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The Last Silk Thread
The Last Silk Thread
In 1949 Cairo, eighteen-year-old Leila dreams of escaping the shackles of her privileged life. When her engagement to the unsupportive Galal falls apart, she finds herself thrust into a marriage with Mourad, a captain with powerful connections.
Leila negotiates her freedom by demanding to enroll at a university, but the cost of independence weighs heavy. Caught between her old feelings for Galal, she navigates her new life in Alexandria, loneliness and political unrest surround her.
When a shocking family secret reveals betrayal and intrigue, Leila must confront the truth about her family and herself. Will she find the strength to break free?
A captivating coming-of-age tale that weaves mystery, love, and loss during a pivotal moment in Egypt’s history.
In 1949 Cairo, eighteen-year-old Leila dreams of escaping the shackles of her privileged life. When her engagement to the unsupportive Galal falls apart, she finds herself thrust into a marriage with Mourad, a captain with powerful connections.
Leila negotiates her freedom by demanding to enroll at a university, but the cost of independence weighs heavy. Caught between her old feelings for Galal, she navigates her new life in Alexandria, loneliness and political unrest surround her.
When a shocking family secret reveals betrayal and intrigue, Leila must confront the truth about her family and herself. Will she find the strength to break free?
A captivating coming-of-age tale that weaves mystery, love, and loss during a pivotal moment in Egypt’s history.
257 pages, Paperback
Published December 22, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
February 16, 2025
It’s like watching an old Egyptian movie from the 50s. In my imagination, the whole book was running in black and white 🙂 Yosr successfully captured the spirit of these days, transporting you in time to show you both sides of Egypt at that time (the filthy rich and the simple ones). ❤️
April 30, 2025
The Last Silk Thread feels like a quiet unraveling. You follow Leila, just eighteen, caught between the comfort of privilege and the weight of her own restlessness. After a broken engagement, she makes a bold move—marrying a military man not for love, but for freedom. She bargains for the right to study, to think for herself, to breathe. But it’s not long before that freedom tangles with loneliness, secrets, and a family past she never saw coming.
It’s not a fast-paced story, but it’s layered. The backdrop of post-war Egypt feels alive without being overwhelming. You feel the tension—between tradition and change, between what’s expected and what’s true.
I’d give it a solid 4 out of 5. It’s thoughtful, it lingers, and while some moments slow down a bit too much, it stays with you. Definitely worth reading if you like character-driven stories that carry emotional weight without trying too hard.
It’s not a fast-paced story, but it’s layered. The backdrop of post-war Egypt feels alive without being overwhelming. You feel the tension—between tradition and change, between what’s expected and what’s true.
I’d give it a solid 4 out of 5. It’s thoughtful, it lingers, and while some moments slow down a bit too much, it stays with you. Definitely worth reading if you like character-driven stories that carry emotional weight without trying too hard.
April 29, 2025
Really enjoyed this one. The story has some great twists that caught me off guard in the best way. I also loved how it brought 1940s Egypt to life—it felt vivid without being heavy.
The main character is flawed, but you can’t help rooting for her. Yosr’s writing is smooth and easy to get into, but still has this quiet elegance. Descriptive without dragging on—just enough to paint the scene.
If you're into historical fiction with heart and a few surprises, definitely give it a try.
The main character is flawed, but you can’t help rooting for her. Yosr’s writing is smooth and easy to get into, but still has this quiet elegance. Descriptive without dragging on—just enough to paint the scene.
If you're into historical fiction with heart and a few surprises, definitely give it a try.
December 4, 2025
What is the obsession with blond arabs? Feels like a lot of internalized colonialism…
December 27, 2024
📕❤️ The last silk thread .. masterfully combines this Egyptian Era, with simple, evocative language. The vivid imagery and engaging narrative transport you straight to the fifties, The story is accessible, compelling, and thoroughly enjoyable. Highly recommended for anyone interested in great storytelling!
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews