This controversial bestselling novel in the arab world reveals the political corruption, sexual repression, religious extremism, and modern hopes of egypt today. All manner of flawed and fragile humanity reside in The Ya...This controversial bestselling novel in the arab world reveals the political corruption, sexual repression, religious extremism, and modern hopes of egypt today. All manner of flawed and fragile humanity reside in The Yacoubian Building, a once-elegant temple of art deco splendor now slowly decaying in the smog and bustle of downtown cairo: a fading aristocrat and self-proclaimed "Scientist of women"; a sultry, voluptuous siren; a devout young student, feeling the irresistible pull toward fundamentalism; a newspaper editor helplessly in love with a policeman; a corrupt and corpulent politician, twisting the koran to justify his desires.