The Buried cover art

The Buried

Life, Death and Revolution in Egypt

 Preview
LIMITED TIME OFFER

3 Months Free

$8.99/month after 3 months. Cancel anytime.
Get this deal
Offer ends on 29 July 2026 at 11:59 AEST.
More purchase options

The Buried

By: Peter Hessler
Narrated by: Peter Hessler
Get this deal

$8.99/month after 3 months. Cancel anytime. Offer ends on 29 July 2026 at 11:59 AEST.

Buy Now for $33.46

Buy Now for $33.46

In 2011, the world's eyes were on Egypt as revolution swept across the country. But what lay below the surface of events was harder to see. Living in Cairo, over the following years award-winning writer Peter Hessler set out to uncover the everyday lives and archaeological secrets of a country in turmoil.

From the protests in Tahrir square, to Egypt's first democratic elections, and on to the massacres, the coup and its aftermath, The Buried follows the ongoing events of the Arab Spring while also exploring the social forces and historical context behind it. At its heart lies human stories: iconoclastic Pharaoh Akhenaten, rubbish collector Sayyid, Arabic teacher Rifaat, Chinese lingerie salesmen and resourceful archaeologists.

Together, they raise the question: is revolution just repetition, or can things really change? Through extraordinary firsthand reporting and deep research, Hessler brings to light the relationship between the ancient past and the contemporary condition, the political and the personal, to create an unforgettable work of literary and documentary brilliance.

©2019 Peter Hessler (P)2019 Penguin Random House Middle East Politics & Government Africa Iran Pharaoh Ancient Egypt Socialism Crusade
adbl_web_anon_alc_button_suppression_t1
All stars
Most relevant
Initially found the long background study of Egyptian politics to be wearisome but it is well worth pushing through early chapters as it is necessary to get a complete understanding of the context for the revolution.

The real strength of ‘The Buried’ lies in Hesslers ability to bring to life fascinating and hilarious quirky Egyptian characters. The illiterate garbage man feuding with his educated wife. The ornery socialist Arabic teacher.
Hessler has a keen sense of humor while crafting a satisfying and interesting narrative.

Excellent

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
In the spirit of reconciliation, Audible acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.