Stories of the Khanakah

Book name: Tales of Al-Khanka Author: Yasser Alamdar Publisher: Sefsafa Number of pages: 286 Book genre: Novel Brief about the book: The novel "Tales of Al-Khanka" presents a blend of the history of an Egyptian family and the institutions that shaped surrounding cities. The family migrates from their village to find themselves involved in establishing a "Leprosy Colony" in Al-Khanka, so the migration adventure turns into a leap into a new world governed by harsh bureaucracy. The women lead the family’s steps without taking the forefront, building houses, marrying off children, and determining the fates of husbands. Grandmothers and mothers appear here as strong figures outlining the family’s life lines, while men appear as dreamers and adventurers, living life as if it were a game; winning is just playing the game. The "Tales" cover more than six decades, starting before the 1919 revolution and ending with the 1973 war, but they open up to new events. The writing ranges between personal and public, between subjective and collective, with a technical richness close to orality, in a narrative adventure that the author immerses us in, leaving us filled with questions and enjoyment.