The Buried

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Driven by a fascination with Egypt's history, Peter Hessler relocated to Cairo with his wife and twin daughters to immerse himself in the culture, learn Arabic, and explore the city's neighborhoods and archaeological sites. His move coincided with the Arab Spring, plunging the country into chaos. Amidst the revolution, he joined an archaeological dig at al-Madfuna, a site rich in royal tombs. As he and his wife worked to master Arabic, they developed a significant friendship with their language instructor, Rifaat, a cynical political observer. They also formed a unique bond with their garbage collector, Saaed, an illiterate yet insightful figure whose work provided a different kind of excavation into Cairo's life. Hessler encountered a family of Chinese entrepreneurs dominating the lingerie market, whose pragmatic perspective on the political turmoil offered a refreshing contrast to Western narratives. Through the experiences of these ordinary individuals during a time of upheaval, and the connections between modern Egypt and its ancient heritage, Hessler crafts a profound portrait of the nation. The result is a narrative rich in intelligence and empathy, illustrating a society grappling with the collapse of a weak state while revealing the enduring nature of its underlying culture.