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The Last Friend
The Last Friend , the new novel from internationally acclaimed author Tahar Ben Jelloun, winner of the 2004 International Dublin/IMPAC award, is a Rashamon -like tale of friendship and betrayal set in twentieth century Tangier. Written in Ben Jelloun's inimitable and powerfully direct style, the novel explores the twists and turns of an intense thirty-year friendship between two young men struggling to find their identities and sexual fulfillment in Morocco in the late 1950s, a complex and contradictory society both modern and archaic. From their carefree university days through their brutal imprisonment and ultimate release, the two rely on each other for physical and psychological survival, forging bonds not easily broken. Each narrator tells his version of the story, painting a vivid portrait of life lived within and in opposition to the moral strictures of North Africa. Set against a backdrop of repression and disillusionment, The Last Friend is a tale of loss of innocence and a nation's coming of age.
186 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2004
27 people are currently reading
838 people want to read
About the author
Tahar Ben Jelloun
244 books2,235 followersTahar Ben Jelloun (Arabic: الطاهر بن جلون) is a Moroccan writer. The entirety of his work is written in French, although his first language is Arabic. He became known for his 1985 novel L’Enfant de Sable (The Sand Child). Today he lives in Paris and continues to write. He has been short-listed for the Nobel Prize in Literature.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 95 reviews
November 12, 2014
4.5 Tangiers, 1950's and Ali and Mamet meet at school for the first time. Although they are very different they become fast friends, a friendship that will last thirty years. They separate when they go to different colleges, Mamet wants to be a doctor and Ali studies film, but they meet in the summers back in Tangiers. Their friendship, will be forever cemented when they are picked up for subversive activities, sent to a work camp, where they will labor for 18 months.
This is a novel about a remarkable friendship. When I first started reading I thought this might be another book about boys acting badly, sexual scenes and thoughts, drinking etc. The setting of Morocco kept me reading, I had not read many books set there before. So glad I did because this book is so much more. The culture, the politics of the country, the medical situation in both Morocco and Sweden, marriage and infidelity and ultimately a staged betrayal. But who was the betrayer and what was the reason behind it?
We hear from Ali, and then Mamet and finally Ramon, a friend of theirs that they had kept in contact with from their school days. He does play a integral part of this story.
This turned into a very emotional read for me, what a wonderful journey it was. The extra half star is for the last paragraph of the book, it summed it all up perfectly and left me teary eyed.
This is a novel about a remarkable friendship. When I first started reading I thought this might be another book about boys acting badly, sexual scenes and thoughts, drinking etc. The setting of Morocco kept me reading, I had not read many books set there before. So glad I did because this book is so much more. The culture, the politics of the country, the medical situation in both Morocco and Sweden, marriage and infidelity and ultimately a staged betrayal. But who was the betrayer and what was the reason behind it?
We hear from Ali, and then Mamet and finally Ramon, a friend of theirs that they had kept in contact with from their school days. He does play a integral part of this story.
This turned into a very emotional read for me, what a wonderful journey it was. The extra half star is for the last paragraph of the book, it summed it all up perfectly and left me teary eyed.
August 17, 2021
La storia di un'amicizia raccontata (e scandagliata) dalla penna del grande scrittore marocchino attraverso più voci, in una delle quali - non potrà sfuggire agli affezionati lettori - si scorge più di qualcosa della vita dello stesso autore.
Una prosa scorrevole, coinvolgente e molto schietta in cui ho ritrovato, tanto per cambiare quando si tratta di Ben Jelloun, frammenti di quel Marocco che ho conosciuto e vissuto in prima persona (luoghi, persone, mentalità). La vicenda di Ali e Mamed, sullo sfondo della sempre affascinante Tangeri e di un altrove che si richiama immancabilmente alla realtà dell'emigrazione, testimonia come l'amicizia, se il legame è stato vero e profondo, possa attraversare le burrasche delle stagioni dell'esistenza e sopravvivere alla sua rottura. Addirittura anche alla morte.
Una prosa scorrevole, coinvolgente e molto schietta in cui ho ritrovato, tanto per cambiare quando si tratta di Ben Jelloun, frammenti di quel Marocco che ho conosciuto e vissuto in prima persona (luoghi, persone, mentalità). La vicenda di Ali e Mamed, sullo sfondo della sempre affascinante Tangeri e di un altrove che si richiama immancabilmente alla realtà dell'emigrazione, testimonia come l'amicizia, se il legame è stato vero e profondo, possa attraversare le burrasche delle stagioni dell'esistenza e sopravvivere alla sua rottura. Addirittura anche alla morte.
October 24, 2023
La novela es la historia de una amistad de adolescencia y su prolongación durante la vida de los dos protagonistas, narrada por cada uno de ellos, y finalmente por un tercer amigo. Más allá de algunos clichés y situaciones previsibles, un buen trasfondo de Tánger (y las menciones de la historia de Fez) y una excelente narración que me atrapó hasta el final.
February 5, 2021
This is perhaps the first time I’m reading a translation from Morocco and it didn’t disappoint. Set in Tangier, Tahar Ben Jelloun’s The Last Friend is the story of Mamed and Ali, two friends who meet as children and stay inseparable friends through their adult years. Then, something turns and suddenly Mamed walks away leaving Ali devastated.
There are similar, intensely written books on male friendship. A Little Life for one. But where Hanya Yanagihara’s boys set fire to those pages with emotional expressions Jelloun chooses to portray an old-fashioned, traditional male friendship that completely skirts them. Mamed and Ali are cerebral and sophisticated thinkers who share a passion for movies and art. They observe and debate political and cultural changes endlessly. They are pleasure-seekers too, spending time with many a woman in 1950s-60s Morocco.
“They were so inseparable that people called them twins.”
Yet, they hardly touched upon their inner lives. The troubles in their marriage. Issues with money. The wives who looked askance at their friendship. It’s a friendship that’s based on just a deep knowledge – “We’re friends because we share certain values and interests. We help each other, we have faced ordeals together, we know we can count on each other…”
At first, the book comes across as a mere ‘boys will be boys’ type of caper. No, it’s so much more than that. Apart from the fine portrayal of the bonds of true friendship, Jelloun introduces us to the politics of the time and how Mamed and Ali stand on the fringe of society for disagreeing with most of it. It’s also a smack on the hand for thinking Moroccan society would be made up of prudes. Jelloun’s relatable, conversational writing style makes everything all the more realistic.
