Diving into 'The Automobile Club of Egypt' was like stepping into a time machine. The way Alaa Al Aswany paints the colonial era of Egypt is nothing short of mesmerizing. The social commentary woven through decades had me hooked from the first page.

What stood out most were the characters—each so vividly drawn, I felt like I was eavesdropping on their lives. From the proud yet struggling family to the tyrannical Alku, every personality added layers to this rich narrative. Though, I’ll admit, keeping track of all those Egyptian names had me flipping back a few pages!

The book isn’t just a story; it’s an experience. There were moments that felt straight out of a classic Hollywood drama—intense nobility, deep suffering, and vile evil—but that’s part of its charm. The smaller, more intimate scenes, like Gaafar’s daughter’s shoe humiliation, hit harder than any grand political speech.

Yes, it’s long, and yes, some parts could’ve been trimmed (looking at you, meta-fictional opening). But if you’re patient and love immersing yourself in a different time and place, this novel is worth every page. It’s not perfect, but it’s unforgettable.