Journal Entry 1 by jeniwren from Greigs Flat, New South Wales Australia on Wednesday, November 24, 2010

In her exciting debut, Laila Lalami evokes the grit and enduring grace that is modern Morocco and offers an authentic look at the Muslim immigrant experience today.



The book begins as four Moroccans illegally cross the Strait of Gibraltar in an inflatable boat headed for Spain. There’s Murad, a gentle, educated man who’s been reduced to hustling tourists around Tangier; Halima, who’s fleeing her drunken husband and the slums of Casablanca; Aziz, who must leave behind his devoted wife to find work in Spain; and Faten, a student and religious fanatic whose faith is at odds with an influential man determined to destroy her future.

What has driven these men and women to risk their lives? And will the rewards prove to be worth the danger? Sensitively written with beauty and boldness, this is a grip­ping book about people in search of a better future.

 

Journal Entry 2 by jeniwren at Greigs Flat, New South Wales Australia on Sunday, January 09, 2011

First time novelist Lalami has written a beautitul story that is surprisingly detailed for a slim novel of 200 pages. It begins with the crossing from Morocco by four protagonists, an abused wife, a fanatical student, a hustler and a husband seeking decent wages by way of the Strait of Gibraltar for a new life in Spain. The pilot refuses to take them all the way where they are tipped into the ocean and forced to swim only to be met by the waiting authorities as they reach the shore. It is here that the story reverses and we meet each character in turn and what led to their decision to flee. The prospect of drowning takes on a symbolic reference as they are people trapped in oppressive lives and cultures. All too often we hear about ‘ illegal immigrants’ and the author has succeeded in giving a human face to her characters where governments always refer to them as illegal in a political construct. Sadly it is the case that for many who choose this option it remains but a dream and ultimately a dangerous pursuit.  

Journal Entry 3 by jeniwren at Greigs Flat, New South Wales Australia on Monday, April 11, 2011

Travelling with company to the next recipient of the SCBE. 

Journal Entry 4 by catsalive at Rooty Hill, New South Wales Australia on Wednesday, May 04, 2011

Thanks jeniwren, & for the little extras hiding inside the cover.