"Life Is but a Moment" by Youssef El Sebai
Overview
Life Is but a Moment is a novel by the renowned Egyptian writer Youssef El Sebai. Blending romance with social realism, politics, and history, it stands as one of his most significant works.
Published in 1973—just five months before the October War—the novel was later adapted into a film in 1978, shortly after El Sebai’s assassination.
Historical Background
The story is set in Egypt during the War of Attrition (1969–1970), the period following the country’s defeat in the June 1967 war. Through its narrative, the novel seeks to shed light on the heroism and sacrifices of Egyptian soldiers during this difficult time, while also reflecting the hopes and struggles of Egyptian society as it prepared for a war of liberation.
Main Characters
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Ne’amat: A cultured and patriotic journalist at a leading Cairo newspaper. She finds herself at odds with her husband because of their conflicting political and national views.
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Abdel Qader: Ne’amat’s husband and editor-in-chief of her newspaper. Cynical and despairing during the war, he indulges in nightlife and fleeting affairs, creating deep marital rifts.
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Mahmoud: A commando officer, brave and devoted to his country but facing personal struggles in his marriage.
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Salah and Abdel Aziz: Young soldiers Ne’amat meets during her volunteer work, with whom she forms close human connections.
Plot Summary
The novel opens in late 1969. Ne’amat grows increasingly estranged from Abdel Qader, whose pessimistic wartime articles and immoral behavior clash with her patriotic ideals. Believing that national service defines a person’s true character, she leaves behind her troubled marriage to volunteer at a hospital.
Through her work, she meets soldiers and officers such as Mahmoud, Salah, and Abdel Aziz, supporting them in both their personal and emotional struggles. She later travels to the front lines in Suez—particularly Jebel Ataqa and Shadwan Island—to boost the morale of soldiers, writing about their hopes and aspirations.
As the War of Attrition continues, Ne’amat witnesses the loss of many soldiers she had come to know. Amid this backdrop of sacrifice, a romantic bond develops between her and Mahmoud, prompting her eventual separation from Abdel Qader.
The novel concludes with the victory of the October War, though marked by the heavy price of many fallen heroes. After the war, Ne’amat reunites with Mahmoud and decides to begin a new chapter in her life, bringing her personal story to a close.
Themes and Messages
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Patriotism and Sacrifice: The novel highlights the courage and selflessness of Egyptian soldiers and underscores the importance of national duty and devotion.
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Personal and Social Conflict: It explores the inner struggles of individuals torn between private life and patriotic responsibility.
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Hope and Transformation: Despite pain and loss, the story ends on a note of renewal, with Ne’amat choosing a new path after the war.
Reception and Criticism
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Film Adaptation: Directed by Mohamed Radi, the 1978 film starred Magda and Mahmoud Yassin. However, it faced boycotts in several Arab countries due to the Camp David Accords, resulting in significant financial losses.
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Critical Response: The novel is considered one of El Sebai’s most important works, praised for its seamless blending of romance, politics, and history, as well as its refined literary style.
Conclusion
Life Is but a Moment is more than just a novel—it is a complete literary tableau that captures a pivotal moment in Egypt’s history. It reminds us that a lifetime may be reduced to a single moment, yet that moment can change both a person’s destiny and the course of a nation.
For the original summary in Arabic
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