What I didn’t get from the book was more insight into Morocco’s culture. No descriptions of neighbourhoods, buildings, clothes, or food. The world building is sparse in that sense. Mamed and Ali are both in love with Tangier, but we don’t get to see much of it. Their wives are also mere presences in the background without much to do or say other than essay stereotypical roles. In that sense, this is a book with a singular focus. In the end, I felt like I knew Mamed and Ali but didn’t really know them. Bit like their friendship.
There are similar, intensely written books on male friendship. A Little Life for one. But where Hanya Yanagihara’s boys set fire to those pages with emotional expressions Jelloun chooses to portray an old-fashioned, traditional male friendship that completely skirts them. Mamed and Ali are cerebral and sophisticated thinkers who share a passion for movies and art. They observe and debate political and cultural changes endlessly. They are pleasure-seekers too, spending time with many a woman in 1950s-60s Morocco.
“They were so inseparable that people called them twins.”
Yet, they hardly touched upon their inner lives. The troubles in their marriage. Issues with money. The wives who looked askance at their friendship. It’s a friendship that’s based on just a deep knowledge – “We’re friends because we share certain values and interests. We help each other, we have faced ordeals together, we know we can count on each other…”
At first, the book comes across as a mere ‘boys will be boys’ type of caper. No, it’s so much more than that. Apart from the fine portrayal of the bonds of true friendship, Jelloun introduces us to the politics of the time and how Mamed and Ali stand on the fringe of society for disagreeing with most of it. It’s also a smack on the hand for thinking Moroccan society would be made up of prudes. Jelloun’s relatable, conversational writing style makes everything all the more realistic.
What I didn’t get from the book was more insight into Morocco’s culture. No descriptions of neighbourhoods, buildings, clothes, or food. The world building is sparse in that sense. Mamed and Ali are both in love with Tangier, but we don’t get to see much of it. Their wives are also mere presences in the background without much to do or say other than essay stereotypical roles. In that sense, this is a book with a singular focus. In the end, I felt like I knew Mamed and Ali but didn’t really know them. Bit like their friendship.
October 1, 2014
God ; A masterpiece this is the least word I can use to name this book.
First , This is my first time I read to Tahar Ben Jelloun and I did really appreciate it alot. Knowing that we , as moroccans, have got such shrewd and prolific writers makes one feel some kind of relieve and pride.
I did really like the book; the title, the characters, the events , the way the writer tells us about his private life with his friend ..etc
He, The writer, chooses very provoking topics to deal with, such as ; sex, religion, cheating, bribery, freedom, democracy and so on...
These issues were taboos at that time : but he dared and devoted his whole book to discuss them and to not cast aside everything that unfold the truth of our beloved country.
I liked him for being sincere ; even if his language is a bit rude ( he could have used euphemism for words that are a bit rude ) , but we are not insulators and the writer has done what he saw is going to suit both his style and at the same time represents reality as it is .
Moroccans ,as been represented in the book, have perverted personalities; they do things , but they don't admit it. Either they lie to themselves or lie to themselves which is just the same thing. Tahar for me was a man who dared to reveal the truth the whole moroccans deny.
He made it clear that morocco is a country which is full of contradictory realities. It is a country where you can find so many split-personalities, self-contained and self-interested people, where you can find people who do very diminutive deeds and make them appear bigger, people who cheat their wives and act like they are angels , people who are only concerned with silly life matters, people who fear change , people who talk about freedom and democracy while they don't know the real meaning of the words.
This book has given me so many ideas and so many wry expressions that I would carry the rest of my life. Not because I don't know my country , but because I was one of those , or still I am , who relished life as it is and never asked questions and because I am just like Tahar and Mammed ;self- absorbed and unwilling to acquiesce that's why the scars of the book will remain forever...
Moreover; What I liked in this book too; is the relationship between the two friends, the writer and his friend Mammed; I envied him because he could find a real friend which is just the rare thing that happens nowadays .
In a nutshell, that's life , that's humanity and that's morocco !
But, Well, I am like the writer , besides everything I love this wretched country !
First , This is my first time I read to Tahar Ben Jelloun and I did really appreciate it alot. Knowing that we , as moroccans, have got such shrewd and prolific writers makes one feel some kind of relieve and pride.
I did really like the book; the title, the characters, the events , the way the writer tells us about his private life with his friend ..etc
He, The writer, chooses very provoking topics to deal with, such as ; sex, religion, cheating, bribery, freedom, democracy and so on...
These issues were taboos at that time : but he dared and devoted his whole book to discuss them and to not cast aside everything that unfold the truth of our beloved country.
I liked him for being sincere ; even if his language is a bit rude ( he could have used euphemism for words that are a bit rude ) , but we are not insulators and the writer has done what he saw is going to suit both his style and at the same time represents reality as it is .
Moroccans ,as been represented in the book, have perverted personalities; they do things , but they don't admit it. Either they lie to themselves or lie to themselves which is just the same thing. Tahar for me was a man who dared to reveal the truth the whole moroccans deny.
He made it clear that morocco is a country which is full of contradictory realities. It is a country where you can find so many split-personalities, self-contained and self-interested people, where you can find people who do very diminutive deeds and make them appear bigger, people who cheat their wives and act like they are angels , people who are only concerned with silly life matters, people who fear change , people who talk about freedom and democracy while they don't know the real meaning of the words.
This book has given me so many ideas and so many wry expressions that I would carry the rest of my life. Not because I don't know my country , but because I was one of those , or still I am , who relished life as it is and never asked questions and because I am just like Tahar and Mammed ;self- absorbed and unwilling to acquiesce that's why the scars of the book will remain forever...
Moreover; What I liked in this book too; is the relationship between the two friends, the writer and his friend Mammed; I envied him because he could find a real friend which is just the rare thing that happens nowadays .
In a nutshell, that's life , that's humanity and that's morocco !
But, Well, I am like the writer , besides everything I love this wretched country !
