Roots & Branches: A Family Saga Like No Other

by Michael M. Meguid

Roots & Branches is rooted in a story of love and longing based on a fatal accident in an upper Egyptian village over a century ago. In this rich and powerful story Meguid explores his remarkable early life based on a journal, letters and photos, which amply illustrate the book. How does a four-year-old boy uprooted from a cozy Egyptian family endure abandonment in impoverished post-war Germany? In this vivid biography of his formative years Meguid traces his childhood—alone, forsaken and often threatened with corporal punishment. Born to an Egyptian father and a German mother, his earliest memories of Cairo are idyllic, but his mother’s refusal to adapt to Egyptian life results in upheaval. At the age of four, his parents leave him in Hamburg with his German grandparents, where life becomes defined by the rigid rules of his Prussian grandfather. The desertion leaves him with a gaping hole, howling loneliness, and a longing that ripples through him. When his parents collect him five years later, they take him to England, where once again he has to adapt to being an outsider. When he eventually returns to his beloved Egypt, he was gone so long that he no longer quite fits in. His father’s premature death thrusts Meguid into an existential crisis. Facing conscription and an uncertain future, Meguid learns to navigate his own path.

350 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 9, 2020

Reviews

[Joline Koutroulis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Totally absorbing.

The gripping beginning was followed by a very moving story with a style of writing that brought the characters and events to life. Looking forward to the sequel.

[David Sweeney-Bear · Rating 5 out of 5]

Full disclosure: I read this book in preparation for narrating the audiobook version.

I was pleasantly surprised by the engaging style of the writing. From the very start, Micheal Meguid draws you into his perspective with a witty, entertaining, informative and dramatic point of view.

This is a life story well worth reading. In many ways it reads like an adventure story with unexpected twists and turns as we follow Mr. Meguid's early experiences from his birth-place in Egypt, to post-war Germany, England and finally back to Egypt.

My heartfelt thanks to Micheal Meguid for sharing his unique insights into the cultures and times of his youth in such a well-crafted and erudite manner.

Despite my obvious interest in this book, I can nevertheless recommend this first installment in the continuing saga "A Surgeon's Tale" to all readers as a highly entertaining read.

[Michael Meguid · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book. I put my heart and soul into writing it. Remember English is my third language Reading it I find that it's difficult to remember that I wrote it. My conclusion is that everyone has the ability to write an interesting book. So don't be discouraged.

Thank you to those who have read it. The Audible will be available soon and David Sweeny Bear, the reader/voice has done a fantastic job. The sequel to Roots & Branches will be released early February.

[Yahya · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amazing book.
Really enjoyed the story. I am looking forward reading the second and the third part of the Dr. Michael biography.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fascinating coming of age story influenced by clashing cultures and complex family dynamics