Mohsen Rifaat: Watercolour Artist and Author in Vancouver
Readers' REviews
An eloquent memoir that captures not only the essence of the immigrant experience but also the spirit of adapting and thriving in Canada. As part of the first mass exodus of Egyptians to Canada in the late 1960s, I found his story both authentic and inspiring, a valuable record for future generations.
— Professor Mamdouh Shoukri
Former President and Chancellor, York University. Toronto, Canada
A Memoir is a selected slice of the author’s life. It may be well written and interesting. It may bring new knowledge to the reader’s mind world. In rare cases, the story lingers in the reader’s thoughts because of the choice of detail and the sense of connection with the author’s experiences. Mohsen Rifaat has accomplished all three in ‘Spaces Between the Nile and the True North’, and this reader is most grateful for the voyage shared. I highly recommend you join him on his journey.”
— Virginia Baldwin,
BSc, MD, FRCPC
Vancouver, British Columbia
Rifaat offers a vivid portrait of a life shaped by movement, memory and creativity. ‘Spaces Between the Nile and the True North’ is a thoughtfully written reflection on what it means to belong.
— Sara El Sayed
Brisbane, Australia
Caroline Douglass 4 out of 5 stars
- My thoughts about this remarkable book I am interested in Egyptian culture during the time of British rule, before the revolution that led to Sadat's government. This autobiography provided a remarkably personal account of the author as a Cairo school student under the British system, while at the same time being the son of an upper middle class Arabic-speaking Egyptian family. The interplay of the two cultures was fascinating, giving him a foothold in both the English and Arabic worlds. Particularly vivid were his recollections of summer holidays spent in Alexandria. But this is also a true immigrant's story: he capitalized on the British part of his culture by moving to Canada, where he has spent the rest of his life, but also capitalized on his Arabic identity by rising to the role of a Canadian Government international trade representative who was posted all over the Islamic world. As if this was not enough complexity for one life, he remained true to his original education as an architect and also ended up finding international recognition as a watercolour artist! I found the entire book as interesting as a good novel, with its twists and turns of plot development, despite this being the real experience of one man who ended up having a life he could not have imagined as an Egyptian high school student. A real page-turner! I thoroughly enjoyed it.HelpfulReport
Rafik L 5 out of 5 stars
- What it mean to be Canadian? I thoroughly enjoyed Spaces Between the Nile and the True North and read it almost nonstop to the end. It has a captivating narrative. Having also come from Egypt to Canada in 1968, I closely identified with Mohsen’s experience of cultural fusion and the challenge of finding one’s place in a new society. I particularly related to his early adjustment to the unfamiliar and highly competitive Canadian business world, so different from what we had known in Egypt.
The book brought back many memories and gave me great pleasure. I am glad our generation’s experiences have been preserved for our children and grandchildren. I strongly recommend it to anyone interested not only in the immigrant experience and life between two culture's, but also any one interest in a story of perseverance, work ethics, and finding one’s true identity in fast paced complex world.
Top reviews from the United States
- Platinum 5 out of 5 stars Richly crafted beautiful memoir
Reviewed in the United States on September 9, 2026 In the introduction the author says he thought writing this memoir would be only for his descendants, I’m so glad the people around him encouraged him otherwise. The writer mentions his fondness of art and architecture but the way he describes his life story is a beautiful art all its own. I got a beautiful personal historical insight into Egypt of the 1950s and as a Canadian I really appreciated the authors pride in his journey to become a Canadian.
- Ashley johnson 5 out of 5 stars Good read
Reviewed in the United States on September 8, 2026 I enjoyed the way this book looks at the space between Egyptian and Canadian culture without making the differences feel like a simple comparison. The discussion of cultural fusion, identity, and negotiating traditions in everyday life gave me a lot to think about. I especially liked how the Nile and the True North are used as a way to connect two very different places and experiences. It felt thoughtful, personal, and easy to relate to.HelpfulReport
- Jo madron 5 out of 5 stars An immigrants journey
Reviewed in the United States on September 6, 2026 This is one Egyptian's personal journey from waiting to immigrate to Canada during the 1950s through to his actual immigration, waiting almost a whole year in Holland, for his full visa to Canada. He becomes a fully qualified engineer/architect and married to his college sweetheart. He becomes a person of note in his new community while trying to being able to navigate different societal norms.HelpfulReport
- Star Steven . 5 out of 5 stars Deeply thoughtful
Reviewed in the United States on September 8, 2026 Brilliant, nuanced study of cultural synthesis that resonates long after the last page. Complex and beautiful interplay between Egyptian roots and Canadian life with incredible insight, warmth and intellectual depth.HelpfulReport
- Mady Bobb 5 out of 5 stars Beautiful memoir
Reviewed in the United States on September 3, 2026
II really enjoyed this memoir! I liked getting to follow Rifaat’s journey from growing up in Egypt to building a life in Canada and eventually finding his way back to art. There are a lot of interesting stories about immigration, travel, work, and figuring out where you belong. Some of the historical and career details got a little lengthy for me, but the personal stories were definitely my favorite. Overall, it was an interesting and thoughtful read with a lot of heart.HelpfulReport
- Linda Skupski 5 out of 5 stars Interesting contrast of cultures
Reviewed in the United States on September 3, 2026
Written so you feel like you’re on the journey with him. I found the journey and culture changes interesting. I learned some gist of two different cultures.
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