The story of Esther Freud, her sister Bea and their mother's exploits living in Morocco. Unfortunately, Esther, due to her young age at the time, probably has the least interesting viewpoint of what is going on of the three protagonists. I was left constantly wanting to know more as some adult crisis is casually mentioned to be dropped for an in-depth consideration of some childish pursuit. I would really like to read the mother's version as it is hard to judge whether she is the best or worst mother in the world. I suspect she is both.

Picked up at the Ipswich BC meet at Cafe Nero. Thanks for the welcome kind people. This was 1 of 6 books I seem to have slipped into my bag, but this one is a small one!!!

Following the meet and a jolly good Chinese buffet saw Ipswich Town beat Southampton 2-1. Good day out.

I haven't seen the film and prefer to read books that way though of course I pictured the 'Mum' as Kate Winslett as her face is on the cover.

Told from the perspective of the younger of 2 daughters, taken by their mother to live in Marrakesh. Though she obviously loved her daughters 'Mum' is selfish in that she has made this pilgrimage regardless of the needs of her children. She often has no money and no means of earning any. The eldest daughter Bea makes the decision to start school whereas her mother wouldn't have bothered one way or the other. A pleasant quick read, though as a mother I found the attitudes and selfishness of the mother in this book disconcerting.

Perhaps, however, I should applaud her for her bravery in visiting a foreign country on her own with 2 small children.

To be sent on to another bookcrosser who won it in a bookswap (sent with another book 21 dec 06)

Many thanks the book arrived today. Look forward to reading it in 2007.

Merry Christmas and Happy Bookswapping in 2007.x

A nice entertaining read. A charming, quite short story, written from a childs view point about being taken by her Mother to live in Morocco. I won this book in a swap game and hadn't heard of the book or film but I did enjoy reading about their exploits. Well written so that it was all very imaginable.

Now sending this off to Teachie who won it another book swap game.

Enjoy!

This arrived today. I have enjoyed reading Esther Freud's bit in the Telegraph each Sunday so look forward to her book.(When it surfaces on Mt Tbr).

A very entertaining book with lots of interesting facts about everyday life in Morocco. However, I found the mother's attitude to her children incredible. How anyone could wander off and leave a young child to fend for herself whilst she went off to find out about Sufism is beyond comprehension. In this country Bea would have been put into care. The mother is one of the most selfish and silly women I have ever read about, I am surprised that Esther Freud has turned out to be so well-balanced.
I am putting this into another swap.

This arrived today, thanks Teachie. On to mount TBR it goes...