Day 4: Books, the women in A Dead Djinn in Cairo

[kiestan]

Reccing P. Djèlí Clark's 12k word-long short story, A Dead Djinn in Cairo, which you can read for free on Tor/Reactormag here!

Synopsis: Egypt, 1912. In an alternate Cairo infused with the otherworldly, the Ministry of Alchemy, Enchantments and Supernatural Entities investigate disturbances between the mortal and the (possibly) divine. What starts off as an odd suicide case for Special Investigator Fatma el-Sha’arawi leads her through the city’s underbelly as she encounters rampaging ghouls, saucy assassins, clockwork angels, and a plot that could unravel time itself.

In hindsight, I think octahedrite first recommended this on her journal a few years ago. But the lead character, Fatma el-Sha’arawi, made such an impression on me that she's fresh in my memory. She's a little vain, extremely capable, and exudes so much action. She reminds me of Ann Lister from Gentleman Jack. The supporting cast were written well, too, including Siti (hot af, you can find out about her from the story; I won't spoil!) I was genuinely surprised by the strength of the female characters and the implied queerness at the end.

Come be feral at this description of Fatma with me:

Today she’d chosen a light gray suit, complete with a matching vest, chartreuse tie, and a red-on-white pinstriped shirt. She had picked it up in the English District, and had it specially tailored to fit her small frame. The accompanying walking cane—a sturdy length of black steel capped by a silver pommel, a lion’s head—was admittedly a bit much. But it added a flair of extravagance to the ensemble. And her father always said if people were going to stare, you should give them a show.

Comments

[profiterole_reads]

I haven't had a chance to read P. Djèlí Clark's series yet (my to-read list is sooo~ long), but this is a great description. <3

[kiestan]

:D I heard he turned this world into a novella (and a novel?) -- they're on my very long to-read list too!

[profiterole_reads]

This list has 4 titles, including 1 novel.

[kiestan]

Bless you!!!!!!

[dolorosa_12]

I love all the stories in this series, and Fatma is such a fun character.

[wearing_tearing]

I love Fatman and this world! <3

[lightbird]

Thank you for the rec. This sounds so interesting.

[cmk418]

Sounds like fun! Thanks for recommending this!

[elperian]

I really enjoyed this story when I read it, and have the rest of the series on my to-read list!

[alchemicink]

Thanks for the rec! I'm putting this on my to-read list immediately. Also that description of Fatma sounds excellent and fun!

[zdenka]

Cool, I'll go read it!

[snowynight]

Thank you for the rec! It sounds fascinating!

[impala_chick]

Oh I read Ring Shout by the same author, and it had some great female characters - so thanks for this rec! I'm excited that I can just read the story online. That description is indeed A+++.

[scintilla10]

Oooh, yes! I haven't read all the stories in this series yets, but Fatma is such a great character. :D