The Tree of Misery

Book excerpt: The Tree of Misery is the first attempt by an Arab writer to adopt the western style of following the history of a family over more than one generation. In this book, written in 1944, Taha Hussein, who most passionately called for the preservation and unification of the classical Arabic language, nevertheless sought to enrich it by adopting those western elements which would suit and enhance it. He is not simply recounting a story or describing a period of life in the Egyptian provinces. He is calling for social, intellectual and religious reform. This novel is inspired from the real life experiences of the author during his childhood in Upper Egypt.