July 3, 2020
Adoro histórias que mostram os mesmos acontecimentos sob pontos de vista diferentes. Infelizmente, neste caso, eu fiz uma pausa no meio da leitura, o que prejudicou minha percepção das diferenças das narrativas dos protagonistas. É uma história sobre amizade, sobre o quão fundamental elas são em nossas vidas e até que ponto estamos dispostos a ir para supostamente proteger um amigo. Confesso que esperei uma surpresa maior na hora que explicam determinado acontecimento, mas acho que aí é por questões pessoais, porque eu jamais faria o que um dos protagonistas fez. A leitura é super fluida e envolvente e me ensinou bastantes coisas sobre o Marrocos, o que é um ponto muito positivo da obra.
July 11, 2024
3.5
No estoy segura si ya había leído a algún autor árabe, aunque nunca a un marroquí. Ha sido muy diferente de lo que estoy acostumbrada a leer.
Es la historia de una amistad entre dos hombres, así que ha sido interesante por acercarme a las complicidades en el sexo desde el punto de vista masculino, las torturas que sufren y algo tan alejado de mí como la cultura marroquí y el islam. A pesar de los temas, es muy fácil de leer.
No estoy segura si ya había leído a algún autor árabe, aunque nunca a un marroquí. Ha sido muy diferente de lo que estoy acostumbrada a leer.
Es la historia de una amistad entre dos hombres, así que ha sido interesante por acercarme a las complicidades en el sexo desde el punto de vista masculino, las torturas que sufren y algo tan alejado de mí como la cultura marroquí y el islam. A pesar de los temas, es muy fácil de leer.
April 5, 2025
Raamat räägib kahe Tanger’s elava mehe sõprusest. Kõigepealt Ali pilgu läbi, alates lapsepõlvest kuni sõbra surmani, ja siis Mamedi pilgu läbi. Sügava sissevaatega koosläbielatule (nt. vangistus väidetava Maroko vastase tegevuse pärast, tüdrukutega läbikäimine jne). Mõlema naised olid armukaded ega aktsepteerinud lõpuni nende sõprust. Lisaks psühholoogilisele sügavusele saab loost aimu ka marokolase mõttemaailma kohta (nt. Mamed elas ja töötas vahepeal Rootsis). Väärib kindlasti eesti keeles avaldamist, kui vaid keegi ära tõlgiks…
September 20, 2022
3 étoiles.
J’ai trouvé ce livre bien écrit, l’histoire était captivante. J’avoue que ce qui m’a attiré au début c’était le fait que les événements se déroulent à Tanger, ma ville natale bien aimée.
Cependant, je pense que ce livre est un roman ethnographique classique. Il n’était pas destiné aux gens comme moi. La concentration sur les clichés plus ou moins corrects m’a dérangé un peu (un biais que j’assume). L’élitisme n’y échappait pas non plus (sorry not sorry).
La fin m’a touchée et le tout boucle bien.
J’ai trouvé ce livre bien écrit, l’histoire était captivante. J’avoue que ce qui m’a attiré au début c’était le fait que les événements se déroulent à Tanger, ma ville natale bien aimée.
Cependant, je pense que ce livre est un roman ethnographique classique. Il n’était pas destiné aux gens comme moi. La concentration sur les clichés plus ou moins corrects m’a dérangé un peu (un biais que j’assume). L’élitisme n’y échappait pas non plus (sorry not sorry).
La fin m’a touchée et le tout boucle bien.
July 16, 2016
Posledního přítele jsem začal číst v práci. Byl to nudný den a možná i proto jsem nakonec zavítal do Jiného stavu. To je hospůdka u I.P.Pavlova, která smrdí olejem, ale místní číšník, myslím, že se jmenuje nějak exoticky, jako Norbert nebo tak něco, je velmi vděčným kouzelníkem, který bez remcání plní moje přání, tedy dvojitou becherovku, od té doby, co jsem mu dal patřičný tuzér hned při mé první návštěvě, kterou jsem zakončil tím, že jsem místo na záchod došel do kuchyně. Inu, člověk musí zanechat dojem.
Ten večer tam Norbert není, prý má volno, až do srpna, ale holohlavý kolega se vzezřením někde mezi fanouškem Sparty a prasetem byl dostatečnou náhradou. Spolykal jsem čtyři dávky mého obvyklého léku a už jsem se jal cítit, jak se mnou clámají emoce. Poslední přítel je o dvojici maročanů, kteří zůstanou přáteli po třicet let - a poctivě to opisují prvně z jedné strany a poté z druhé strany. Nemohl jsem si nevzpomenout, jaká přátelství jsem i já za život nahromadil, ať už s Pečivem nebo Šumivem...vlastně jenom s těmito dvoumi, protože Bolta už má jen své třeboňské přátelé. Bylo mi z toho smutno i hezky zároveň. Knížku jsem odložil a čuměl na przádné skleničky za barem. Seděl jsem totiž na baru, abych byl na očích všem kočkám, které ten večer přišly do Jiného stavu, udělat jim ten opravdový "jiný stav," hahaha, ale bylo to zbytečné, prázdné gesto. Jediné dvě šťávy, které se tam ukázaly, měly daleko víc práce s poměřováním smartphounů a nehtů, než aby si všímaly takových skvělých nosičů penisu jako jsem já. A tak jsem čuměl na prázdné skleničky za barem, protože jsem neměl co dělat, žádnej iPod, iPad, iPhone, nic, žádný noviny, jen jsem seděl a došlo mi, jak je to všechno smutný, jak se tyhle prázdný okamžiky ničeho vlastně staly exotikou, kde jsou ty časy, kdy o tomhle bylo chození do barů, ta nicota, blbost, prázdnota. No to vám nemusím povídat, že jsem začal na všechno vzpomínat a v tom jsem si začal přehrávat tu knížku, to jejich přátelství - bylo to silný. Jak mám pečiva rád a šumiva rád, to jsem se modlil, aby se nám přihodilo něco podobnýho. Zaplatil jsem jak čurák zase o 80 korun víc než jsem měl, aby si mě i ten druhej parchant zapamatoval a vydal jsem se do Rózy, to je taková zavšivená sračka pro expaty a děti země tady z okolí Náměstí míru. Všechno bylo jak mělo bejt, v rohu zase seděl starej anglán, kterej si zapisuje ty svoje freudovský kecy už roky, na baru sličná buchta, která študovala obálku, ale stehna se jí otíraly jedno o druhý, tak jsem ji rovnou pustil z hlavy. Tam už se nic nevejde. Prasata tlustý. Obrátil jsem do sebe další čtyři loky toho hnusnýho patoku z karlovejch varů a šel jsem domů, knížka dočtená až se mi z toho chtělo brečet. Bylo to samozřejm strašně předvídatelný a primitivní, jak se to vyvinulo a jak to skončilo, tohle by mě myslím napadlo i v osmý třídě, ale bylo to fajn. Jó pečivo, kdyby to tak dopadlo.
