Jurji Zaydan's 'The Stray Mamluk' (Al-Mamluk Al-Sharid) is a compelling historical novel that immerses readers in the tumultuous final decades of Mamluk rule in Egypt, particularly during the Ottoman conquest. Zaydan, a pioneer of the modern Arabic novel, masterfully blends historical accuracy with fictional narrative to recount the adventures and struggles of a Mamluk warrior caught between loyalty to a fading empire and the dawn of a new era. The novel explores themes of power, betrayal, love, and identity amidst significant political upheaval, offering a vivid portrayal of a pivotal moment in Egyptian history and the lives of those impacted by profound societal shifts. It serves as both an entertaining story and an insightful look into the past.