Naghuib Mahfouz

He's easily one of my most favorite authors ever and I can read his books again and again and again. Naghuib Mahfouz's impact on the Arab literary world and the Arab world in general is indisputable. What's just as great or even greater, is the impact his work can have on the individual reader. Whenever I read any of his work I can't help but feel a deep sense of longing. I'm not sure what it is or how to describe it fully, but I feel great joy and despair all at once. It's definitely not an unwelcome feeling.

Seriously what does it take to be such a great writer? How do people like Mahfouz, Marquez, Bernieres (etc) all write so passionately, so beautifully so soulfully? It must be something deep within them, something innate and I'm sure it isn't something that can be learnt. It's not just the authors style I'm talking about here, it's the stories they conjure up the tales they tell. Incredible really. I so wish I could write half as well or produce such beautiful and though-provoking stories.

Mahfouz's 'Cairo' trilogy, 'Harafish' and 'Children of the alley' are my favourites.