Started off a bit slow, but it really picked up about a quarter into it. Overall, it's a beautifully written book with a really developed storyline and characters. As a feminist in the 21st century, it was difficult to read about the experiences and submissive lives of the sisters and Amina. However, Mahfouz does a fantastic job of painting an accurate picture of gender roles and living in Egypt during the early 20th century. I am looking forward to reading the rest of the trilogy.