Emerging first in Khartoum in the realm of 1984-5, Najwa, a student of the city's main university, is one of a clique exploring Western influences. Music, attire, attitudes, and habits of the group play with European and American exports. Quickly shifting to the present day - the new millenium - after a political coup ousted Najwa's family from Sudan, she is shown older, wiser, and lonlier. She rekindles a faith lost, or never quite held, while passing through job as a house cleaner with relative disconnect, and turns to yet another private employer, questioning what she's accomplished, and having little confidence to see it through.
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Brief encounters with the younger brother of her employer lead to conflicts in which Najwa's moral strength is tested and her authority in household matters is questioned. Tamer grows more and more fond of Najwa as weeks wear on, and they privately associate renewed faith with their growing bond.
A battle between beliefs, morals, instinct and passion is waged, and Najwa's employer learns of the connection her sibling has made, and orders it to stop. Several secret meetings between Tamer and Najwa are made, and Najwa is offered a payment to flee the relationship.
The review of this Book prepared by Paul Glazowski