I am the son of a generation, those born after the 6th of October victory.
We enter the third decade with full awareness that we lack a real role model, a true leader.a fair opportunity and some forgiveness. A generation that sometimes loves the country because that s where their family and friends are, and hates it at other times because they can’t see a clearly defined path for their lives in it. – Omer Taher in “Shaklaha Bazet (Seems Like It’s Gone To Ruins).
If there’s one thing more difficult than being a teenager, it s being a teenager in Egypt. In “Captain Masr (Captain Egypt), author Omer Taher delves into the mind of an Egyptian teenager, taking the reader on a journey through the smiles, tears and constant agitation of those few precious, yet turbulent years.
As with his first book “Shaklaha Bazet, Taher shows a rare wit and natural talent for presenting pressing issues to the Egyptian reader. He addresses teenagers as if he is one of them, deciphering the codes of teenage wastelands and talking to them in their own language, which relies heavily on anglicized colloquial Egyptian.
A distinguishing feature of “Shaklaha Bazet is that it offers comprehensive solutions to teenagers’ many “miseries including studying, dealing with parents, feeling different from their surroundings, and the occasional sense of isolation. Using a mildly sarcastic tone, the book invites adolescents to think about their problems in a sensible, constructive way.
The author succeeds in bringing teenagers to a place where they feel supported, and offers greater understanding of the larger world unfolding before their eyes. In a way, it prepares them for their teenage years.
But although his second hit “Captain Masr is exceptional and clever in its approach, many readers, including teenagers, still prefer “Shaklaha Bazet.
Although both books share the same target (teenagers) the latter at times seems far too didactic, offering teenagers advice that is more conservative in nature and deeply rooted in religion.
Some of Taher s detractors accused him of conveying his conservative views in an attractive package that fits in with today’s seemingly open society. Alternatively, Taher’s words can be seen as a throwback to the authentic traditions and values of Egyptian society.
“Masr also embodies the schizophrenic state of Egyptian society and the contradictory ideals many people seem to espouse. Taher explains this by citing the example of the double standard of regarding a female swimming champ as a national idol, but labelling an actress who appears on screen in a bathing suit as shameless.
That’s just one example of why the book doubles as an acerbic critique of modern Egyptian society. Taher sharply analyzes the mundane notions we blindly adopt everyday: the meaning and symbolism of using words like inshallah (God willing) and the eye-for-an-eye philosophy parents teach their children.
“Masr digs deep into what troubles Egyptian teenagers today, and many youths who read the book felt that someone was finally representing them. “Captain Masr is also a must-read for parents and anyone who works with teenagers (teachers, coaches, etc.).
The third print run is already in stores, just a couple of months after the book’s initial release.
The most startling quality of “Masr though is the sense of nostalgia and innocence it evokes. Taher explains in the introduction that the book invites older readers to relive their teenage years.
His humor, sarcasm, and simple style make this new offering a joy to read for people of all ages. Again, Taher succeeds to educate and delight with a book that addresses serious issues in a way that immediately grabs the attention of the antsy internet generation.
