"A woman of Cairo" is a romance novel by Noel Barber.
The novel, a love story, provides a fascinating look at
Egyptian
history, politics and culture. with a stirring love story. Barber portrays life in Cairo in the turbulent era of change from 1919 to 1953, through a range of appealing characters.
In 1922, the British granted Egypt
independence but the they retained control of the army in order to protect the Suez Canal, their lifeline to India. However, when the British head of the
Egyptian Army was assassinated, Britain downed Egypt's independence so that it existed in name only. Unrest in terms of riots and demonstrations continued for several years as the Egyptians demanded complete and unconditional independence.
In 1936, the youthful King Farouk, aged 16, succeeded the throne at the same time inherited both untold riches and hate from his father's corrupt and ruthless rule. It was time for a new leader to reform the country, and with another Treaty of Independence, Egypt struggled for independence on their terms.
Despite all the turmoil and upheavals, Egypt remained an enchanting land. Mark Holt, son of a British Baronet, and Serena Sirry, daughter of a wealthy Copt, that is, a native Egyptian Christian, grow up together and fall in love passionately, but their love is ill-fated and denied for marriage. Serena has been arranged to marry Mark's younger brother. They are both trapped into a loveless marriage as the war breaks out.
Mark joins the Intelligence Corps and Serena devotes her energies to her son, Jonathon. In 1940, the Italians invade Egypt outnumbering the British troops.
Separation, the war, and tragedy only strengthen the love of Mark and Serena for each other. The absorbing conclusion is when Mark is forced to abandon his strong code of ethics as a barrister in order to defend Serena in an Egyptian court – charged of murder.
A fiction, "A woman of Cairo" is said to contain few real characters whose activities are based on truth. The author, Noel Barber, lived in Cairo for a while, met King Farouk and two of the key figures in the new democracy.