That Other Me

<p>From the #1 internationally bestselling author of <em>The Sand Fish </em> Maha Gargash's second novel is set in mid-1990s Dubai and Cairo and tells the story of how secrets and betrayals consume three members--an authoritarian father a rebellious abandoned daughter and a vulnerable niece--of a prominent Emirati family.</p><p>Majed the head of the eminent Naseemy family is proud to have risen into the upper echelons of Emirati society. As one of the richest businessmen in Dubai he's used to being catered to and respected--never mind that he acquired his wealth by cheating his brother out of his own company and depriving his niece Mariam of her rights.</p><p>Not one to dwell on the past--he sent Mariam to school in Egypt what more could she want from him?--Majed spends his days berating his wife and staff and cavorting with friends at a private apartment. But he's suddenly plagued by nightmares that continue to haunt him during the day and he feels his control further slipping away with the discovery that his niece and his daughter are defying his orders.</p><p>Mariam despises Majed and although she blames him for her father's death hers is a strictly-organized dutiful existence. But when she falls for a brash mischievous fellow student named Adel he might just prove to be her downfall.</p><p>Largely abandoned by Majed as the daughter of a second secret marriage the vivacious Dalal has a lot to prove. The runner-up on Nights of Dubai an American Idol-type reality show for Arab talent Dalal is committed to being a singer despite the fact that it's a disreputable career. When her efforts to become a celebrity finally begin to pay off she attracts the attention of her father who is determined to subdue Dalal to protect the family name. As Majed increasingly exerts his control over both Dalal and Mariam both girls resist with explosive consequences.</p><p>An exhilarating look at the little-known <em>Khaleeji</em> (Gulf-Arab) culture <em>That Other Me</em> explores the ways social mores contribute to the collapse of one family.</p>