Najib Mahfuz

Najib Mahfuz was an Egyptian writer who is regarded as one of the first contemporary writers of Arabic literature to explore themes of existentialism. He won the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1988 and is best known for his Cairo Trilogy, which paints a vivid portrait of Egyptian society in the early 20th century. His works have been widely acclaimed for their portrayal of life in Cairo and have been influential in the Arab literary world.

Books

This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.

  1. 1. Midaq Alley

    Cover of 'Midaq Alley' by Najib Mahfuz

    Set in an old Cairo neighborhood during World War II, the novel delves into the lives of the residents of a bustling alley, offering a tapestry of human experiences and social issues. Through the stories of a diverse cast of characters, including a young beauty dreaming of a better life, a wealthy businessman seeking love, a cafe owner yearning for his past, and others, the narrative explores themes of love, ambition, and the struggle for personal fulfillment. The alley serves as a microcosm of society, reflecting the larger cultural and political changes occurring in Egypt at the time, and the characters' intertwined lives illustrate the complexities of human nature and the universal quest for happiness and meaning.

    The 1975th Greatest Book of All Time

  2. 2. Fountain And Tomb

    Cover of 'Fountain And Tomb' by Najib Mahfuz

    "Fountain and Tomb" is a collection of interwoven short stories that paint a vivid portrait of life in a Cairo alley during the early 20th century. Through the eyes of a young narrator, the book delves into the daily lives, secrets, and communal relationships of the residents, offering a tapestry of human experiences that range from the humorous to the tragic. The narrative captures the essence of a changing society, where tradition clashes with modernity, and where characters grapple with issues of morality, love, and the inexorable passage of time. The work is a poignant reflection on the complexities of life within a tight-knit community, encapsulating the universal themes of change, memory, and the enduring human spirit.

    The 7774th Greatest Book of All Time