April 19, 2013

Review: Sipping From The Nile by Jean Naggar

Summary-
Childhood is a magical time. Jean Naggar spent hers in Cairo and England in an enchanted world, protected by her large and loving family, unaware that the harsh reality of the Suez Canal crisis of 1956 would infiltrate life within her garden walls to change the lives of the Jews of Egypt forever. SIPPING FROM THE NILE brings to vibrant life the many rich facets of an opulent multicultural society in a post-colonial world. It is an unforgettable story of love and loss, a lyrical evocation of a time and place engulfed in the turbulence of politics, war and religion, illuminated with lush descriptions of food, clothes, customs, houses, landscapes, and the unique individuals that peopled a vast extended family. Expelled from their homes and their lives, Sephardic Jews from Arab lands have inserted a different immigrant experience into the American legend.
 
Review-
Childhood is a magical time. Jean Naggar spent hers in Cairo and England in an enchanted world, protected by her large and loving family, unaware that the harsh reality of the Suez Canal crisis of 1956 would infiltrate life within her garden walls to change the lives of the Jews of Egypt forever.     SIPPING FROM THE NILE brings to vibrant life the many rich facets of an opulent multicultural society in a post-colonial world. It is an unforgettable story of love and loss, a lyrical evocation of a time and place engulfed in the turbulence of politics, war and religion, illuminated with lush descriptions of food, clothes, customs, houses, landscapes, and the unique individuals that peopled a vast extended family. Expelled from their homes and their lives, Sephardic Jews from Arab lands have inserted a different immigrant experience into the American legend

I fell in love with Naggar because she disliked being pushed to excel in school, got nervous stomach aches when traveling, and loved her family dearly. The memoir started with childhood memories discussed fondly by Naggar. Then she talked about the perilous period of time when she and her family were virtually prisoners in Egypt. Lastly, she remembers meeting her husband, moving to America and losing her father. During these final chapters of growing up and leaving her family, the sadness radiates from the pages in waves. She finally tells the reader that 'sipping from the Nile' was an old custom where glasses of water were brought to the door before one went on a trip. Each person would take at least a sip before they walked out, ensuring that they would eventually come back home. Sadly, Naggar never went back home. This book deserves five stars. It was truly a wonderful recap of an amazing life.
 
Publisher-Stony Creek Press
Reviewer Rating: 5 STARS!!
Reviewed by~Cindi
Thank you to the publisher for donating this book to the Read for your Future book program in exchange for a honest review!
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