Long-time resident of Egypt, Maria Golia is the author of critically acclaimed non-fiction, including Cairo: City of Sand (2004), Photography and Egypt (2009) and Ornette Coleman: The Territory and the Adventure (2020), all published by Reaktion Books.

captures with astonishing detail the sounds, smells, street dynamics and customs of the city . . . [Golia's] book offers an immersive experience that will prepare you for Cairo’s intensity and bustle. - Yasmine El-Rashidi, New York Timesa magnificent, multidimensional, eloquent and, above all, intelligent portrait of one of the world's most enigmatic places. - Sunday Timespacked full of observations of enduring worth . . . She writes with wit, immediacy, intimacy and humor. - Times Literary SupplementWell-researched, reflective . . . Golia crams her book with anecdotes and personal experience, giving us an intimate picture of an inimitable, modern city. - The Good Book GuideI was half way through Golia's book [when] the enormity of the challenges faced by the ordinary Cairene . . . struck me, a Cairene, full force. - Al-Ahram Weekly, CairoIs it possible for a foreigner living in Cairo, even for many years, to know the soul of this city? . . . you will be astonished when you read Maria Golia's book. - Sabah El-Kher magazine, Cairothe extent of Golia's insider status really shows . . . not just regarding matters specific to Cairo, but to matters of Egyptian-ness in general. - Beirut Daily Starastonishingly astute, skillfully critical and deeply empathetic. - Daily Star, Egyptwritten with compassion and understanding in brisk descriptions sprinkled with shrewd insights. - Middle East Journal