Not quite finished yet, but a beautiful book that I would like to share in the "Based on the Book" bookbox containing books eventually turned into films.

Here is a website to a film screening that takes place soon in NYC:
http://www.moma.org/visit/calendar/film_screenings/15151

To be released as part of the "Based on the Book" bookbox. Sending it off!

Chosen from GoryDetails' Based on the Book bookbox

Deciding how to rate this was a struggle, because I didn't find any of the characters very likeable. On the other hand, they were far from being one-dimensional or caricatures. Only an outstanding writer can create characters so realistic and interesting that we continue reading about them even while gritting our teeth. And nothing I know about Cairo or the year 1917 leads me to doubt that the extreme sexism of the book is anything but realistic.

The classic framework of showing a time of historic turmoil through the experiences of one family works beautifully. I actually read this a couple of months ago, and it remains quite vivid in my mind. It's embarrassing to admit that the author, a Nobel Prize winner, was completely new to me. Overall, I'm glad I read it and got to experience a new author, and I certainly learned some history.

But that's just one person's opinion. Future readers, what do YOU think of this book?

On shelves by fireplace.

We stopped in at Ring Mountain for supper after seeing 'Lee Daniels' The Butler,' which coincidentally also used a family's experience to frame historical upheaval. Worked beautifully, too - great film, wonderful acting.