https://arab.news/ckq9e
Authors: Steven S. Gubser & Frans Pretorius
Although Einstein understood that black holes were mathematical solutions to his equations, he never accepted their physical reality — a viewpoint many shared.
This all changed in the 1960s and 1970s, when a deeper conceptual understanding of black holes developed just as new observations revealed the existence of quasars and X-ray binary star systems, whose mysterious properties could be explained by the presence of black holes.
Sunset Oasis by Bahaa Taher is a captivating historical novel that transports readers to the captivating world of 19th-century Egypt. The story follows the life of Asma, a young woman who finds herself caught up in the turbulent events of the time.
Set in the Ottoman era, the novel opens with Asma living a quiet life in the remote oasis town of Siwa, tending her family’s date palm grove and dreaming of a life beyond the confines of the desert. However, her world is upended when she is forced to flee Siwa and take refuge in the bustling city of Cairo. There, she encounters Mahmoud Abul Ala, a charismatic revolutionary who draws her into the growing resistance movement against the occupiers.
As Asma becomes more deeply involved in the fight for Egyptian independence, she must grapple with the ethical complexities of the conflict and the personal sacrifices it demands. Taher masterfully weaves together Asma’s intimate personal journey with the larger historical forces at play, creating a richly textured narrative that explores themes of identity, duty, and the human costs of political upheaval.
One of the novel’s strengths is its vivid and immersive depiction of 19th-century Egypt. Taher’s meticulous research shines through in the book’s attention to historical detail, from the bustling markets of Cairo to the harsh beauty of the Saharan desert. Readers are transported to a bygone era, surrounded by the sights, sounds and customs of a world that feels both familiar and exotic.
Asma is a complex and compelling protagonist, whose personal transformation mirrors the larger societal changes unfolding around her. As she navigates the treacherous political landscape, she is forced to confront her own beliefs and loyalties, as well as the realities of power, violence and the limits of resistance.
“Sunset Oasis” is a masterful work of historical fiction that offers readers a nuanced and thought-provoking exploration of a pivotal moment in Egypt’s past. Taher’s lyrical prose, richly drawn characters and keen eye for historical detail make this a captivating and deeply satisfying read. Whether you are a fan of literary fiction, historical novels or simply a lover of compelling storytelling, this book is sure to leave a lasting impression.
The original Arabic version of the novel, “Wahat Al-Ghurub,” was published in 2007. In 2009, the English translation, “Sunset Oasis,” was published and made available to international audiences.
Author: Andy Greene
Andy Greene’s “The Office” gives us the true inside story behind the entire show, from its origins on the BBC through its impressive nine-season run in America, with in-depth research and exclusive interviews.
The book gives fans and pop culture buffs a front-row seat to the sequence of events that launched the series into wild popularity, changing the face of television and how we all see our office lives for decades to come.
Author: John Green
In this remarkable symphony of essays adapted and expanded from his ground-breaking, critically acclaimed podcast, John Green reviews different facets of the human-centered planet, from the QWERTY keyboard and Halley’s comet to Penguins of Madagascar, on a five-star scale.
Complex and rich with detail, the reviews have been praised as “observations that double as exercises in memoiristic empathy,” with over 10 million lifetime downloads.
DUBAI: British Libyan novelist Hisham Matar has secured a spot on the Booker Prize longlist with his latest offering, “My Friend.”
The book explores the lives of Khaled and Mustafa, two Libyan university students in the UK, whose lives are irrevocably changed after they are injured during a political protest outside the Libyan embassy. As the revolution unfolds in Libya, they face the difficult choice of remaining in London or returning to help rebuild their homeland.
The shortlist of six finalists will be revealed on Oct. 12, with the winner, who receives a prize of $61,000, announced in London on Nov. 12.
This is the second time Matar has been nominated for the prestigious Booker Prize; his debut novel, “In the Country of Men,” was shortlisted in 2006.
Author: Adam Grant
“Think Again” is a book about the benefit of doubt, and about how we can get better at embracing the unknown and the joy of being wrong.
New evidence shows us that rethinking can be taught and Grant explains how to develop the necessary qualities to do it.
Learning to rethink may be the secret skill to give you the edge in a world changing faster than ever.