Po cestě domů jsem potkal zaměstnance, kopl jsem mu do kytary a vzal jsem ho na kořalku. Myslím, že jsem musel působit jako úplnej čurák, protože jsem pořád jen chytroval a mlel svoje a něco jsem mu říkal, zatímco on mi povídal něco o hudbě, jako o the.Switch a Hentai corporation, co je vůbec vlastně špatně s těma děckama dneska? Obrátil jsem do sebe další čtyři meluzíny, myslím, že jsem tou dobou byl už přes deset kousků na cestě do kómy, takže jsem mu poděkoval, pochcal zem ve Sběrnech surovinách a vydal se na cestu domů. Ta knížka mě pořád tak nějak hřála, to je trapný slovo, prostě jsem díky ní na to přátelství tak nějak víc myslel, asi proto tomu dávám pět hvězd, ať je slunce nade mnou, že jsem kunda a nic z toho stejně nemá žádnou váhu, tenhle zpropadenej sentiment ožralejch nocí.
Pak jsem si ho vyhonil, tedy, zkoušel jsem to, hledal jsem video dobrých patnáct minut, tahle ne, tahle je moc tlustá, moc bílá, moc škaredá, a nokonec jsem usnul. Bylo mi blbě, ale nepozvracel jsem se.
Ten večer tam Norbert není, prý má volno, až do srpna, ale holohlavý kolega se vzezřením někde mezi fanouškem Sparty a prasetem byl dostatečnou náhradou. Spolykal jsem čtyři dávky mého obvyklého léku a už jsem se jal cítit, jak se mnou clámají emoce. Poslední přítel je o dvojici maročanů, kteří zůstanou přáteli po třicet let - a poctivě to opisují prvně z jedné strany a poté z druhé strany. Nemohl jsem si nevzpomenout, jaká přátelství jsem i já za život nahromadil, ať už s Pečivem nebo Šumivem...vlastně jenom s těmito dvoumi, protože Bolta už má jen své třeboňské přátelé. Bylo mi z toho smutno i hezky zároveň. Knížku jsem odložil a čuměl na przádné skleničky za barem. Seděl jsem totiž na baru, abych byl na očích všem kočkám, které ten večer přišly do Jiného stavu, udělat jim ten opravdový "jiný stav," hahaha, ale bylo to zbytečné, prázdné gesto. Jediné dvě šťávy, které se tam ukázaly, měly daleko víc práce s poměřováním smartphounů a nehtů, než aby si všímaly takových skvělých nosičů penisu jako jsem já. A tak jsem čuměl na prázdné skleničky za barem, protože jsem neměl co dělat, žádnej iPod, iPad, iPhone, nic, žádný noviny, jen jsem seděl a došlo mi, jak je to všechno smutný, jak se tyhle prázdný okamžiky ničeho vlastně staly exotikou, kde jsou ty časy, kdy o tomhle bylo chození do barů, ta nicota, blbost, prázdnota. No to vám nemusím povídat, že jsem začal na všechno vzpomínat a v tom jsem si začal přehrávat tu knížku, to jejich přátelství - bylo to silný. Jak mám pečiva rád a šumiva rád, to jsem se modlil, aby se nám přihodilo něco podobnýho. Zaplatil jsem jak čurák zase o 80 korun víc než jsem měl, aby si mě i ten druhej parchant zapamatoval a vydal jsem se do Rózy, to je taková zavšivená sračka pro expaty a děti země tady z okolí Náměstí míru. Všechno bylo jak mělo bejt, v rohu zase seděl starej anglán, kterej si zapisuje ty svoje freudovský kecy už roky, na baru sličná buchta, která študovala obálku, ale stehna se jí otíraly jedno o druhý, tak jsem ji rovnou pustil z hlavy. Tam už se nic nevejde. Prasata tlustý. Obrátil jsem do sebe další čtyři loky toho hnusnýho patoku z karlovejch varů a šel jsem domů, knížka dočtená až se mi z toho chtělo brečet. Bylo to samozřejm strašně předvídatelný a primitivní, jak se to vyvinulo a jak to skončilo, tohle by mě myslím napadlo i v osmý třídě, ale bylo to fajn. Jó pečivo, kdyby to tak dopadlo.
Po cestě domů jsem potkal zaměstnance, kopl jsem mu do kytary a vzal jsem ho na kořalku. Myslím, že jsem musel působit jako úplnej čurák, protože jsem pořád jen chytroval a mlel svoje a něco jsem mu říkal, zatímco on mi povídal něco o hudbě, jako o the.Switch a Hentai corporation, co je vůbec vlastně špatně s těma děckama dneska? Obrátil jsem do sebe další čtyři meluzíny, myslím, že jsem tou dobou byl už přes deset kousků na cestě do kómy, takže jsem mu poděkoval, pochcal zem ve Sběrnech surovinách a vydal se na cestu domů. Ta knížka mě pořád tak nějak hřála, to je trapný slovo, prostě jsem díky ní na to přátelství tak nějak víc myslel, asi proto tomu dávám pět hvězd, ať je slunce nade mnou, že jsem kunda a nic z toho stejně nemá žádnou váhu, tenhle zpropadenej sentiment ožralejch nocí.
Pak jsem si ho vyhonil, tedy, zkoušel jsem to, hledal jsem video dobrých patnáct minut, tahle ne, tahle je moc tlustá, moc bílá, moc škaredá, a nokonec jsem usnul. Bylo mi blbě, ale nepozvracel jsem se.
May 2, 2016
Jednohubka na jedno či dvě začtení. Příběh celoživotního přátelství Alího a Mameda - dvou chlapců (a později mužů) z marockého Tangeru vyprávěný postupně z pohledu obou hrdinů a na závěr zakončený pohledem třetího společného přítele. Tento typ výstavby příběhu mám moc ráda, byť tady je to spíš záležitost komplementární, co jeden vynechává, to dodává druhý - nějaké výrazné rozpory v obou verzích nejsou (až na závěrečnou část, kde je to ale pochopitelné). Každý z přátel je jiný, žije jiný osud (Alí zůstane v Maroku, Mamed odejde do Švédska) a přitom jsou jako dvě poloviny, které se doplňují, zapadají do sebe a i přes propast všech těch let je jejich pouto neměnné. A ten samotný konec jejich přátelství je o to smutnější, že vlastně žádným koncem není - ani pro Aliho, ani pro Mameda. Jen už prostě nedokáží udělat ten první krok zpět k sobě, byť by si to oba moc přáli.
