Exploring 'The Arabian Nightmare'

This chapter examines Robert Irwin's novel, 'The Arabian Nightmare', through a captivating excerpt that blends surreal imagery with rich historical context. It delves into themes of reality versus dreams, the protagonist's turbulent journey in 1486 Cairo, and critiques of Orientalism. The discussion highlights the complexity of the narrative, intertwining scholarship with mystical elements, and reveals how the novel inverts the optimism of traditional 'Arabian Nights' tales.