‘I do not claim to be a spokesperson for my generation. I am not a poster girl of the revolution, nor its victim…You see, beneath the din and commotion is a collection of hopes and screams, and between the laments of joy and pain the weary walk…This is my lament.’

The Egyptian revolution of 2011 took just eighteen days to bring down the country’s president of thirty years.

Eighteen Days of Spring in Winter follows the life of Sophia, a literature student in Cairo. As the revolution begins to stir across Egypt, each member of Sophia’s family is affected differently. Her father remains worried and sceptical, her brother is quiet at home until he leaves to join the protesters, and Sophia discovers a new-found political consciousness as the revolution unfolds.

This first novel by author Saeida Rouass explores the impact of the revolution on a family home and the changes the protests bring to a young Egyptian woman’s perception of herself. It shows the challenges Sophia and her family must face in order to emerge from the revolution with continued hope.

Underneath these layers of glory, what Rouass does very well is engage in conversations regarding very difficult phenomenon in almost every society. The matter in which she writes about reputations, gossip, expectations, and of course, identity, is done simply and appealingly. She offers strong insight on moments of different types of revolutions: the personal – the revolutions inside the family unit and community.  A compelling narrative of human inconsistency… 

-Sabrien Amrov, Kalimat Magazine

An interview with Saeida

Where I Write Chapter 1: Saeida Rouass