Chicago

Histology, the study of tissues, is fundamental for recognizing all diseases and thus the possibility of their treatment. What could be more fitting than to set a novel that showcases all kinds of intercultural behavior patterns, both "healthy" and "sick," at a histology institute? Alaa al-Aswani chooses the one at the University of Chicago, where he himself earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine degree. It is a colorful group that gathers there: men and women, Americans and Egyptians, students and faculty. They love Egypt and despise the USA, or vice versa, and they cope with the foreignness in varying degrees. However, the Egyptian secret service follows them like a shadow. They have always suspected it. They receive confirmation during a high-profile visit from the Nile.