The Chapter of Departure- Mohammed Al-Attifi

It starts and ends in Cairo, and talks of London in the nineties, where a group of Arabs meet while studying and the mutual feeling of alienation that brings them together.
The novel starts in August 1990 with the beginning of a transformation within Arab societies, that followed on from transformations in the world on many economic, social, cultural and political levels. It marked the end of the Cold War between America and, what was then, the Soviet Union, from which the US emerged victorious without firing a single shot. It wanted to complete its victory, but it did not find the way smooth and easy.
The novel ends with the beginning of the Arab Spring 2011, which shook the foundations of countries of the Arab world. Some of which went through civil wars. Others veered between such as Yemen, Libya and Syria. Yet other countries that stood the tremors but withstood and won.
The novel is set in an atmosphere of romance and love that crosses borders, culture, and language barriers, and overcomes any obstacles to integration and fusion, to create a culture that withstands coexistence.
The novel talks of the dreams of expatriates to return to their countries, armed with the knowledge needed for development in their new world.
It talks of illegal immigration. The hardships endured by those who embark on it; the challenge between life and death; the fear and suffering along the way. The sea that devours the bodies, and ambitions and dreams that die and float with the bodies in the sea.
It talks of modern wars and the human organ trade among new-day mafias that do anything for money.
It touches upon the dilemma for science, customs, and religion with regard to organ donation.
The author concludes that the truth is not two sides of a coin. It is rather a hexahedron.
The Chapter of Departure is a valuable literary addition.
To be followed by “The Chapter of Return”

Mohamed Al-Attifi is the editor-in-chief of the East Tribune. He was educated in Egypt and Britain. He majored in philosophy and politics and has many published papers on the subjects. He appears regularly on Arab and international channels to talk about politics and economy.