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Synopsis

A grand and passionate love story, bringing to life the glittering final days of the British Empire.

Son and daughter of diplomats in Cairo, the gentle Serena Pasha and Mark Holt are good-looking and privileged, growing up in a magical world of champagne breakfasts and midnight picnics at the pyramids. Their lives entwined since childhood, they grow ever closer as adults. Yet Serena's hand has been promised not to Mark, but to his brother, Greg.

However, as the Second World War speeds closer to Cairo, a shocking accident gives these young lovers a second chance - but with this chance comes terrible dangers. Egypt  is threatened not only by the German army but by nationlist forces within Cairo determined to end the British occupation at any cost. The country torn apart, and with enemies everywhere, Mark and Serena's love is tested to the limit.

Press Reviews

'A story as majestic and fertile as its setting' - Publishers Weekly

'Barber is a master' - Mail on Sunday

About the Author

Noel Barber, author of over thirty books including the bestselling Tanamera, A Farewell to France and The Weeping and the Laughter, enchanted millions of readers around the world. He was for many years chief foreign correspondent of the Daily Mail and drew heavily upon his own experiences to create his powerfully exotic novels full of intrigue and adventure.

He has lived in France and in Cairo, where he met Nasser, Sadat and King Farouk. His novel, A Woman of Cairo,  inspired by the glittering but treacherous last days of British rule was the result and was recognised as his finest novel by by critics and readers alike. Barber was the first Briton to reach the South Pole since Scott, was stabbed five times while covering the Moroccan wars and was shot in the head during the Hungarian uprising. Noel Barber died in 1988.