Al Aswani's Journey as a Novelist

Al Aswani, an Egyptian novelist, shares his journey from aspiring writer to bestselling author. Despite the challenges of making a living from literature in the Arab world, he pursued a career in dentistry while writing. After facing multiple rejections, he considered emigrating but decided to finish one last novel, The Yacoubian Building, which became a massive success. His works are now celebrated globally, and he continues to balance his literary career with dentistry.

What was Al Aswani's primary dream growing up?

• To become a civil servant

• To become a musician

• To become a novelist

• To become a dentist

What was Al Aswani's father's profession?

• Novelist

• Musician

• Civil servant

• Dentist

Why did Al Aswani choose to become a dentist?

• He was passionate about dentistry

• He wanted to follow in his father's footsteps

• It was difficult to earn a living from literature in the Arab world

• He wanted to work for the government

What is unique about Al Aswani's current situation as a novelist?

• He writes novels in multiple languages

• He only writes for the Arab audience

• He is a bestselling novelist in the West

• He has stopped practicing dentistry

What did Al Aswani insist on keeping despite his success as a novelist?

• His government job

• His teaching position

• His dental clinic

• His music career

How many times was Al Aswani's work rejected by the government before his breakthrough?

• Twice

• Once

• Three times

• Four times

What was Al Aswani's plan before achieving success with 'The Yacoubian Building'?

• To open more dental clinics

• To immigrate to New Zealand

• To start a new career in music

• To continue writing indefinitely

Which novel became the best-selling novel in the Arab world from 2002 to 2007?

• The Yacoubian Building

• Palace Walk

• Chicago

• The Cairo Trilogy

What is the title of Al Aswani's novel that surpassed 'The Yacoubian Building' in sales?

• The Map of Love

• Palace Walk

• The Cairo Trilogy

• Chicago

In how many languages is 'The Yacoubian Building' available?

• 15 languages

• 22 languages

• 10 languages

• 30 languages