Author of such books as The Yacoubian Building and Automobile Club of Egypt, Alaa Al Aswany is no stranger to writing socio-political novels, and his most recent, The Republic of False Truths, reinforces his reputation. This historical novel has as its background the 2011 protests in Tahir Square, the resignation of Hosni Mubarak, he election of Mohamed Morsi, and the later ousting of Morsi by General Abdul-Fattah al-Sisi, who imposed strict limits on the Alaa Al Aswany’s work.

When no Egyptian publisher dared defy the authoritarian al-Sisi regime, Lebanon published the original Arabic edition of what would become known in English as The Republic of False Truths, and Al Aswany relocated to the U.S. where he continues to live and work.

Told from multiple points of view, such as an immoral and brutal general, a hypocritical Muslim religious authority, a conspiracy theory spouting television host, an idealistic young teacher, and a labor organizer, The Republic of False Truths opens readers’ eyes to Egypt’s struggles—to the oppression that led to protests and strikes and to the well-planned campaign of thought-suppression that followed. Al Aswany portrays both sides, those who support and those who oppose revolution, yet his stance is always clear. Seeing wealthy students receive unearned favors and her poor students discriminated against at every turn, Asmaa Zanaty, the young teacher, asks, “What is this swamp we’re living in?” Another character, Khaled, observes, “We’re in Egypt. Injustice is the rule.”

Despite the novel’s portrait of authoritarian rule, oppression, and violence, Alaa Al Aswany seems not to have given up hope for Egypt’s future. Young people had struggled for freedom and will continue to do so, hopefully until they win. As Asmaa writes to Mazen, “If everyone opposed injustice and wasn’t afraid, Egypt would be a decent country by now.” Although I cannot say the book has a happy ending, the very fact that Al Aswany continues his work indicates he has not given up. As a dentist, he repaired teeth and improved smiles; as a writer, he may help fix the world.

A glossary in the back of the book helps identify people, places, government agencies/offices, etc. unfamiliar to most readers of S. R. Fellows' English translation.

Thanks to NetGalley and Alfred A. Knopf for an egalley of this attention-holding and educational novel.

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I appreciate the publisher allowing me to read this book. This is very well written and researched. I learned a lot about the Egyptian Revolution and intended to read more.

This book was a reminder of how awful and cruel the human race can be. Tough, but good read. It was an interesting insight to what happened throughout this timeline for myself as I was not too aware of all of the details.

The Republic of False Truths gives a perspective on life in Egypt which shows a new era for inhabitants of the country. There are struggles between mostly youth and the older people, new versions of thinking about class and freedom cause strife between generations. The book is a narrative of many different Egyptians as they navigate this new way of thinking. The focus is from engineers and doctors to a driver who has worked very hard to keep his family fed. The daughter of a general who tries to keep her hidden for her opinions is unable to convince him that the world is changing. This book shows how others live and think and is a worthwhile investment of time to that end.

Just finished this while the genocide of Gaza is happening. It brought so much to light what people there and Egypt are facing. I don't think Americans could understand that kind of chaos in your life. The characters stay with you, heck the whole book stays with you long after you finish it. Maybe a tad slow at first but that could just be me. I love a book that both entertains and teaches.

Hope to have the opportunity to read more from this author.

I loved this book so much! It was the first book I have read by this author and I can't wait to read more! The characters and their story stick with you long after you finish the book.

Read if you: Want a haunting read about the Egyptian Revolution.

Patient readers will be rewarded. Not much action in the first 100+ pages. Conflicts between parents and children, spouses, etc are building, and the tyranny of the Egyptian government is being made quite clear. The bravery of the protesters and the violence they faced from the government can be overwhelming. There is no happy ending. But--if you want to broaden your reading and try something from a noted Egyptian writer, you will encounter a memorable story.

Librarians/booksellers: Purchase to broaden your collection of international authors, and books about the modern Middle East.

Many thanks to Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group and NetGalley for a digital review copy in exchange for an honest review.