Mona Ramses

Egypt-downunder: Becoming Australian Mona Ramses

The author has lived in multicultural societies in both Egypt where she was born and Australia where she migrated. This book describes the process of adaptation of a migrant. The influence of different cultures is clearly depicted. The social, historical and cultural description of both countries provides interesting reading to people from both countries and also to first and second generation migrants from any country in the world. The book recounts personal events in the author's life, and talks about the emotional side connected to migration and displacement. Egypt is an important country in the Middle East, it is said to be the cradle of civilisation. Egypt has been seen as a moderate Arab country. It has many customs and traditions that have been influenced by the presence of Europeans. These traditions are part of the culture where the author lived till the age of 20 when she migrated to Australia. She describes the transition to the Australian culture and her revisiting of Egypt after nearly three decades. The book also describes the present (2011) Egyptians' protests against the current regime and how this is affecting her sentiments towards her native country. The author compares and contrasts the revolution of 1952 to the current one. In conclusion she sums up her perception of her cultural identity.