Nasr City & New Cairo IW Club’s -novel The Era of Damiana

Nasr City & New Cairo IW Club’s.

At a recent Book Club meeting under the slogan “Shine a Light” on Saturday, May 18, 2024, Nasr City IWC led by Mrs. Sherine Arafa, & New Cairo IWC led by Mrs. Nihal El Bakry, and the Rotary Club of Nasr City, led by Mr. Helmy Al-Saeed, hosted writer Dr. Osama Al-Shazly. The event was also attended by Mrs. Mona Abu Al-Futouh, Chairman of District 95/ Egypt and Jordan. This marked Dr. Al-Shazly’s second meeting with the club, where he discussed his novel “The Era of Damiana,” exploring the complex concept of identity and its connections to homeland, religion,
values, culture, and race. 
In the novel, Demiana is the daughter of the protagonist, who struggles with his identity. His mother is Coptic, his father is Melkite Catholic, and he was raised by a Sunni Muslim in a country ruled by Shiites.
Amidst a diverse and ethnically divided society, each group strives to assert its identity, often leading to violence and a disregard for humanity. The protagonist ultimately embraces his  ultifaceted identity, writing a covenant to his daughter that expresses a profound understanding:

“The essence of man is not limited by homeland, land, religion, or sect. Man’s limits encompass the universe, and his ultimate destination lies with the Creator who made him and chose earth as his home. Though I thought to live as an individual, I realized that the most beautiful aspect of life is its continuation, which is only possible through sharing it with others.”

The meeting was both fruitful and engaging, with lively discussions enjoyed by all. The event concluded with the anticipation of a future Book Club meeting featuring Dr. Osama Al-Shazly and his book “Gog and Magog.”