". an Eastern Magic Mountain. " -- London Review of Books "A richly woven tapestry that, even before its completion, merits comparison with Naguib Mahfouz's celebrated Cairo Trilogy. A great work in progress." -- Kirkus Reviews "Ali spins a web of tales that is as inventive and fantastical as the Arabian nights." -- The Times "Tales of anguish, longing, lust and love all find their way to The Stone Woman . Ali paints a vivid picture of a fading world." -- New York Times Book Review "This Chekhov-like scenario of intense emotion within a creaking social structure constructs a rich picture of history and the way we think about history.

" -- Times Literary Supplement.