![]() ![]() Each of Meguid’s characters is allegorical in nature. Here, in the middle of nowhere, railway men and locals wait in hope for the annual return of a “distant train.” When last it came this vehicle brought with it foreigners, soldiers-and economic opportunity then it stopped. The tale begins on a worksite in Egypt’s western desert. Writing in a shimmering lyrical style he brings alive the dreams, customs, and everyday concerns of people living in historic obscurity on the fringe of the glitzy petro-dollar kingdoms of the Middle East. In the tradition of magical-realism, author Abdel Meguid crafts a tale steeped in symbolism. “While the fading autumn sun sped toward the horizon, the young boys headed home-they were not used to trying to see at night without the moon’s glow.” So begins this unconventional, hauntingly mythic novel. ![]()
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