In 1954, the Moroccan resistance against French rule had reached a boiling point. The situation was vividly illustrated by the interaction of the last 4 English speaking people in Fez and a young Muslim named Amar.

Fez, a city rich in history and culture, was a hotbed of political unrest during this time. The Moroccans were tired of the French occupation and were determined to fight for their independence.

The 4 English speaking people, who may have been tourists or expatriates, found themselves in the midst of this turmoil. Their encounter with Amar, a young and passionate Muslim, added another layer of complexity to the situation.

Amar, like many of his fellow Moroccans, was deeply committed to the cause of freedom. He saw the English speakers as potential allies or perhaps as a means to an end. Their conversations and exchanges may have shed light on the different perspectives and motivations at play.

As the resistance continued to grow, the fate of these individuals and their interactions became intertwined with the larger struggle for Moroccan independence. Their story serves as a reminder of the power of human connection and the impact it can have in times of conflict.

More essential Morocco reading offers a deeper exploration into the rich and diverse culture, history, and landscapes of this captivating North African country. Morocco has long been a source of inspiration for writers, poets, and travelers alike, and there is a wealth of literature available that can transport you to its bustling souks, ancient kasbahs, and sun-kissed beaches.

One must-read book is "The Sheltering Sky" by Paul Bowles. Set in the Moroccan desert, this novel delves into the themes of identity, alienation, and the human condition. Bowles' vivid descriptions of the harsh desert environment and the characters' struggles to find meaning in their lives make for a powerful and thought-provoking read.

Another essential title is "Marrakech Express" by Tennessee Williams. This collection of short stories offers a glimpse into the lives of the people who inhabit the vibrant city of Marrakech. Williams' writing is both lyrical and poignant, capturing the essence of this magical place and its people.

For those interested in the history and culture of Morocco, "The Almoravids and the Andalusian Crisis" by Driss Maghraoui is a must-read. This academic work provides a detailed analysis of the Almoravid dynasty and its impact on the Iberian Peninsula. It offers valuable insights into the complex political and cultural relationships between Morocco and Spain during this period.

In conclusion, more essential Morocco reading can enhance your understanding and appreciation of this remarkable country. Whether you are a seasoned traveler or simply curious about Morocco, these books are sure to provide you with a fascinating and engaging read.

I am a big fan of Paul Bowles, and "Sheltering Sky" is one of my all-time favorite books.

I have noticed that there is a significant overlap between this book and another one. To such an extent that I have to criticize him for it. It makes me feel a bit disappointed as I was expecting more originality.

Nevertheless, the back half of this book is an absolute page-turner. Bowles does an outstanding job of seamlessly bringing the various storylines together. It is truly remarkable how he manages to tie up all the loose ends and create a cohesive and engaging narrative.

The way he builds the tension and keeps the reader on the edge of their seat is truly masterful. Overall, despite the initial drawback, the latter part of the book more than makes up for it and leaves a lasting impression.

I have a complex mix of feelings.

SPOILERS:

When the Americans departed from Amar, did that demonstrate how they believed they knew what the "Moslems" required, only to later prove otherwise? Because if so, then that's a clever book, well-written in every regard (the book became highly paced towards the end, and the final scene was truly excellent). It offers a very good examination of the white savior complex, orientalism, and the political situation in Morocco at that time.

However, was the author's portrayal of Amar's perspective and his understanding of Islam racist, generalizing, and sometimes incorrect? In part, definitely - but was that the intention? I don't think it was entirely meant to be the point, but yes, it was part of it.

Overall, it definitely made me think and presented very interesting ideas. I have to see what other people thought of it.

I think it was inevitably going to be strange because the author is writing from the perspective of a young, religious Muslim Moroccan boy when the author does not possess that identity.

Nevertheless, I'm glad I read it.

Bowles’ writing remains as vivid and eloquent as it has always been. However, this particular piece became a bit of a slog for me.

