Umm Kulthum from birth to legend

Author's name: Hassan Abdel Mawgoud

In fifty amazing literary tales, told in a smooth and charming language, this book narrates the life of Umm Kulthum. The stories trace the legend of the "Star of the East" from her childhood singing to the geese in her family's home in the village of Tamai al-Zahaira, to her childhood entertaining the simple folk in the Delta villages, to her young woman who came to Cairo, surrounded by the protection of sheikhs, until she became a woman sought by everyone: strangers and those closest to her, the Germans and the Allies, the king and the Free Officers. Umm Kulthum maintained the rural girl vibe beneath her skin, even as she pursued fashion and acquired perfumes, dresses, glasses, and brooches from the finest international brands. She knew how to control her pace from growing up in mud houses until she reached the palaces of kings, princes, and presidents.

This book explores the feelings of "the lady" in love and motherhood, and how she managed her battle with the singers of the old days and her relationship with the monarchy, revolution, the press, gossip, and snakes.