Alaa Al Aswany (2016 Event)

In 2002, The Yacoubian Building was an international bestseller, establishing Alaa Al Aswany as one of the Arab world’s most influential voices. Since then, Egypt has changed radically. However, Al Aswany’s latest novel The Automobile Club of Egypt represents another satire on his country’s modern situation. In this event recorded live at the 2016 Edinburgh International Book Festival, he discusses his book and freedom of speech in a post-2011 Egypt whose government has tried to silence him.

Download MP3

Book Festival News

Communities Programme participants celebrate success of 2024 Communities Programme participants celebrate success of 2024
Friday 13 December

Enjoying this event? You can help us produce more like it.

Donate

Share

Listen to more

Maggie O'Farrell (2014 event) Maggie O'Farrell (2014 event) Acclaimed Edinburgh-based Maggie O’Farrell talks about how she constructed her sixth novel, Instructions for a Heatwave… Why I Call Myself a Feminist (2015 Event) Why I Call Myself a Feminist (2015 Event) In this event entitled “a Rally, a Rant, a Story, a Song, a Protest, a Poem”, women – and men – take to the mike for five minutes each to tell us why they call themselves feminists. Authors Val McDermid, Christopher Brookmyre, Elif… Gill Arbuthnott reading Marilyn's Hands Gill Arbuthnott reading Marilyn's Hands Listen to the author of the gripping Germ Wars and The Keepers Daughter and many other novels and fact-filled books based around science, as she reads her contribution to… Kurdo Baksi (2011 Event) Kurdo Baksi (2011 Event) Stieg Larsson’s books have sold more than 20 million copies in 41 countries. But because they were published after his death, many have been left wondering about the true character of a man who was as passionate in his campaign… Shami Chakrabarti with Kate Mosse (2015 Event) Shami Chakrabarti with Kate Mosse (2015 Event) A day after Shami Chakrabarti joined the campaigning organisation Liberty, New York’s Twin Towers were attacked. Ever since, she has fought a passionate campaign for human rights… Reggie Nadelson in conversation with Ian Rankin (2010 event) Reggie Nadelson in conversation with Ian Rankin (2010 event) In this event crime writing extraordinaire Reggie Nadelson discussed the ventures of her brilliantly believable detective, with Edinburgh’s own favourite crime writer, Ian Rankin. The charismatic pair are well worth a listen – and another listen after… John Hartson (2011 Event) John Hartson (2011 Event) The explosively talented Welsh footballer John Hartson enjoyed success with Arsenal and West Ham before becoming a striker for Celtic, where he scored more than 100 goals in a glorious five year period… Akala (2018 Event) Akala (2018 Event) Race and class have shaped the world of MOBO award-winning hip hop artist, poet and political commentator Akala. In Natives, his searing polemic on race in the UK, he considers his own experiences in both childhood and as an adult, and connects them to… Jess Phillips (2017 Event) Jess Phillips (2017 Event) Journalist Julie Burchill calls her 'a breath of fresh air, with a dirty laugh'. In Everywoman, Labour politician Jess Phillips shouts long and loudly about the things she cares most about: poverty, equality, the rights of refugees and serving her… Has Psychiatry Silenced God? (2014 Event) Has Psychiatry Silenced God? (2014 Event) Throughout history, divine intervention has influenced great artists, thinkers and leaders, and the voice of God is a distinct and separate presence in the minds of many people today. Author and former Bishop of Edinburgh Richard Holloway leads this…