About
Alaa al-Aswany, born May 26, 1957 in Cairo, is an internationally renowned Egyptian writer. Son of a lawyer and writer, he studied dentistry at Cairo University (1980) and the University of Illinois at Chicago (1985), practicing this profession while writing. His novel *The Yacoubian Building* (2002), an ironic portrait of modern Egyptian society, became a bestseller translated into 37 languages and adapted into film. He is also the author of *Chicago* (2007), *The Automobile Club of Egypt* (2013), and *The Republic of False Truths* (2018). A founding member of the opposition movement Kefaya, he actively participated in the 2011 revolution in Tahrir Square.
* 1957-05-26
Major works
- The Yacoubian Building (2002)novel
- Chicago (2007)novel
- The Automobile Club of Egypt (2013)novel
- The Republic of False Truths (2018)novel
- Friendly Fire (2004)short story collection
Key milestones
- 2002Publication of *The Yacoubian Building*, which became the best-selling Arabic novel for over five years.
- 2011Present in Tahrir Square throughout the 18 days of the Egyptian revolution.
- 2016Appointed Chevalier of the Order of Arts and Letters in France.
Themes
Social and political critiqueLife in modern EgyptCorruption and injusticeIdentity and diasporaRevolution and resistance
Sources: britannica.com · arts.princeton.edu · penguinrandomhouse.com