The novel is a historical fiction set during the “Great Famine” in the reign of the Fatimid Caliph Al-Mustansir Billah, but with fictional characters. The story begins with news of the Nile’s waters receding, delivered to the women of Darb al-Rayhan by their water carrier, Rayan, who laments the widespread hunger and thirst ravaging the land. The narrative unfolds gradually, portraying the worsening tragedy.

_ Ayman Ragab Taher