This is partly due to the fact that not a great deal truly occurs within the story. There isn't a highly complex or action-packed plot that keeps one on the edge of their seat.

Nevertheless, it holds a certain kind of interest. It serves as an interesting document that offers multiple perspectives on what it was like during the Moroccan uprisings of the 1950s.

We get to see the events and the atmosphere of that time through different eyes, which gives a more comprehensive understanding of the situation. Although it may not be a thrilling read from a traditional narrative standpoint, its value lies in its ability to provide historical context and a glimpse into the experiences of those involved in the uprisings.

This book is set in the city of Fez, Morocco, specifically in the 1950s when the French were in control. The Muslims in Fez harbored a deep hatred for the French, who resorted to many underhanded tactics to maintain their control. The story follows three main characters: Stenham, an author; Madame Veyron; and Amar, a Muslim boy.

To understand the extent of the Muslims' animosity towards the French, we can look at a musing by Amar. On page 129, he secretly prays to Allah, asking for the French to suffer the most exquisite torture at the hands of the Muslims before being dragged down to hell. He envisions a scenario where their blood is licked by dogs, ants and beetles crawl in and out of their shameful parts, and they are subjected to various forms of humiliation and agony.

Stenham, on the other hand, prides himself on understanding the natives of Fez. He has spent five seasons living there and is regularly invited to dinner at the home of a Muslim family who like him so much that they often ask him to convert to Islam. However, Stenham is an atheist. One day, while musing on what the Muslims believe happens upon death and what he himself believes, he has a profound thought. On page 197, he recalls that as a child of six, he knew that when the physical organism ceased to function, consciousness was extinguished, and that was death, beyond which there was nothing.

Amar, who sees the world through the teachings of his religion and his father, who is descended from the Prophet, struggles to control his feelings of greed when Madame Vervon gives him money to buy a gun for protection in the war against the French. On page 361, he carefully folds the money and puts it away, taking only 200 francs from his own savings. He observes the different attitudes towards money between the rich and the poor and believes that things will change when the French leave. The concept of independence, he thinks, is easily confused with that of social equity.

This book is really quite good.

It offers a nuanced and immersive portrayal of Morocco's early independence movement, presenting it from both an inside and outside perspective.

The author, Bowles, has crafted a narrative that is both engaging and thought-provoking.

While his point of view is not one that I'm sure I fully agree with, I have to admit that the writing and the characters were extremely well executed.

The descriptions are vivid, bringing the setting and the people to life.

The story unfolds in a way that keeps the reader hooked from beginning to end.

Overall, I was very impressed with this book and I will definitely read more of Bowles' work in the future.

I believe that his writing has a lot to offer and I'm looking forward to exploring more of his stories and ideas.

I vividly recall the moment in 1999 when I read Bowles' obituary in a broadsheet newspaper while in a British Army guardroom. I was completely fascinated by the extraordinary life this man had led. Without hesitation, I cut out the piece, carefully folded it up, and made a firm determination to know more about him.

A year later, I found myself in Tangier, Morocco, where Bowles had resided for over half a century. Clutching a dusty and weatherbeaten copy of his famous The Sheltering Sky, I ventured into the myriad, labyrinthine alleys of the souks in the medina, hoping to get a sense of both the place and the book. However, it didn't quite work out as I had hoped. I believe that the modernity of the place could not offer the glimpse I so craved. Although it was beautiful, colourful, and full of hustle and bustle, it simply did not capture the essence of the Tangier of all those years ago.

Feeling disappointed, I put aside my exploration of Paul Bowles for 20 years until I picked up The Spider's House. I didn't really know much about the nationalist insurrection and their struggle to shake off the yoke of French colonialism or the occupation finality in the 1950s. I had read Gavin Maxwell's, Lord's of the Atlas: The Rise and Fall of the House of Glaoua 1893 - 1956 and Peter Mayne's, A Year in Marrakesh, which had provided a welcome insight into what was otherwise an area of ignorance for me.

