In "Playing Cards in Cairo," British journalist Hugh Miles offers a vivid memoir of his experiences in Cairo, where he immerses himself in the lives of young Egyptian women through weekly card games. Introduced to the traditional game of tarneeb by Roda, an Egyptian doctor he falls in love with, Miles gains unique insights into the challenges these women face in a conservative society. The narrative delves into themes of love, cultural boundaries, and the complexities of modern Egyptian life. Hugh Miles, born in 1977 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, is a freelance journalist and author specializing in Middle Eastern affairs. Educated at Oxford and Trinity College Dublin, he has contributed to major publications and produced investigative documentaries, earning recognition for his in-depth reporting on the region.