Based in the modern-day chaos of the Middle East`s political arena, Egyptian journalist Ahdaf Soueif takes a look into the lives of Arab women in this acclaimed novel. It follows Asya, who after growing up among the elite upper class in Egypt marries a westernised and wealthy husband, later becoming involved with an unrefined Englishman while pursuing her doctorate.This is a love story; a story about growing up; a story about what it`s like to be a woman - both in the east and the west; a story about the history of the post-imperial Middle East during the last 30 years; and a story about home.