Abdel Hakim Qasem

Abdel Hakim Qasem (1934 - 1990), is considered one of the most significant authors in Egyptian literature during the past thirty years. [http://weekly.ahram.org.eg/2000/487/cu2.htm] He was born in Al Bandara village, near Tanta. During the 50s he moved to Cairo, and began writing until the 60s when he was imprisoned for 4 years because of his membership in a leftist secret party. He lived in exile in Berlin from 1974 until 1985. He then came back to Cairo where he died in 1990. He has written five novels, four novellas, five short story books, and a play.