A house with a bad reputation

"Umm Abbas" is a beautiful woman, known in the neighborhood for her beauty, and those with refined tastes look at her as the inhabitants of the wilderness look at a water spring. She also owns an old building with four floors, in addition to three shops beneath it; therefore, the villagers, all poor, regarded her as a dream woven with gold... Many sought to marry her, but fate pushed her into the arms of a man who was not even on the verge of being thought of. In a captivating language, Naguib Mahfouz takes us into his world full of symbolism, with characters who speak the most eloquent wisdom, and places that exude the scent of bygone glory; he presents us with a rich story collection full of tales and meanings. In the story "Before Departure," he tells of "Barakat," who was deceived by the night girl "Dunya" when she returned his money, making him revel in an overwhelming happiness he had never felt before. But just before leaving, she takes back the money again, confirming to him that everything has a price, and this is life; it deceives you first, then takes everything from you in the end, so do not trust it. In the story "Midnight Dream," he carries many symbols; "Umm Abbas" symbolizes Egypt, her son "Abbas" symbolizes the people, and her husbands symbolize the rulers who follow one after another, subjecting her to various kinds of torment, but they are ultimately killed. And other stories full of symbolism. Author: Naguib Mahfouz Published by Diwan for Publishing and Distribution