We do not plant thorns

The novel revolves around Sayeda Abdel-Galil, a girl who suffered from the cruelty of her stepmother from childhood, growing up feeling deprived of affection and security. After her father's death, her suffering intensifies when she is expelled from her home and faces the harshness of society alone. She works as a maid and is exploited, but she remains steadfast in her dignity and her dream of a better life. Through Sayeda's character, Youssef El-Sebai sheds light on the suffering of ordinary women, the cruelty of poverty, and social injustice, while also showcasing the strength of will and the ability to overcome the obstacles others place in their path. The novel carries a powerful human message: that life, despite its hardships, can bear fruit if faced with patience and faith. The novel was also adapted into a famous film starring Shadia and Mahmoud Yassin.