The Setting: Modern Cairo

Explore the vibrant, bustling cityscape of contemporary Cairo, where tradition meets modernity. From historic mosques to modern office buildings, Cairo serves as a dynamic backdrop for Abbas and Salwa’s journey of self-discovery and love.

Cultural Landscape

Delve into the rich tapestry of Egyptian culture, where ancient traditions coexist with contemporary lifestyles. Experience the warmth of family gatherings, the significance of religious practices, and the evolving social norms that shape our characters’ lives and decisions.

Social Dynamics and Themes

• The Double-Edged Sword of Desire: Witness how initial attraction based on physical appearance can lead to complex challenges in relationships.
• The Pursuit of Happiness: Follow Abbas and Salwa as they navigate societal expectations and personal desires in their quest for true fulfillment.
• Depth Over Appearance: Explore the journey from superficial connections to a deeper, more meaningful relationship built on mutual understanding and shared goals.
• Reflection and Growth: Experience the characters’ evolution as they confront their misconceptions and learn to communicate effectively.
• Adaptation and Compromise: Observe how the couple navigates the delicate balance between individual needs and the demands of married life in modern Cairo.

Economic Realities and Personal Choices

Explore the complex economic dynamics in Abbas and Salwa’s relationship within middle-class Cairo. Abbas, working as an accountant, provides for their lifestyle. Salwa has an archaeology degree but she doesn’t work. But of course, she has grand career aspirations. This aspect of their life together, including Salwa’s spending habits and views on their financial situation, plays a significant role in shaping their relationship and personal growth.

Religious Context

Immerse yourself in the role of faith in everyday life, from the call to prayer echoing through the city to personal interpretations of religious devotion. Witness how differing views on religious practice impact relationships and personal growth, challenging characters to find harmony between tradition and individual beliefs.

Key Locations

• Abbas’s workplace: A mid-sized accounting firm
• Local mosque: A place Abbas frequents
• Salwa’s family home
• Cairo’s historical sites: Places that connect to Salwa’s interest in archaeology

Explore more about the world of our novel Abbas and Salwa and other stories on She-fiction.