The Beggar

books read in 2014 (19 items)
list by Kester

Set in Cairo in the early 1950s. this novel by Naguib Mahfouz portrays the psychological torment of Omar. an ardent revolutionary in his youth who in middle age has been left behind by Nassers 1952 Revolution. His conscience has died. As he struggles for psychological renewal. he sacrifices his work and his family to a series of illicit love affairs. which simply increase his alienation from himself and from the rest of the world.