This is the first time I read for Abd-el-Koddous. I enjoyed it. My friend, Nadia, recommended it to me. I found it at the public library -like a destined magical encounter- and borrowed it. Although it felt redundant at some places, but it served the content, and the story. Many things happened throughout the book, so it wasn't slow, it was quite eventful. I also got to understand Nadia -the main character's name, what a coincidence! but this Nadia is evil, unlike my sweet friend, mind you! So, I got to really understand this character, and live with her. I felt like I was in that house with her. I can picture the house and the streets and the places she went to. She felt very real. The author clarified and explained thoroughly the psychology of Nadia through her own words (it is a first person narrative). At times, I felt for her, but mostly, I hated this Nadia Lotfy, so vain and selfish and destructive, wearing an angelic mask. The writing style was beautiful, and I was quite satisfied with the ending. I am looking forward to reading another work of this author, since this was very enjoyable. It was worth 3.5 stars, but 3 was too low, so it got 4 stars from me :)