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50 pages 1 hour read

The Map of Love

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1999

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Book Brief

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Ahdaf Soueif

The Map of Love

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1999
Book Details
Pages

544

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Egypt • Early 20th century

Publication Year

1999

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

The Map of Love weaves together the stories of Isabel, an American, and Amal, an Egyptian, connected by a chest of heirlooms from Isabel's great-grandmother, Anna, who lived in colonial Egypt. As Amal reconstructs Anna's life, both women face personal and political struggles, bridging past and present. Sensitive topics include political violence, colonial oppression, and possible incest.

Romantic

Nostalgic

Contemplative

Emotional

Mysterious

Reviews & Readership

3.9

7,436 ratings

66%

Loved it

23%

Mixed feelings

11%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Ahdaf Soueif's The Map of Love intertwines historical and contemporary tales, rich in cultural exploration and nuanced characters. The novel's intricate language and vivid imagery are praised, but some find its pacing slow. Balancing romance with political commentary, it offers a unique perspective on Egyptian history, captivating yet occasionally dense.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Map of Love?

Readers who enjoy sweeping historical sagas, intertwined love stories, and cultural explorations in the vein of E.M. Forster’s A Passage to India or Isabel Allende’s The House of the Spirits would find Ahdaf Soueif’s The Map of Love captivating. It appeals to those who appreciate richly detailed narratives set against the backdrop of Egypt’s political landscape.

3.9

7,436 ratings

66%

Loved it

23%

Mixed feelings

11%

Not a fan

Character List

Amal

A middle-aged Egyptian woman navigating life after her marriage ends, deeply attached to her home country and exploring family history through a mysterious trunk. Her relationships and quest for connection are central to her character.

A Victorian Englishwoman who defies convention following her husband’s death by retracing his Egyptian journey, adopting a male disguise, and falling in love with Sharif. Her letters and diaries highlight her curiosity and evolving love for Egypt.

A New York-based researcher and filmmaker who discovers a family connection with Amal through an heirloom chest. Her Egyptian experiences reflect both her fascination with the culture and the challenges of cross-cultural communication.

Amal's grandmother and Sharif’s sister, providing additional depth to Anna and Sharif’s love story from an Egyptian perspective. She highlights elements unique to Egyptian identity and culture.

Amal's brother and Isabel's love interest, resembling his uncle Sharif and dealing with complexities regarding his ties to Egypt and personal relationship revelations. He introduces a realistic perspective opposing romantic fantasies.

Layla’s brother and Anna’s lover, a politically engaged and romantic figure emblematic of both the reality and myths of Egypt. His relationship with Anna captivates the narrative threads explored by Amal and Isabel.

Book Details
Pages

544

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Egypt • Early 20th century

Publication Year

1999

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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