The Day The Leader Was Killed (1-52)

Summary
          When I see the words "The Day The Leader Was Killed", what I think of is a leader who will be assassinated. However, my novella is not that kind of story. So far, the main characters are, Muhtashimi Zayed, Elwan Fawwaz Muhtashimi, and Randa Sulayman Mubarak. Elwan and Randa are supposed to be married, but the only thing stopping them is money. They both come from under privileged families who do not have much money. Muhtashimi is Elwan's grandfather. The way the novel transitions is that is goes from the grandfather, next chapter Elwan, then next Randa, and it continues in that pattern. Their point of view was first person. By the end of the first section that I read, Elwan decided to finally end the marriage.

Quote
          "Keep well, sir," she says as she leaves (Mahfouz 24).

Reaction
          I think this is a perfect quote to explain the book so far because nothing seems like it has a deeper meaning. Maybe it is because the novel is so short. When ever it is just Elwan and Randa speaking, everything is so monotone. When Elwan says "I love you" I don't believe it. It's not like he even says those words exactly. He says "I care deeply for you", that can mean anything. The most depth comes from Elwan’s grandfather because he only speaks in quotes. Maybe that is why Muhtashimi says that he fears for the younger generation.