Bowles allows an omniscient view of a particularly dangerous time in Fez, following the lives of the protagonists, Amar, the Moroccan boy, Stenham, the American writer, and to a lesser extent, Polly (Lee), the American girl and traveler. There are plenty of meaningful and thought-provoking vignettes offered throughout the book on metaphysical thought (in my humble opinion). I couldn't help but wonder if Bowles had studied Ontology, Eschatology, Hamartiology, or Soteriology. Maybe not. He was a talented composer of music, a linguist, and most importantly for us, a great writer. Solid 4 stars.

I read this book mainly because I had an intense love for “The Sheltering Sky.” To be honest, I wasn't exactly let down. In its own unique way, this book is truly brilliant.

The description of Fez, the vast desert, the local people, and the intricate psyche of the religion is all wonderfully captivating. The plot, too, is a runaway train, vividly depicting the uprising of the communists who seemed just as bad as the French colonizers they were up against.

However, I think the issue lies in the actual characters. Personally, I couldn't muster any empathy for any of them. They were all equally unlikable, which perhaps was the whole intention. There's the self-indulgent protagonist who might very well be the author himself, smugly believing he saw everything so clearly. Then there's the dreadful female who accompanied him, the awful Muslim teenager with dreams of violence and rape, his cruel father and supposed friend, and the 'spider' who bullied and controlled.

The only one we could possibly like is the Muslim family mother, but we only caught a fleeting glimpse of her for a few seconds.

Definitely, this book is worth reading if you want to almost literally see, smell, and feel Morocco as it was before it became what it is today. It offers a fascinating and immersive look into a bygone era and a complex society.

A story about incongruent ideologies working with the somewhat best intentions but in the end being kind of the worst.

This is a tale that unfolds in a world where different beliefs and ideas collide. There are those who hold onto their ideologies with unwavering determination, believing that they are on the right path and that their intentions are pure. However, as these diverse ideologies come together and attempt to work towards a common goal, it becomes clear that there are fundamental differences that cannot be easily overcome.

The individuals involved may have the best of intentions, but their incongruent ideologies lead to misunderstandings, conflicts, and ultimately, a situation that is far from ideal. What was supposed to be a harmonious collaboration turns into a chaotic mess, with each side stubbornly clinging to their own views and refusing to budge. In the end, the outcome is not what anyone had hoped for, and it serves as a reminder of the challenges that can arise when different ideologies try to coexist and work together.

At the beginning, it was very easy to read.

At the end, it was a bit more difficult. However, the period described is very interesting, and there are not too many books about it.

It's about Morocco's education under French rule.

The book is worth reading. There is a lot of wisdom in it.

This book provides a unique perspective on a specific historical period, allowing readers to gain a deeper understanding of Morocco's past.

The author's writing style is engaging, making it easy for readers to follow along and become immersed in the story.

Whether you are interested in history, culture, or education, this book has something to offer.

It is a valuable addition to any bookshelf and a great choice for those looking to expand their knowledge and视野.

Overall, I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading about different cultures and historical periods.

Prophetic


The world as it was and shall ever be. This statement holds a certain air of mystery and profundity. It makes one wonder about the cyclical nature of events and how history often repeats itself. In this context, we have a moving novel that delves deep into the abuses of cultures and religions. It explores the dark side of these institutions,揭示了 the harm that can be caused when they are misused or distorted. The novel is not only a powerful indictment of such abuses but also a call to action. It urges us to be vigilant and to stand up against injustice.

The author's writing is truly brilliant. They have a remarkable ability to bring the story to life, making the characters and their experiences feel real and vivid. The prose is engaging and flows smoothly, drawing the reader in and keeping them hooked until the very end. Through this novel, the author has managed to create a work of art that is both thought-provoking and entertaining. It is a must-read for anyone who is interested in exploring the complex issues of culture, religion, and human nature.