The novel "Tales of Khanka" provides us with a synthesis of the history of an Egyptian family that emigrates from their village to find themselves leading the establishment of a "leprosy colony" in Khanka. The immigration adventure turns into a leap into a new world ruled by bureaucracy they will have to face in order to build their community.

Without advancing officially in the formal ranks, the women of the family lead the establishment of this new world: building houses, marrying children, and determining the fate of husbands. Grandmothers and mothers appear strong and practical, while men are dreamy and adventurous, going through life as if it was a game to win by simply playing it and taking chances. The Stories cover more than six decades: starting before the 1919 revolution until 1973 war, which opens the door for new events.The author takes us in a narrative adventure that leaves us full entertained, amused and challenged to ask question. He does that using a writing style closest to the verbal story telling: one that ranges between the personal and the general, between the subjective and the collective,.

Yasser Allam is a writer, theater critic and lecturer at the Academy of Arts. He has published several plays that have been translated into more than one language. He participated in training and founding more than one creative writing workshop. He participated in many local and international scientific conferences with research papers on the techniques of writing and the function of creative practice, and "stories of Khanka" is His first novel.