Vibrantly descriptive and evocative of Egypt and Cairo during the final years of British colonial rule during the mid-20th century, this debut novel by Jasmin Attia tells the compelling story of a young Egyptian woman, Laila, who defies the restrictive traditional roles set for women at that time, and instead follows a path inspired by her musician father-a much-beloved oud player-to become a singer and performer in her own right. After extricating herself from an abusive marriage, Laila struggles to maintain her independence as a singer in Cairo's chic international nightclubs, and embarks on an affair that puts her in grave danger, forcing her to make a decision that will forever alter the course of her life.