The collection consists of five stories, and the one thing they have in common is their lack of clear beginning or ending.
[1] This collection is one of Mahfouz's complex philosophical works, where he navigates existentialist topics.
The collection navigates several topics, including religion, science, life, faith, nationalism, and liberation.
The collection was adapted into a TV series in 1997 directed by Ahmad Khudr, and starring many popular actors, including Nabil Al-Hilfawy, Athar Al-Hakin, and Suhair Al-Murshidi.
The novel covers social and political situations preceding the July 1952 revolution.