Krásná knížka o mužském přátelství - protože ať si budeme říkat, co chceme, tak ženské tohle neumí - ta celoživotní přátelství na život a na smrt.
Kontext: Po nepodařeném odreagování u Řeky Londýna mi tahle knížečka opravdu zvedla náladu.
První věta: "Dneska ráno jsem dostal dopis."
Poslední věta:
Krásná knížka o mužském přátelství - protože ať si budeme říkat, co chceme, tak ženské tohle neumí - ta celoživotní přátelství na život a na smrt.
Kontext: Po nepodařeném odreagování u Řeky Londýna mi tahle knížečka opravdu zvedla náladu.
První věta: "Dneska ráno jsem dostal dopis."
Poslední věta:
October 21, 2024
No me esperaba que me gustase tanto este libro, ya que es un género al que no estoy acostumbrada leer, pero que cada vez me está gustando más. La historia relata una amistad entre dos amigos en Marruecos durante la segunda mitad del siglo pasado. Aparecen los dos puntos de vista de ambos amigos donde explican sus vivencias durante esos 30 años de amistad. Critica Marruecos y la cultura marroquí aunque también la apoya y habla bien de ella. En cuanto a la amistad, me ha parecido que Mamed ha sido más egoísta y no me ha parecido bien su forma de actuar en muchos momentos.
Recomiendo este libro porque es muy fácil de leer y creo que está muy bien escrito. Puedes ver una relación de amistad desde dos puntos de vista que te hace reflexionar sobre muchas cosas.
Recomiendo este libro porque es muy fácil de leer y creo que está muy bien escrito. Puedes ver una relación de amistad desde dos puntos de vista que te hace reflexionar sobre muchas cosas.
October 16, 2017
Hezká novela o přátelství dvou mužů. Někde mezi třemi a čtyřmi hvězdami :-)
Read
December 3, 2024Great novel about the strength of friendship & love.
December 22, 2018
Cerita persahabatan yang disajikan dengan alur cepat dan ringkas, tetapi sangat berkesan dan membekas.
August 13, 2015
ATTENTION. THIS REVIEW CONTAINS A SPOILER THAT MIGHT COMPLETELY UNDERMINE YOUR ABILITY TO ENJOY THIS BOOK.
ATTENTION. CETTE CRITIQUE RÉVÈLE DES ÉLÉMENTS DE L'INTRIGUE QUE BIEN DES LECTEURS AURAIENT MIEUX AIME DÉCOUVRIR EUX-MÊMES .
I am reluctantly giving this novel five stars because despite its many weaknesses it describes a situation that I was recently involved in and feel that Ben Jelloun deserves recognition for having dealt with the subject.
Most writers prefer to be believe that the truth cannot be hidden and judge characters harshly who believe they can cover things up. Anna Karenina cannot keep her affair hidden. Jean Valjean cannot hide his real identity from Jalvert. Bilbo Baggins cannot conceal the ring from Gandalf. The examples are numerous.
In this case, the cover-up succeeds. The protagonist in this novel wants to conceal the fact that from his best friend that he has cancer in an advanced stage and is about to die. My own experience has shown me that this can be easily done. If the friend lives in one country where a different language is spoken from the one trying to conceal that his death is imminent. The friend being duped has only two sources of information about the true state of affairs of the person trying to conceal the truth; that is to say the dissimulator and his wife. If the wife of the dying person plays along, then the charade is maintained. In my view Ben Jelloun does an excellent job of showing how geography and linguistic barriers allow important information to be be concealed from one or more persons who have a right to know. I think Ben Jelloun also does a reasonably credible job of explaining why some people what to conceal the fact that they are dying from a close friend.
The one weakness in this book is that Ben Jelloun understates the stress and unhappiness on the wife or partner of the dying person that the dissimulation causes. On balance though this is a very good book about a type of behaviour that occurs quite frequently and merits more examination.
ATTENTION. CETTE CRITIQUE RÉVÈLE DES ÉLÉMENTS DE L'INTRIGUE QUE BIEN DES LECTEURS AURAIENT MIEUX AIME DÉCOUVRIR EUX-MÊMES .
I am reluctantly giving this novel five stars because despite its many weaknesses it describes a situation that I was recently involved in and feel that Ben Jelloun deserves recognition for having dealt with the subject.
Most writers prefer to be believe that the truth cannot be hidden and judge characters harshly who believe they can cover things up. Anna Karenina cannot keep her affair hidden. Jean Valjean cannot hide his real identity from Jalvert. Bilbo Baggins cannot conceal the ring from Gandalf. The examples are numerous.
In this case, the cover-up succeeds. The protagonist in this novel wants to conceal the fact that from his best friend that he has cancer in an advanced stage and is about to die. My own experience has shown me that this can be easily done. If the friend lives in one country where a different language is spoken from the one trying to conceal that his death is imminent. The friend being duped has only two sources of information about the true state of affairs of the person trying to conceal the truth; that is to say the dissimulator and his wife. If the wife of the dying person plays along, then the charade is maintained. In my view Ben Jelloun does an excellent job of showing how geography and linguistic barriers allow important information to be be concealed from one or more persons who have a right to know. I think Ben Jelloun also does a reasonably credible job of explaining why some people what to conceal the fact that they are dying from a close friend.
The one weakness in this book is that Ben Jelloun understates the stress and unhappiness on the wife or partner of the dying person that the dissimulation causes. On balance though this is a very good book about a type of behaviour that occurs quite frequently and merits more examination.
August 28, 2014
Jedna z těch knih, kterou člověk čte a nechce odložit, útlý román, nebo snad i novela, tak nabitá, tak úžasná.
