Show 8: Rebecca Hart from London's historic Foyles booksop reveals her top book club pick..
Foyles, at 113–119 Charing Cross Road, is one of London’s most famous bookshops. The business was founded in 1903 by brothers William and Gilbert Foyle, who, after failing their entrance exams for the civil service, offered their redundant text books for sale and were inundated by offers. Inspired, they launched a second-hand book business from home, and subsequently opened their own bookshop on the current site in 1906.
Rebecca Hart suggests that a great book club read would be The Yacoubian Building by Alaa Al Aswany. “Set in downtown Cairo, it follows the lives of all of the different people whom live in the Yacoubian building. It can be quite complex with all the details of the people, but Aswany gives you all of their biographical details, which really brings it to life. It’s a lighthearted and easy read that deals with fundamental issues such as religion, Islamic fundamentalism, prostitution, the role of women and homosexuality on modern-day Cairo. They are heavy issues, but it’s a humorous book. I can’t recommend it enough: it’s a great read for those who love a great story.”