The Televangelist
A Novel
Ibrahim Essa author Jonathan Wright translator
Format:Paperback
Publisher:The American University in Cairo Press
Published:30th Mar '16
Should be back in stock very soon
This satirical novel explores the life of a famous Muslim TV preacher whose celebrity leads to political intrigue and personal peril. The Televangelist highlights themes of power and hypocrisy.
In The Televangelist, the story revolves around Hatem el-Shenawi, a charismatic Muslim TV preacher who has captured the hearts of viewers across Egypt. With his engaging personality and sharp wit, Shenawi has built a successful career delivering Islamic teachings to a wide audience. He enjoys the perks of fame and is well-connected within the circles of Cairo's elite, including government officials and business magnates. However, his seemingly perfect life takes a turn when he becomes privy to a dangerous secret that has the potential to destabilize the entire nation.
As Shenawi grapples with the weight of this knowledge, he finds himself entangled in a web of political intrigue that threatens to expose the darker side of his celebrity. The novel deftly explores themes of power, corruption, and the intersection of religion and media in contemporary Egypt. Readers are taken on a fast-paced journey through the complexities of a society where faith, politics, and personal ambition collide.
The Televangelist offers a keenly observed satire that not only critiques religious hypocrisy but also delves into the moral dilemmas faced by individuals caught in the pursuit of success. With its sharp commentary and engaging narrative, the book invites readers to reflect on the implications of fame and the often murky waters of influence and integrity.
"A powerful commentary on Islam in modern Egypt with deep insight for Westerners."--Washington Independent
"a master of the Arabic language... [Eissa] delivers a double dose of wit, humor and political satire, combined with painstaking knowledge of religion and the media world... Fascinating"--Egypt Independent
"We're in the presence of masterful storytelling... [Eissa] tells the story of Egypt, its society and state, culture and superstition, virtues and sins, love and intolerance. . . with skilful plotting, surgical social and psychological analysis."--Saad El Din Ibrahim, El Watan
"the novel of the season. . . a compelling testimony about this era"--The Egyptian Daily
"Fast-paced and brilliantly observed."--BookShy Blog
"Compelling."--Marcia Lynx Qualey, The National
"[Essa] combines psychology, sociology, cultural critique, and politics to create a fascinating plot and a number of complex characters, as well as shedding light on Muslim-Coptic relations, the persecution of Sufis and the disastrous consequences of manipulating religion for political purposes. He also drops more than a few hints as to why the democratic gains of the 2010-11 popular uprising in Egypt could be so soon reversed. All in all, the novel is a brave exposure of terrorism, whether promoted by state power or extremist groups."--Sally Bland, Jordan Times
"Thought-provoking."Banipal
""The Televangelist" is an effective critique of the shortcomings of the Egyptian State. Its strength lies in its humour, honesty and depth. It is definitely worth the time devoted to its reading.?--Wawa Book Review
ISBN: 9789774167188
Dimensions: 205mm x 130mm x 33mm
Weight: 450g
512 pages