Příběh má postupně tři vypravěče – Alího, který vypráví o dospívání v Tangeru koncem padesátých let, životě marocké inteligence v letech šedesátých a výše a především o svém přátelství s Mamedem. Nijak ho nešetří a často popisuje věci, které Mameda nestaví do nejlepšího světla, ale i tak je vyvrcholení, k němuž jejich přátelství spěje, překvapující. Druhá polovina knihy popisuje stejné životní peripetie z Mamedova pohledu. Jazyk se okamžitě mění – zatímco Alí zachycoval Mamedovy nekonečné fabulace a mnohdy rozčilující monology, které plynuly bez odmlky přes celé odstavce a stránky, Mamed naopak svá souvětí drasticky zkrátil, text je najednou mnohem méně exaltovaný, méně se zabývá sexuálními eskapádami obou kdysi mladíků, víc popisuje jejich vzájemný vztah. Ke konci knihy se dočteme i o náhledu Ramóna, který byl jakýmsi svědkem přátelství obou mužů. A konec, dopis, mi sebral dech. Je to nádherný, citlivý příběh, který začal někde na záchodcích chlapeckého lycea a postupně rostl až do poetických obrazů a vyjádření lásky. Silně se mě to dotklo, krásná kniha.
Příběh má postupně tři vypravěče – Alího, který vypráví o dospívání v Tangeru koncem padesátých let, životě marocké inteligence v letech šedesátých a výše a především o svém přátelství s Mamedem. Nijak ho nešetří a často popisuje věci, které Mameda nestaví do nejlepšího světla, ale i tak je vyvrcholení, k němuž jejich přátelství spěje, překvapující. Druhá polovina knihy popisuje stejné životní peripetie z Mamedova pohledu. Jazyk se okamžitě mění – zatímco Alí zachycoval Mamedovy nekonečné fabulace a mnohdy rozčilující monology, které plynuly bez odmlky přes celé odstavce a stránky, Mamed naopak svá souvětí drasticky zkrátil, text je najednou mnohem méně exaltovaný, méně se zabývá sexuálními eskapádami obou kdysi mladíků, víc popisuje jejich vzájemný vztah. Ke konci knihy se dočteme i o náhledu Ramóna, který byl jakýmsi svědkem přátelství obou mužů. A konec, dopis, mi sebral dech. Je to nádherný, citlivý příběh, který začal někde na záchodcích chlapeckého lycea a postupně rostl až do poetických obrazů a vyjádření lásky. Silně se mě to dotklo, krásná kniha.
May 19, 2014
Ben Jelloun describes perfectly the 'inbetween-ness' of an emigre's life, and the type of psychological torment this might cause. He also has a facility for describing Moroccan society in all its complexities. For these two elements alone his novels are worth reading.
This novel, though, is not his strongest (in my opinion of course). It deals with two men who are life-long friends and the cause of this friendship's abrupt end. Told through the perspective of the two men - it is always interesting to see the same events told through different eyes - I thought, while reading, that Ben Jelloun was leading towards some interesting issues about memory and identity. I was disappointed when the ending kind of quashed that, and the differences in the memories are explained by one of the men having specific knowledge that the other does not have. The sentimentality of the story's close didn't fit with the rest of the book.
This novel, though, is not his strongest (in my opinion of course). It deals with two men who are life-long friends and the cause of this friendship's abrupt end. Told through the perspective of the two men - it is always interesting to see the same events told through different eyes - I thought, while reading, that Ben Jelloun was leading towards some interesting issues about memory and identity. I was disappointed when the ending kind of quashed that, and the differences in the memories are explained by one of the men having specific knowledge that the other does not have. The sentimentality of the story's close didn't fit with the rest of the book.
Read
March 12, 2011A quick, easy read - but one with a lot of little interwoven meanings and great character development. It did tend to feel a bit lengthy at some points (especially as I began to get anxious about the 'big secret'), but definitely worth the read. This was originally in French, and I often worry about reading translated works, as a lot of the 'flavour' of the text can get lost, but this was enjoyable and although I cannot compare it to the French, I felt satisfied at the end.
June 29, 2007
A v quick read. Raises some interesting questions on the nature of friendship, and on migration/belonging (and I suppose on the subjective nature of memory, as you get slightly differing accounts of the same events from the two main characters), but ultimately left the characters feeling a bit distant.
April 22, 2016
It wasn't what I was expecting. Too vulgar at times, not that I mind vulgarity as a whole but it felt that it was just for the sake of it, and then it turned boring. I guess it was too short to have a real character exploration and the reader just has to accept things are that way because it's written, not showed. Meh.
January 4, 2009
No friendship is ever perfect...rad story
February 28, 2016
Quick but moving
June 24, 2018
Aviso aos leitores: nem sempre o tema de um livro é aquele abertamente citado pelo autor ou sugerido pelo título. O ÚLTIMO AMIGO é uma joia, uma obra prima, de narrativa em espiral, um quase ensaio sobre a ilusão, sobre a autoilusão, sobre amizade, traição, ciúme e inveja. É um livro muito mais complexo do que suas poucas 120 páginas poderiam sugerir.
Trata-se do retrato de uma dessas amizades que nasce nos anos de escola, que se desenvolve através da juventude, que assim como seus componentes ela também amadurece, sobrevive a percalços, casamentos, exílio, e nos re-encontros através do anos parece se fortalecer, se solidificar. Sua base está na franqueza, na compreensão do outro, no conhecimento do passado em comum, no desejo generoso de que o outro seja bem sucedido, que desfrute do melhor.
Tahar Ben Jelloun divide sua obra em três partes. Começa com uma longa e detalhada descrição de Ali, que na primeira pessoa relata o caminho percorrido pela amizade dele por Mamed. Nossa identificação com o narrador é imediata. Sentimos que o conhecemos e por isso mesmo nos chocamos tanto quanto ele, quando seu amigo de infância o surpreende com um corte irremediável na amizade de vida inteira. Na segunda parte, temos a versão de Mamed sobre essa mesma amizade. Também descrita na primeira pessoa e curiosamente mostrando outros fatos outro enfoque nos eventos que marcaram o relacionamento desses dois amigos. É aí que sabemos de sua decisão de cortar os vínculos fraternais entre ele e Ali. Na terceira parte temos o testemunho de Ramon, uma amigo dos dois protagonistas, mas não tão chegado a eles.
