Tahar Ben Jelloun is a Moroccan writer whose works are penned in French, though his native tongue is Arabic. He gained renown for his 1985 novel. His writing often delves into themes of identity, exile, and cultural encounters. Residing in Paris, his literary contributions are celebrated for their distinctive style and profound insights into the human condition.
The narrative delves into the challenges of interracial marriage within Islamic Moroccan society, focusing on Amir's "pleasure marriage" to Senegalese Nabou. Their union not only defies societal norms but also triggers familial discord, leading to a cycle of tragedy that affects future generations. Through this poignant exploration of love and cultural tensions, the story highlights the complexities of identity and acceptance.
An innocent man's gripping personal account of terrifying confinement by the Moroccan military during the reign of a formidable twentieth-century despot In 1967 Tahar Ben Jelloun, a peaceful young political protestor, was one of nearly a hundred other hapless men taken into punitive custody by the Moroccan army. It was a time of dangerous importance in Moroccan history, and they were treated with a chilling brutality that not all of them survived. This powerful portrait of the narrator's traumatic experience, written with a memoirist's immediacy, reveals both his helpless terror and his desperate hope to survive by drawing strength from his love of literature. Shaken to the core by his disillusionment with a brutal regime, unsure of surviving his ordeal, he stole some paper and began secretly to write, with the admittedly romantic idea of leaving some testament behind, a veiled denunciation of the evils of his time. His first poem was published after he was unexpectedly released, and his vocation was born.
The story of one couple - first from the husband's point of view, then from the wife's. The husband, a painter in Casablanca, has been paralyzed by a stroke at the very height of his career and becomes convinced that his marriage is the reason for his decline. Walled up within his illness and desperate to break free of a deeply destructive relationship, he finds escape in writing a secret book about his hellish marriage. When his wife finds it, she responds point by point with her own version of the facts, offering her own striking and incisive reinterpretation of their story.
A tender portrait of a son's love for his mother, who is battling Alzheimer's, by internationally bestselling, award-winning Moroccan author
Tahar Ben Jelloun’s By Fire , the first fictional account published on the Arab Spring, reimagines the true-life self-immolation of Mohamed Bouazizi in Tunisia, an event that has been credited with setting off the Tunisian revolt. The novella depicts the days leading up to Bouazizi’s self-immolation. Ben Jelloun’s deliberate ambiguity about the location of the story, set in an unnamed Islamic country, allows the reader to imagine the experiences and frustrations of other young men who have endured physical violence and persecution in places beyond Tunisia. The tale begins and ends in fire, and the imagery of burning frames the political accounts in The Spark , Ben Jelloun’s nonfiction writings on the Tunisian events that provide insight into the despotic regimes that drove Bouazizi to such despair. Rita S. Nezami’s elegant translations and critical introduction provide the reader with multiple strategies for approaching these potent texts.
Exploring the contrasts between traditional and modern values, this novel delves into the immigrant experience and the quest for a sense of belonging. Through rich storytelling, it reflects on the challenges and aspirations faced by those navigating their identities in a changing world. The narrative highlights the emotional journey of seeking home amidst cultural shifts, showcasing the author’s profound insights into human resilience and connection.
The collection features two powerful epic poems that delve into the harsh realities and profound repercussions of war and violence in the Middle East. Through vivid imagery and poignant language, the poems explore themes of loss, suffering, and the enduring impact of conflict on individuals and communities. The work serves as a reflection on the human condition amidst turmoil, highlighting both personal and collective struggles in a region marked by strife.
The book presents a thoughtful exploration of racism tailored for younger audiences, using accessible language and relatable examples. It aims to educate children about the complexities of racism, encouraging critical thinking and empathy. By addressing difficult topics in a straightforward manner, it seeks to empower the next generation to recognize and challenge discriminatory attitudes. The French edition adapts these themes for a different cultural context, making the conversation about racism relevant and engaging for its readers.
Ben Jelloun crafts a horrific real-life narrative into fiction to tell the appalling story of the desert concentration camps in which King Hassan II of Morocco held his political enemies under the most harrowing conditions.
The magic of Morocco has enticed many visitors by its people and places.