Midaq Alley returns quickly
53
her only marriage option in the alley, and holds little attraction, but decides to seek his fortune working for the British Army to win her hand. She accepts, and they are officially betrothed. Abbas disappears for a time, during which Hamida falls into two love triangles in rapid succession, the second one taking her away from Midaq Alley and into a life of prostitution on modern Sharif Pasha Street. Lesser vignettes that keep the novel interesting involve matchmaking, cripple-making, domestic rows, an ill-timed attempt at seduction, the emotional aftermath of a near-death experience, a crooked election campaign, and the robbing of a tomb.
The climax has Abbas and Hussain Kirsha both return, one dejected, married, and out of work, and the other elated and intending to marry. Abbas learns of Hamida’s disappearance and their paths happen to cross. He agrees to avenge her but dies tragically before he can attack the pimp. Midaq Alley returns quickly to its quiet, timeless ways.
53
her only marriage option in the alley, and holds little attraction, but decides to seek his fortune working for the British Army to win her hand. She accepts, and they are officially betrothed. Abbas disappears for a time, during which Hamida falls into two love triangles in rapid succession, the second one taking her away from Midaq Alley and into a life of prostitution on modern Sharif Pasha Street. Lesser vignettes that keep the novel interesting involve matchmaking, cripple-making, domestic rows, an ill-timed attempt at seduction, the emotional aftermath of a near-death experience, a crooked election campaign, and the robbing of a tomb.
The climax has Abbas and Hussain Kirsha both return, one dejected, married, and out of work, and the other elated and intending to marry. Abbas learns of Hamida’s disappearance and their paths happen to cross. He agrees to avenge her but dies tragically before he can attack the pimp. Midaq Alley returns quickly to its quiet, timeless ways.
