Set in Alexandria this classic & much-loved memoir chronicles the exploits of Andre Acimans colourful Sephardic Jewish family from its arrival in Egypt at the turn of the century to its forced departure three generations later. Aciman tells a story of childhood innocence of intricate family life & the pain of exile from a place one loves. His memories are adorned with eccentric characters: mysterious Uncle Vili
- soldier salesman Italian Fascist & British spy; the two grandmothers the Princess & the Saint who gossip in six different languages; his melancholy Aunt Flora who warns that Jews lose everything at least twice in their lives; & his father who considers converting to Islam in order to stay in Alexandria. Elegant beautifully-written moving & witty Out of Egypt" bridges cultures & generations & provides a moving portrait of a by-gone world."