What would people say?

One of the main themes of Samia Serageldin’s “The Cairo House” is the fear of “what would people say?” It is something that Gigi struggles with throughout the book, as she learns to balance the expectations of others with what she really wants in her life. She often feels trapped, “that her bed has been made, and she must lay in it.”

The most interesting example of this that I saw was with her cousin, Tamer. His love for her was made instantly apparent to me when he put on Eric Clapton’s, “Layla,” when Gigi was at his apartment. I almost felt silly that I hadn’t realized it sooner, because there were definitely a few moments throughout the book where his love was transparent. Regardless, it was a satisfying moment for me that I was able to make that connection to the story of Layla and Majnun, because of the other content we have studied in this course.

Tamer saw himself as Kais (Majnun), forever destined to love a woman who was unavailable, or could not return his love. It is a touching moment when Tamer finally confesses his love, and it even made me hopeful. Hopeful that maybe, Gigi had found what she was missing: someone who loved her, all of her, and who she felt comfortable around. Hopeful that she could start a new life, that wasn’t determined by the expectations of others or the pressures of needing to adapt… Unfortunately, this all came crashing down because of a rumor. Gigi overhears how Tamer has a “reputation with women,” and the weight of this gossip makes her question if her relationship with Tamer could jeopardize her chance to redefine her relationship with Tarek. Thus, she goes back to her bed that has been made, and continues to live in a state of “what could have been.”

In my life, what do I run away from? Who do I run away from? Are duty and obligation the determining factors of the decisions I make? I hope to use this extended time at home to be introspective and still. To reflect on Gigi’s story, and how it might relate to me as I graduate and move into a new stage of life.