emancipation. This novel truly allows the reader to develop some understanding of the daily life and politics of the Middle East. Despite being first published 28 years ago, this remains a novel with distinct current relevance.