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Kafka in Tangier
Kafka in Tangier is a contemporary Moroccan novel that masterfully weaves magical realism, absurdity, and postmodernism to provide a fresh take on Kafka's Metamorphosis. Delving into themes of transformation, alienation, and control, this captivating tale follows Jawad Al-Idrisi, a disillusioned teacher whose unrealized dreams of becoming a literary critic take an unexpected turn when he awakens as a monstrous creature. As he grapples with his new reality, Jawad is forced to confront his family's hidden truths and the oppressive structures of modern society.
Jawad Al-Idrisi relinquishes his literary aspirations to become a teacher, burdened by a callous father who shows no remorse for his neglect. Despite Jawad's tireless efforts to support his family, his life takes a surreal twist when he awakens as a grotesque, odorous creature, sparking chaos in their home and community. His transformation leads to his dismissal, plunging the family into hardship. Hind, Jawad's devoted sister, bears the brunt of their misfortune, caring for her brother and their home while being forced by her father to abandon her education and work at a café to make ends meet. Tragically, her resilience begins to wane.
Jawad's compelling story unfolds through multiple first, from his own viewpoint as a hideous monster; second, from his mother's perspective as she seeks to free her son from his "curse"; third, from his father's viewpoint; and finally, from his younger sister's perspective, captured through intimate diary entries. By devoting narrative space to each character involved in this series of unfortunate events, the novel invites readers to contemplate the situation from diverse angles. Each character's chapter delves into their background and provides insights into their lives – their identity, origins, and the circumstances that have shaped them – lending the characters a vivid, three-dimensional quality.
Jawad Al-Idrisi relinquishes his literary aspirations to become a teacher, burdened by a callous father who shows no remorse for his neglect. Despite Jawad's tireless efforts to support his family, his life takes a surreal twist when he awakens as a grotesque, odorous creature, sparking chaos in their home and community. His transformation leads to his dismissal, plunging the family into hardship. Hind, Jawad's devoted sister, bears the brunt of their misfortune, caring for her brother and their home while being forced by her father to abandon her education and work at a café to make ends meet. Tragically, her resilience begins to wane.
Jawad's compelling story unfolds through multiple first, from his own viewpoint as a hideous monster; second, from his mother's perspective as she seeks to free her son from his "curse"; third, from his father's viewpoint; and finally, from his younger sister's perspective, captured through intimate diary entries. By devoting narrative space to each character involved in this series of unfortunate events, the novel invites readers to contemplate the situation from diverse angles. Each character's chapter delves into their background and provides insights into their lives – their identity, origins, and the circumstances that have shaped them – lending the characters a vivid, three-dimensional quality.
82 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 5, 2023
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May 18, 2023
Moroccan writer Mohammed Said Hjiouij has taken Kafka’s Metamorphosis and reinterpreted it for contemporary society. Protagonist Jawad Al-Idrisi is an overworked and disillusioned teacher who harbours ambitions to be a literary critic. One morning he wakes to find himself transformed into some sort of monstrous creature and has to confront his family and his life in very changed circumstances. I found the book a clever, sometimes amusing and ultimately a tragic take on Kafka’s story. Much more than an homage, Hjiouij takes the tale and runs with it to remarkable effect. Engaging, thought-provoking and memorable, Kafka with a modern twist, this is a wonderful read and I very much enjoyed it.
Displaying 1 of 1 review