Women of the Souk, The
A mystery set in pre-World War I Egypt
by Michael Pearce
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Pub Date 1 Aug 2016 | Archive Date 1 Jul 2016
Description
Booklist Starred Review
The kidnapping of an innocent schoolgirl throws a glaring light on the tensions and injustices of pre-War Egyptian society in this absorbing historical mystery.
Cairo, Egypt, 1913. When schoolgirl Marie Kewfik is kidnapped, snatched away as she strolled through the bustling bazaars of the Souk, the Khedive insists that the Mamur Zapt, Head of the Secret Police, takes charge of the negotiations for her safe return. The Kewfiks are one of the wealthiest and most powerful families in Egypt but, as the Mamur Zapt discovers, not everyone thinks it’s worth the trouble to secure the release of a mere girl. He also learns that there is more to Marie’s kidnapping than meets the eye – and the subsequent fallout will shine a glaring light on the dangerous tensions running through Egyptian society.
Available Editions
| EDITION | Other Format |
| ISBN | 9780727886187 |
| PRICE | US$28.99 (USD) |
Featured Reviews
Jean K, Reviewer
Thank you NetGalley for providing a copy of this book in exchange for a review. Michael Pearce's Women of the Souk takes place in pre-WWI Cairo. The primary story concerns the kidnapping of a young girl, but Pearce also touches on political unrest and turn of the century Egyptian culture.
The Kewfik family holds a position of Influence in Cairo in 1913. When their daughter Marie is kidnapped, it falls to Gareth Owen, the Mamur Zapt (head of the secret police) to oversee negotiations for her release. While members of her family are unwilling to negotiate for a mere girl, it is her friend Layla who forces an investigation and constantly pushes for action. Owen is also spurred on by the Old Woman of the souk and Marie's classmates.
The story moves rather slowly, but is atmospheric and filled with a number of memorable characters, such as Mahmoud, a mountain of a policeman who has a heart as big as his size. I would recommend this for fans of historical fiction for its setting or for those who read Agatha Christie.
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