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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

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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