Alaa al-Aswany’s “Evening in Alexandria”: A Nostalgic Portrait of a Cosmopolitan City in Transition
Egyptian author Alaa al-Aswany’s latest novel, “Au soir d’Alexandrie” (translated as “Evening in Alexandria”), offers a poignant glimpse into the Alexandria of the late 1950s and early 1960s, a period marked by the rise of pan-Arabism under President Gamal Abdel Nasser. The novel, a tribute to the Mediterranean city he calls his “second love,” interweaves the lives of a diverse cast of characters against a backdrop of shifting social and political currents. It explores themes of tolerance, cultural identity and the erosion of cosmopolitanism in the face of nationalism.
A Tapestry of Alexandrian Life
Al-Aswany populates his narrative with a vibrant ensemble of characters, reflecting the multicultural fabric of Alexandria. Among them are Tony Kazan, a Greek-Egyptian chocolate factory owner; Chantal, a French bookstore owner; Carlo, an Italian womanizer; and Abbas, an incorruptible Armenian lawyer. The novel also features Adli, a hashish dealer, and Niamat, a dancer, further enriching the city’s diverse portrait. These characters regularly gather at Artinos, a legendary restaurant that serves as a hub for intellectual discussion and social interaction.
The Shadow of Nasser and the Rise of Nationalism
The novel is set against the backdrop of significant political change in Egypt. The Suez Crisis of 1956 had a lasting impact, fostering a climate of nationalism and suspicion towards foreigners. Under Nasser’s leadership, Alexandria experienced a shift away from its historically cosmopolitan character. Jewish and foreign citizens were compelled to exit, although Nasser simultaneously promoted free education, women’s suffrage, and opposed the Muslim Brotherhood. This complex period forms the historical and political core of al-Aswany’s narrative.
A Chronicle of Lost Tolerance
Through the eyes of Anis, the novel’s sole first-person narrator, al-Aswany chronicles the gradual decline of tolerance and diversity in Alexandria. Anis observes the changing social landscape, noting a growing sense of unease and the increasing influence of nationalist ideologies. He laments the loss of a time when Alexandria was a place where one could be served by a Greek hairdresser, enjoy lunch at an Italian-owned restaurant, and receive legal counsel from an Armenian lawyer – a city that celebrated the festivals of multiple faiths with equal fervor.
The Perils of Ideological Zeal
The character of Galil, Tony’s accountant, embodies the dangers of unchecked ideological zeal. Driven by socialist fervor and a blind devotion to Nasser, Galil engages in surveillance and denunciation, ultimately contributing to the destruction of the very community he claims to serve. His eventual remorse comes only after his own livelihood is threatened by the nationalization of Tony’s factory, prompting him to leave the country.
A Parable for the Present
Al-Aswany’s novel draws a parallel between the historical events depicted and contemporary challenges. The “roaming trees” referenced in a story told by Lydda, the owner of Artinos, symbolize the forces of nationalism that threaten cultural diversity. The novel serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of preserving tolerance and resisting ideologies that seek to suppress difference.
About the Author
Alaa al-Aswany, born in Cairo in 1957, is an Egyptian writer, novelist, and dentist. He is also a founding member of the Kefaya political movement and was a prominent figure in the 2011 Arab Spring. He currently resides in Paris and New York, where he teaches creative writing. His previous works include “The Yacoubian Building” and “Friendly Fire.” He has received numerous literary awards, including the Bashraheel Award for Arabic Novel and the Bruno-Kriesky Award. Alaa Al Aswany – Wikipedia