“A familiar dilemma for many who have made a life between cultures“
I got a chance to get my hands on The Light in Her, debut novel by teacher Reem Kadry, inspired in true events. And I’m loving it. This book has it all, an inspiring female protagonist, journalism and the pursuit of truth, particularly in a politically challenging environment, and in a male-dominated field, emotional depth, travels, faith, belonging, and the pull of home.
Through its pages, The Light in Her will take you alongside Alexis Adel, a young British-Egyptian woman recently moved to Cairo, determined to establish herself as a journalist while navigating the complexities of life under Hosni Mubarak’s regime.
The multifaceted nature of our heroine’s identity is what particularly caught my attention. Having been brought up in the UK, she returns to Egypt, a country that is part of her heritage but whose culture, traditions and social expectations are quite different from the Western environment in which she grew up.
There is something fascinating about this contrast. Reconnecting with her father’s homeland, Alexis finds herself trying to find her place in a country that, despite her roots, feels surprisingly foreign. Which makes for a particularly compelling exploration of identity and belonging, navigating how having a connection to a country through heritage doesn’t automatically translate into feeling at home there.
After all, the culture we inherit isn’t always the one that shapes us; so much depends on where and how we grow up. A familiar dilemma for many who have made a life between cultures.
Yet through it all, our heroine manages to remain determined, ambitious, and eager to prove herself. And, as someone with a background in journalism myself, personally, I find her professional journey compelling.
Her determination to establish herself in a deeply male-dominated environment, and the challenges she encounters along the way, add another dimension to the story. All whilst balancing her work as an English teacher with the demands of work, our protagonist finds herself caught between professional and personal relationships and the difficult realities of reporting in a politically challenging society.
“I particularly love the way Reem Kadry brings Egypt to life”
Turning her experiences into a whirlwind of emotions, which includes witnessing a traumatic event that makes her question her role as a woman, a journalist and, after all, being an Egyptian woman.
Another aspect I particularly love is the way Reem Kadry brings Egypt to life. Her descriptions of the different cities Alexis visits add an almost travelogue quality to the novel. Each chapter seems to offer another glimpse into the country’s landscapes, culture and atmosphere, making the setting feel like a character in its own right. It is almost as though you are discovering Egypt alongside Alexis.
Through its pages, Kadry somehow manages to keep the narrative evolving naturally, weaving together all these different angles without losing its human dimension. Much more than a story about a young journalist finding her way, The Light in Her is an exploration of identity, resilience and the sometimes complicated relationship between heritage and upbringing. Addressing the ever relevant search for purpose and a sense of direction when life takes unexpected, and sometimes frightening, turns. Which is something I believe we can all relate to.
An overall genuinely fascinating read. I’m intrigued to see where Alexis’s journey might take her next. Check Reem Kadry’s debut novel, The Light in Her, at your local bookshop or order online.
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