When we first started the Islam unit, I wrote about how I was excited to read The Cairo House because my roommate had read it before and said it was a really good read and that she thought I would like it. I just realized that I never followed up on what I thought of the book when I finished it! Overall, I really liked the novel! There were definitely some parts that were boring and slow to read, and they probably could have been left out altogether, but those were far and few between.
One thing my roommate had mentioned is that the ending is kind of emotional, but not in the “oh someone died so I am going to cry” type of way. I totally agree with her. I thought the ending, while a little abrupt, was actually kind of deep, and really made me think, especially when it says, ” I might go back to Egypt, but I will never go home again (233). It was sad because Egypt is her home, but she was exposed to such change that it was no longer a home for her. Thinking about that, I cannot imagine losing my sense of home like that. I am originally from just outside Grand Rapids, Michigan, but my family has lived in Brownsburg (about half an hour from Butler, just west of Indianapolis) for the past almost 12 years. Both places are home to me, but Michigan will always have a special place in my heart, and I enjoy going back when I can. I can’t imagine going back and not being able to find that connection.
Despite the abrupt ending, I felt that the book was finished, and that most of the loose ends were tied up. We never find out if Tarek is going to go to college in the United States, but it really seemed that he didn’t want to, so I will accept that as an answer.
I have never been this into a book that I have read in a core class, so I am very pleased with the fact that I was able to enjoy myself while reading this!