pdfPalace Walk مجانا للكاتب نجيب محفوظ
"Palace Walk" is the first novel in the Cairo Trilogy by the Nobel Prize-winning Egyptian author Naguib Mahfouz. The novel is set in Cairo during the early 20th century and follows the lives of a wealthy merchant named Al-Sayyid Ahmad Abd al-Jawad and his family.
One of the key themes of the novel is the tension between tradition and modernity. Al-Sayyid Ahmad, the patriarch of the family, is a strict and traditional Muslim who adheres to conservative values and strict gender roles. However, his children begin to rebel against his strict authority and embrace more modern values, leading to conflict and tension within the family.
Mahfouz is particularly skilled at portraying the inner lives of his characters, and "Palace Walk" is no exception. The novel delves deeply into the thoughts and feelings of the various members of the Abd al-Jawad family, revealing their hopes, fears, and desires. Through his nuanced and sensitive portrayal of these characters, Mahfouz creates a rich and vivid portrait of life in Cairo during the early 20th century.
Another important theme of the novel is the role of women in Egyptian society. Mahfouz portrays the women in the novel as complex and multi-dimensional characters, rather than simply as passive victims of patriarchy. He explores the ways in which the women of the Abd al-Jawad family struggle to assert their independence and agency in a society that is marked by rigid gender roles and expectations.
One of the strengths of "Palace Walk" is its vivid and detailed portrayal of Cairo during the early 20th century. Mahfouz's descriptions of the bustling streets and vibrant neighborhoods of the city are both evocative and informative, giving readers a sense of what life was like during this period of Egyptian history.
Overall, "Palace Walk" is a masterful work of fiction that explores complex themes and issues with sensitivity and nuance. Mahfouz's ability to create fully realized characters and vividly imagined worlds is on full display in this novel, which is widely regarded as one of his greatest works. The novel is a must-read for anyone interested in modern Egyptian literature, as well as for fans of Mahfouz's other works.