Hunger : A Modern Arabic Novel

"Hunger" - the hunger of not knowing where one's next meal is coming from, and the hunger for sex and love.

Sakeena's life revolves round trying to provide her family with the necessary daily bread that will stave off starvation.

Her husband Zaghloul works on and off at one of the village's cafes, but prefers to spend his time listening in on conversations about subjects such as politics.

Despite its bleak title, "Hunger" is told with a lightness of touch and the writer's trademark wry humor.