The Mistress of Nothing

Kate Pullinger

The Duff Gordons were not wealthy, and she had to travel with only one companion, her maid, Sally, who had been a member of the household since she was orphaned as a child, and acted as midwife on the birth of Lucie’s youngest child.

This is their second visit to Egypt, and both women speak some Arabic, but nevertheless decide to employ a dragoman or interpreter, Omar Abu Halaweh, to smooth their path in a society unaccustomed to independent women. Omar is also a historical figure, and there is a portrait of him inside the back cover.