To Egypt With Love

I learned so much, and felt as if I was on the journey with her! Extraordinary book must read

I have to say no words would do this book any justice.I was i tears reading this book of how beautiful and precious the Egyptian Jewish culture was.Endless thank you Viviane for sharing such an essential part of the Egyptian history that has been hidden if not erased.

An inspiring memoir of a life-lover who survived many a challenge after her exodus from turbulent Egypt.The book may be thematically divided into two main areas: description of Egypt and Mrs Bowell’s experience as a blossoming member of the Sephardic Jewish community in Cairo. The first theme provides a proper overview of Modern Egypt with emphasis on Cairo, where the author was born and raised, and everyday life known to the writer; while the second one tackles the author’s family history, childhood, sociolinguistic experience, exodus from Egypt and post-exodus events including a short trip to Egypt in 1994. Interestingly, numerous details still hold to date: cuisine, superstitions, social customs and the soundscape. As a native of Egyptian Alexandria, one must admit the truthfulness of the following picturesque statement: “The street below came alive with the cries of vendors, the sound of the muezzin calling the faithful to prayer and the music played in the cafes and many apartments- all loud and different tunes … so it sounded like a cacophony …’’.I highly applaud the author’s attentiveness to details, her courage, the sincere description of social life in Egypt during the fourteen years she spent there. The selected bibliography guides the avid reader into quality literature on 20th century Egypt.I would love to quote Mrs Bowell’s words from the final chapter: “The past is never gone. It’s always there and catches up with us when we least expect it. It’s what defines us and makes us who we are today.’’ I strongly recommend the book to anyone interested in Egypt of yesterday or today.

This book is one of the best books I have read so far that document the diverse and amazing lives of Egyptian Jews in the early and up to the mid 20th century. It is an important reference that cannot be missed and is a canon reading on this topic.Based on her own personal story the author also talks about the other lives and stories of Egyptian Jews and the differences and diversity that made them part of a vibrant multicultural community in Egypt. And while much of this has changed due to the implications of global geopolitics and the foundation of the state of Israel nearby, it remains a testament to the deep integration of Egyptian Jews in their community, and a missed opportunity of the society at large to avoid going down the spiral that led to the creation of a toxic environment for Egyptian Jews and other European/Egyptians of foreign ancestry living in Egypt after 1952.Viviane Bowell’s book is a must read for anyone wanting to understand Colonial and Post colonial Egypt and the Middle East, and the resilient and amazing lives of Egyptian Jews as they navigate a difficult new world.

I have read and critiqued countless accounts of life in Egypt as an Alexandria-born Jewess. This particular narrative took me to a place I had never visited, Cairo and acquainted me with its cosmopolitan flair, its bustling and vibrant Jewish community as it existed in the pre-Nasserite era, and its ties to European customs and mores. Most people are unaware of the influence and legacy Egyptian Jews had in their country of birth, and in some cases, never heard of their existence. We were once called "the Forgotten Jews". Bowell, through her narrative, will acquaint the reader of the hardships faced by those of us growing up with not even a modicum of freedom in the typical Jewish household where parental authority was unquestioned. Such authority became the catalyst behind self-doubt and lack of self-assuredness. Though her family was never wanting, - trips overseas, great schooling, convivencia with people of other faiths, and little or no displays of anti-semitism, we empathize with her struggle to please. The unfortunate rise of Nasser together with seizing control of the Suez Canal, together with the tripartite war waged against Egypt precipitates the exodus of the country's Jewish community. Not all at once, but in waves. Even after her resettlement in England, Viviane felt out of her depth, and it took a long time for her to feel "at home". She manages to nourish our nostagia for Egypt with expressions that we recognize. Well written and always within historical context for easier understanding.