The Passerby

From acclaimed Egyptian literary master Ibrahim Abdel Meguid comes The Passerby—a profoundly moving and fiercely relevant novel that navigates the perilous intersections of identity, societal expectation, and state oppression. Set against the backdrop of a highly conservative modern Cairo, the narrative follows an eighteen-year-old university student grappling with profound gender dysphoria. Assigned female at birth and named Lamyaa, the protagonist endures deep psychological alienation, harboring a masculine spirit and a naturally husky voice that set him at odds with the world's rigid expectations. Seeking solace, the student confides in Dr. Baydaa, a progressive philosophy professor, but this rare lifeline is abruptly severed when the professor is tragically murdered. Driven by an undeniable internal truth, the protagonist bravely transitions to his authentic male identity, Hamza. This courageous metamorphosis, however, incites a firestorm of shock, confusion, and condemnation from his family and neighbors. The personal swiftly collides with the political when Hamza is swept up in a wave of state security arrests. Thrust into the unforgiving labyrinth of Egypt's criminal justice system as a transgender man, his fight for self-actualization becomes a harrowing battle for survival. Artworks by Ghadah Kamal Anchored by the unwavering support of his steadfast friend, Ihsan, Hamza's journey is a sweeping testament to human resilience. The Passerby is a triumph of contemporary Arabic literature, offering a compassionate and unflinching examination of what it costs to live authentically in a closely surveilled and deeply traditional world.