Library Journal review out
Once Upon a Revolution: An Egyptian Story
Thanassis Cambanis
In January 2011, the Egyptian people began an uprising that ultimately led to the overthrow of Hosni Mubarak, the country’s longtime president. In this highly readable book, journalist and author Cambanis (A Privilege to Die) recounts the trials and tribulations of that revolution. The work is informed by the author’s sustained, on-the-ground, astute observations of the unfolding events in Egypt. His focus is on the activities of a number of activists from different walks of life, especially those of two unique individuals who joined the uprising – pharmacist Moaz Abdelkarim, a career activist who grew up in the milieu of the Muslim Brotherhood, and architect Basem Kamel, who had built a successful business and had generally stayed out of politics until the revolution began. As the author explains, both of these figures had to grapple with ambiguities and contradictions in their own thought process, as did most other Egyptians who took part in the rebellion. Ultimately, the movement failed to establish a democratic and accountable political order and the country once again succumbed to a military dictatorship. The author concludes that this was owing to organizational and political shortcomings and an incoherent ideology. Verdict: A welcome addition to the literature on Egypt’s uprising and a solid source for the general reader. – Nader Entessar, Univ. of South Alabama, Mobile