A amizade é o tema. Tanto Ali quanto Mamed professam profundos sentimentos um pelo outro. Nas narrativas de ambos sabemos dos gestos magnânimos e sacrifícios que cada um fez em nome dessa amizade. Mas no tecido do texto, no forro desse longo relacionamento encontra-se outro sentimento: a inveja. Inveja que Mamed chama ciúmes. E é ela que acaba por corroer o laço entre eles. Mamed não esconde esses sentimentos rasteiros em seu depoimento: “Acontecia de eu ficar com ciúmes de Ali também, porque ele era mais culto do que eu, porque vinha de uma família quase aristocrática, porque era mais bonito e que, graças a seu casamento, tinha ficado rico.” [96-7]. E mesmo que ao cortar os laços de amizade que tem com Ali imagine, ou diga tratar-se de generosidade, essa ação não esconde a fraude de seus próprios sentimentos. Pois só a ilusão de uma boa ação poderia justificar para si mesmo a traição que comete, interferindo na amizade de longa data. A desculpa é fraca.
Jean Cocteau é conhecido por ter dito que “A felicidade de um amigo deleita-nos. Enriquece-nos. Não nos tira nada. Caso a amizade sofra com isso, é porque não existe.” Acredito que este seja o retrato do que se passa aqui. Mamed tinha emocionalmente uma estatura pequena e não conseguiu honrar os sentimentos de seu único e exclusivo amigo.
Este é um grande livro numa pequena aparência. Tornou-se um de meus favoritos, e por isso recomendo a todos que gostam de pensar um pouco, de explorar a natureza humana, de se envolver num debate interno e julgar se o ato de Mamed é um gesto de amizade ou de traição. Aqui esta a minha opinião. Talvez você tenha uma opinião diversa. Leia-o.
Trata-se do retrato de uma dessas amizades que nasce nos anos de escola, que se desenvolve através da juventude, que assim como seus componentes ela também amadurece, sobrevive a percalços, casamentos, exílio, e nos re-encontros através do anos parece se fortalecer, se solidificar. Sua base está na franqueza, na compreensão do outro, no conhecimento do passado em comum, no desejo generoso de que o outro seja bem sucedido, que desfrute do melhor.
Tahar Ben Jelloun divide sua obra em três partes. Começa com uma longa e detalhada descrição de Ali, que na primeira pessoa relata o caminho percorrido pela amizade dele por Mamed. Nossa identificação com o narrador é imediata. Sentimos que o conhecemos e por isso mesmo nos chocamos tanto quanto ele, quando seu amigo de infância o surpreende com um corte irremediável na amizade de vida inteira. Na segunda parte, temos a versão de Mamed sobre essa mesma amizade. Também descrita na primeira pessoa e curiosamente mostrando outros fatos outro enfoque nos eventos que marcaram o relacionamento desses dois amigos. É aí que sabemos de sua decisão de cortar os vínculos fraternais entre ele e Ali. Na terceira parte temos o testemunho de Ramon, uma amigo dos dois protagonistas, mas não tão chegado a eles.
A amizade é o tema. Tanto Ali quanto Mamed professam profundos sentimentos um pelo outro. Nas narrativas de ambos sabemos dos gestos magnânimos e sacrifícios que cada um fez em nome dessa amizade. Mas no tecido do texto, no forro desse longo relacionamento encontra-se outro sentimento: a inveja. Inveja que Mamed chama ciúmes. E é ela que acaba por corroer o laço entre eles. Mamed não esconde esses sentimentos rasteiros em seu depoimento: “Acontecia de eu ficar com ciúmes de Ali também, porque ele era mais culto do que eu, porque vinha de uma família quase aristocrática, porque era mais bonito e que, graças a seu casamento, tinha ficado rico.” [96-7]. E mesmo que ao cortar os laços de amizade que tem com Ali imagine, ou diga tratar-se de generosidade, essa ação não esconde a fraude de seus próprios sentimentos. Pois só a ilusão de uma boa ação poderia justificar para si mesmo a traição que comete, interferindo na amizade de longa data. A desculpa é fraca.
Jean Cocteau é conhecido por ter dito que “A felicidade de um amigo deleita-nos. Enriquece-nos. Não nos tira nada. Caso a amizade sofra com isso, é porque não existe.” Acredito que este seja o retrato do que se passa aqui. Mamed tinha emocionalmente uma estatura pequena e não conseguiu honrar os sentimentos de seu único e exclusivo amigo.
Este é um grande livro numa pequena aparência. Tornou-se um de meus favoritos, e por isso recomendo a todos que gostam de pensar um pouco, de explorar a natureza humana, de se envolver num debate interno e julgar se o ato de Mamed é um gesto de amizade ou de traição. Aqui esta a minha opinião. Talvez você tenha uma opinião diversa. Leia-o.
September 16, 2022
J'écris ces mots après avoir pleuré en lisant les dernières pages de ce beau livre. Ce dernier m'a été suggéré et prêté par une amie avec laquelle je suis liée par le sang et séparée par 4 ans de différence d'âge. Notre histoire d'amitié est différente et elle vaut la peine d'être relue. C'est un exercice que je me donne après avoir fini ce livre.
Au début, je ne comprenais pas ce qu'elle a tellement aimé dans ce dernier, mais maintenant que j'ai fini de le lire je comprends parfaitement. Le plot twist de cette histoire est ce qui fait son charme. La manière dont la même histoire est racontée par deux personnes (Trois*; Je me suis rendu compte que j'ai oublié le pauvre Ramon) ayant deux points de vue complètement différents me pousse personnellement à questionner les relations sociales en général et non pas seulement l'amitié.
Au début, je voyais Mamed comme étant un "mauvais" ami égoïste qui n'ai pas aussi engagé qu'Ali dans leur relation. Mais quand j'ai lu l'histoire du point de vue de Mamed j'ai compris à quel point il aimait Ali.
Je me suis retrouvé plus dans le troisième ami, Ramon, qui était un peu mis à l'écart (exprès je pense). Il était présent avec Ali et Mamed depuis leur première rencontre mais il est toujours resté rien d'autre que l'ami facile qui les fait rire avec ses blagues.
C'est une histoire d'amitié pas comme les autres. Où l'est-elle ? À vous de juger.
Au début, je ne comprenais pas ce qu'elle a tellement aimé dans ce dernier, mais maintenant que j'ai fini de le lire je comprends parfaitement. Le plot twist de cette histoire est ce qui fait son charme. La manière dont la même histoire est racontée par deux personnes (Trois*; Je me suis rendu compte que j'ai oublié le pauvre Ramon) ayant deux points de vue complètement différents me pousse personnellement à questionner les relations sociales en général et non pas seulement l'amitié.
