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.

[Ann Campanella · Rating 4 out of 5]

After suffering a heart attack in a cab leaving Newark Airport, the author of Roots & Branches, a successful surgeon, reels back in time. He launches the reader into his family history, an amalgam of disparate cultural influences due to his Arab father and his German mother. He describes the warmth of his early childhood and the exotic world of twentieth century Cairo, which is suddenly interrupted by an abrupt transition to his mother’s home in Germany. Meguid’s father is by turns supportive and absent as his career keeps him busy and traveling. Inexplicably, his mother disappears, and he is left to adjust to life with his Oma and Opa. Meguid has a subsequent move to England and eventually ends up back in Cairo. The author writes poignantly and honestly about the sense of abandonment he faces during the many transitions of his youth as he struggles to find a sense of peace and belonging.

[Zara Coleman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Roots & Branches is a powerful, memoir style family saga about identity, loss, and the search for belonging. Drawing from journals, letters, and photos, Michael M. Meguid recounts a childhood shaped by separation and cultural upheaval.
Born in Egypt to an Egyptian father and German mother, his early life is loving and secure until family tensions lead to him being left in post war Germany at age four. Raised under the rigid authority of his Prussian grandfather, he grew up feeling abandoned and out of place. When his parents later take him to England, the pattern continues, and he again struggles as an outsider.
A return to Egypt brings more emotional challenges, especially after his father’s early death forces him to confront adulthood alone. At its heart, this story explores resilience, displacement, and a lifelong longing to find where “home” truly is.

[Clara Voss · Rating 5 out of 5]

Roots & Branches is a powerful and unforgettable family saga that explores identity, loss, and resilience with remarkable honesty. Michael M. Meguid’s life story, shaped by abandonment, cultural displacement, and longing, is deeply moving and beautifully told. From his early years in Egypt to post-war Germany and later England, each transition is rich with emotion and insight. The inclusion of journals, letters, and photographs adds authenticity and brings the narrative vividly to life. This book resonates on a universal level, capturing the pain of not belonging and the strength required to forge one’s own path. Highly recommended.

[Lydia Shea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Roots & Branches is a captivating and deeply personal narrative about finding oneself amidst tremendous adversity. Michael Meguid’s evocative prose draws readers into his world of cultural displacement, loneliness, and self discovery. His raw vulnerability and courage shine through every page, making this memoir resonate on a human level. The story’s backdrop of post war Egypt, Germany, and England enriches the journey and highlights the complexity of identity formation. This memoir is a compelling testament to perseverance, making it a rewarding read for those interested in family histories and emotional growth.

[Orin Kelvar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Roots & Branches is a touching, beautifully crafted memoir that highlights the challenges and growth that come from cultural displacement and loss. Michael Meguid’s honest voice and vivid recollections create a powerful narrative about identity, belonging, and perseverance. The personal journals, letters, and photographs incorporated into the story enrich the experience and bring a tangible connection to the past. This memoir offers a heartfelt reflection on the pain of being uprooted and the strength it takes to build a new life. It’s an inspiring and memorable story for readers of all backgrounds.

[Mareth Vale · Rating 5 out of 5]

This memoir’s rich cultural tapestry and heartfelt reflections make it a standout in the genre of family sagas. Michael Meguid’s journey of survival and self discovery across Egypt, Germany, and England is told with grace and honesty. The way he integrates personal journals, letters, and photos into the narrative adds a unique authenticity and emotional depth. Roots & Branches explores the universal struggles of belonging and identity while offering a compelling glimpse into post war cultural dynamics. It’s a beautifully crafted story that will stay with readers long after the last page.

[Eron Wyst · Rating 5 out of 5]

A poignant and insightful memoir, Roots & Branches captures the trials and triumphs of a boy caught between different worlds and cultures. Michael Meguid’s candid storytelling invites readers into his childhood, marked by abandonment, hardship, and adaptation. The inclusion of personal memorabilia such as letters and photographs deepens the reader’s connection to his story and adds a vivid sense of history. This is a deeply immersive experience that highlights resilience, the search for identity, and the strength it takes to forge your own path. A truly moving and memorable read.

[BookBloom · Rating 5 out of 5]

Michael Meguid’s memoir is a powerful testament to the resilience of the human spirit. His story of growing up uprooted from Egypt to Germany to England is both inspiring and relatable. Roots & Branches captures the complex emotions of abandonment, loneliness, and the longing to belong. The author’s honest voice and vivid memories bring the narrative to life, enriched by personal journals, letters, and photographs that add authenticity. This is a deeply rewarding read for anyone interested in family stories, cultural identity, and the strength required to navigate life’s challenges.

[Lirra Vane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Roots & Branches is an evocative and compelling family saga that explores the meaning of home and identity in the face of cultural displacement. Michael Meguid’s story is rich with emotional depth and historical detail, making it an immersive reading experience. The blend of personal narrative and artifacts like letters and photos adds a layer of authenticity that draws readers in. This memoir highlights the struggles and triumphs of growing up between worlds and the resilience needed to find one’s place. It’s an unforgettable journey that will resonate with many.

[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