Taxi - Softcover

Khamissi, Khaled Al

Softcover

ISBN 10: 190630002X ISBN 13: 9781906300029

Publisher: Aflame Books, 2008

Synopsis

Underscoring the most diverse species on the planet the taxi driver this striking portrait unveils the polluted, unforgiving streets of Cairo, a city that simply refuses to stand still. Bringing together 58 fictional monologues from Cairo cabbies, recreated from actual experiences while traversing the city, this novel takes readers on a roller coaster of emotions as bumpy and noisy as the city's potholed and chaotic streets. Described as an urban sociology, an ethnography, a classic of oral history, and even a work of poetry in motion, these narratives tell tales of the struggle for survival and dignity among greater Cairo’s 80,000 cab drivers. Written in a rich colloquial, this unique anthology combines poignant self-reflections with the authentic insights of the man on the street.

About this title

About the Author:

Khaled Al Khamissi is a journalist, writer, film director and producer, and publisher. He has worked for the National Institute for Social Studies and has written as a journalist for several Egyptian newspapers, including Al Ahram. He has written and produced scripts for drama and documentary films and is a regular participant at international film festivals.

Review:

"A book to make you feel guilty you ever tried to bargain down a cab fare in any poor country."  Chicago Tribune

"Taxi’s brilliance is that it captures the point at which cabs cease to be just a means of transportation."  Foreign Policy

About this edition

• Publisher: Aflame Books
• Publication date: 2008
• ISBN 10: 190630002X
• ISBN 13: 9781906300029
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 218