The Republic of False Truths

A novel

By: Alaa Al Aswany, S. R. Fellowes - translator

Narrated by: Peter Ganim

A "glorious, humane novel" (The Observer)about the Egyptian revolution, taking us inside the battle raging between those in power and those prepared to lay down their lives in the defense of freedom—this globally-acclaimed narrative from one of the foremost writers in the Arab world is still banned across much of the region.

Cairo, 2011. After decades under a repressive regime, tensions are rising in the city streets. No one is out of reach of the revolution. There is General Alwany, a high-ranking member of the government's security agency, a pious man who loves his family yet won't hesitate to torture enemies of the state; Asma, a young teacher who chafes against the brazen corruption at her school; Ashraf, an out-of-work actor who is having an affair with his maid and who gets pulled into Tahrir Square through a chance encounter; Nourhan, a television personality who loyally defends those in power; and many more.

As these lives collide, a new generation finds a voice, love blossoms across class divides, and the revolution gains strength. Even the general finds himself at a crossroads as his own daughter joins the protests. Yet the old regime will not give up without a fight.

With an unforgettably vivid cast of characters and a heart-pounding narrative banned across much of the region, Alaa Al Aswany gives us a deeply human portrait of the Egyptian Revolution, and an impassioned retelling of his country's turbulent recent history.

Truth laid bare

A great book to understand the interplay of culture, religion, and the struggle of a generation of people who tried but failed to get out from under a most oppressive pattern of subjugation through arbitrary impositions of extreme religious practices co-opted into politics and government. A worthy read.

Big Al Aswany fan

This book really helped me understand the downfall of Egypt's Mubarak and why the revolutionary zeal underlying that downfall ultimately failed its mission to overhaul Egypt's government. The book gives you behind the scenes, blow by blow understanding of the forces that shaped the revolutionaries and the reactionaries. I love Al Aswany's writing, and thought he did an amazing job of chronicling the uprising and its aftermath. By seeing the historic events through the eyes of carefully and skilfully drawn characters who exemplify the forces on the left and the right, the reader (or listener) can really inhabit the scenes in Tahrir Square and in the halls of government. Excellent work.

wow

An absolutely stunning novel about the Revolution in Egypt. This book tore at my heart.

A sad outcome

A story of an impassioned rebellion that mostly failed.
This book demonstrates the mendacious quality of a religion and government that use all means to survive. What survives most is corruption and lies.