You just gotta meet Egypt's modern incarnation of J. G. Ballard*. Otared is THE novel you must truly seek out.
Ambitious and sweeping, it utilizes a nesting-doll plot structure ingeniously. It orchestrates the beautiful along with the maddeningly brutal. Despite its heavily fatalistic "Let's all give up and die!" post-apocalyptic theme, the novel is as alive as a deep, guttural scream. Add to it: prophetic. As difficult a trick to pull off (only J. G. Ballard and Margaret Atwood seem to be masters of this), Rabie does this too--it all adds up to a wondrous Dantean firework display for the ages. He bests many other talents in giving us speculative fiction that has the fine, distinctive dew of Historical Fact.
The year is 2025. The world in shambles (understatement) is not too far a calculation from what we have now, or have lined up. Something that nags me to no end: Like, why is the titular main man so immoral & yet rallies up all my support? This is one true antihero to define all others! And keeping him away from us in dollops, in parts of the narrative, is the type of auteur trick I absolutely LIVE for. Thank you, Mr. Rabie!
*Okay, when I compare the two writers I know I am doing a disservice to Rabie. I cannot avoid comparing literature, at all costs. It is my passion. Otared contains brutality not unlike "Empire of the Sun" (an unforgettable palpable horror show!) AND it takes narrative risks & turns, not unlike "Crash".