The human world is a “boiling cauldron” that cannot be defined precisely ― it is a dynamic fluid with smooth gradation within, at the same time integ… - al-Tayyib Salih

The world has turned suddenly upside down. Love? Love does not do this. This is hatred. I feel hatred and seek revenge; my adversary is within and I needs (sic) must confront him. Even so, there is still in my mind a modicum of sense that is aware of the irony of the situation. I begin from where Mustafa Sa'eed had left off. Yet he at least made a choice, while I have chosen nothing.

Although many people feel depressed when they see him, (because he reminds them of death, the afterlife, and prayers.

It was a steamingly hot July night, the Nile that year having experienced one of those floodings that occur once every twenty or thirty years and become legendary - something for fathers to talk to their sons about.