Book Review: Champs-Élysées Tales by Ayman Selim

This novel is not for the faint of heart. The description of Riad's murder was so intense that it made me gasp. However, Ayman Selim's writing portrays the reality and harshness of living in a place like the Pension Champs-Élysées. Through Riad, we witness the damage and destruction, but also the possibility of finding a way to a brighter future.

Egypt's Nisan Publishing and Distribution House has collaborated with writer Ayman Selim to turn his series "Hawadit of the Champs-Elysées" into a novel to be showcased at the Intentional Cairo Book Fair in New Cairo.

The series has been a huge success since its launch in 2019, receiving widespread acclaim from both audiences and critics alike.

Set in the 1950s, the story revolves around a mysterious murder with five women confessing to the crime, each claiming to not know the other four.

"Hawadit of the Champs-Elysées" features a star-studded cast including Iyad Nassar, Engy Al-Mokadem, Dalia Mostafa, Edward, Mai Selim, Farida Saif Al-Nasr, and Amani Kamal. The show is directed by Markus Adel and produced by Tamer Morsi's Synergy.

Champs-Élysées Tales book is about Riad El-baz who was found stabbed to death at his house, and when the police carry out their investigation, five different women confess to murdering him. What is even more startling is that Riad's mother informs Mahmoud Selim (The prosecutor) he was dead 15 years ago.

She recounts to him the story of her past and how she married Riad's uncle following his father's death, which made Riad decide to take revenge. Riad's mother also tells him about his marriage to Qesmat and their relationship instability.

About the author:

Ayman Selim is an Egyptian author who started his career as a journalist working for various newspapers. Later, he shifted towards producing print, television and radio programs. He also ventured into writing screenplays and started with the series "Hawadit of the Champs-Elysées". Apart from this, he has also written some short films, such as "Sweeter Than Divorce".