Au début, je voyais Mamed comme étant un "mauvais" ami égoïste qui n'ai pas aussi engagé qu'Ali dans leur relation. Mais quand j'ai lu l'histoire du point de vue de Mamed j'ai compris à quel point il aimait Ali.
Je me suis retrouvé plus dans le troisième ami, Ramon, qui était un peu mis à l'écart (exprès je pense). Il était présent avec Ali et Mamed depuis leur première rencontre mais il est toujours resté rien d'autre que l'ami facile qui les fait rire avec ses blagues.
C'est une histoire d'amitié pas comme les autres. Où l'est-elle ? À vous de juger.
May 19, 2024
I read this in a day, on the drive from the edge of the Sahara to Marrakech. It was my first trip to Morocco.
What this book was able to do was capture the essence of what little I had seen of the country. The chaos and community. It was a great holiday read: short, easy to follow, and gave interesting historical and cultural context to Morocco.
In particular, I found the comparisons between Morocco and Sweden interesting. Despite Sweden being heralded as paradise by characters who had not been there, Mamad still had a strong pull for home, missing even the beggars in the street. It takes more a representative democratic system to make a home. At one point Mamad gets strange looks for talking to himself in the street in Sweden. He says in Morocco when someone is shouting in the street you know they have lost everything, but their mind. I thought this was the most telling of the comparisons.
The way the story is told is engaging and different, with changing narrators. The writing is pithy, but rich.
The only reason this doesn’t get 5 stars is that I thought the main plot point was just slightly unrealistic. This felt to me like a Jelloun had the style of story he wanted to tell, but couldn’t quite find the right ending to fit it. Just felt a bit forced.
Still a very enjoyable read and great if you’re in the country. I look forward to reading more Jelloun.
What this book was able to do was capture the essence of what little I had seen of the country. The chaos and community. It was a great holiday read: short, easy to follow, and gave interesting historical and cultural context to Morocco.
In particular, I found the comparisons between Morocco and Sweden interesting. Despite Sweden being heralded as paradise by characters who had not been there, Mamad still had a strong pull for home, missing even the beggars in the street. It takes more a representative democratic system to make a home. At one point Mamad gets strange looks for talking to himself in the street in Sweden. He says in Morocco when someone is shouting in the street you know they have lost everything, but their mind. I thought this was the most telling of the comparisons.
The way the story is told is engaging and different, with changing narrators. The writing is pithy, but rich.
The only reason this doesn’t get 5 stars is that I thought the main plot point was just slightly unrealistic. This felt to me like a Jelloun had the style of story he wanted to tell, but couldn’t quite find the right ending to fit it. Just felt a bit forced.
Still a very enjoyable read and great if you’re in the country. I look forward to reading more Jelloun.
May 14, 2023
OH MY GOD what the fuck did I just read
This is without a doubt the most DISGUSTING and BEAUTIFUL book I've ever read and yes those two adjectives are used in the same sentence
I mean what a rollercoaster of emotions, first I was curious, then utterly weirded out, then offended but I couldnt put it down and by the end I was in sobs because I got so invested in these two men's friendship and beautiful bond I saw nothing like it
I thought those grotesque imagery of boyish childhood at the beginning were too much or too vulgar for no purpose to progress the story other than shock factor
But now I understand
It was but a piece that made the whole imagine, of what a friendship between two boys who became two men is really like,
If you were to omit those disgusting scenes, then it wouldn't be true, it wouldn't be authentic
You know I'm actually GLAD the author left those scenes because it really shows what it's like being a boy (wether Moroccon or frensh) in a north African country in the 90s
This book is boyhood and its authentically, life unbreakable bonds and human flaws and the essence of friendship all in one well written, well composed 180 something pages
And I'm very very very glad I read it
Thank you for this experience
5 stars from me
This is without a doubt the most DISGUSTING and BEAUTIFUL book I've ever read and yes those two adjectives are used in the same sentence
I mean what a rollercoaster of emotions, first I was curious, then utterly weirded out, then offended but I couldnt put it down and by the end I was in sobs because I got so invested in these two men's friendship and beautiful bond I saw nothing like it
I thought those grotesque imagery of boyish childhood at the beginning were too much or too vulgar for no purpose to progress the story other than shock factor
But now I understand
It was but a piece that made the whole imagine, of what a friendship between two boys who became two men is really like,
If you were to omit those disgusting scenes, then it wouldn't be true, it wouldn't be authentic
You know I'm actually GLAD the author left those scenes because it really shows what it's like being a boy (wether Moroccon or frensh) in a north African country in the 90s
This book is boyhood and its authentically, life unbreakable bonds and human flaws and the essence of friendship all in one well written, well composed 180 something pages
And I'm very very very glad I read it
Thank you for this experience
5 stars from me
November 25, 2019
My first book by Tahar Ben Jelloun. My first story that's set in Morocco (and Sweden) and I learned many things about the people's cultures and their way of life.
It takes place in the 1950's. It's about a friendship of two boys over the next 30 years. A short story of only 182 pages, I read the first 24 pages before I went to sleep last night and the last 157 pages this afternoon. I couldn't put the book down. I knew I was going to finish it today.
It was a fast read, with short chapters. It was broken down into four sections: Ali, Mamed, Ramon and The Letter. The first two are the two main characters. They tell their interpretation, their memory of their time together, and you get to see how different two people see their side of the same story. Ramon is a secondary friend, also from their school days and The Letter is what it all leads up too.
The first few chapters were basically all about sex and I thought, what I have gotten myself into? Is this what this story all about? Not that I'm a prune or anything, but it was quite the beginning.
I felt this story was very powerful and an emotional story. I give it a 4.5 stars.
It takes place in the 1950's. It's about a friendship of two boys over the next 30 years. A short story of only 182 pages, I read the first 24 pages before I went to sleep last night and the last 157 pages this afternoon. I couldn't put the book down. I knew I was going to finish it today.
It was a fast read, with short chapters. It was broken down into four sections: Ali, Mamed, Ramon and The Letter. The first two are the two main characters. They tell their interpretation, their memory of their time together, and you get to see how different two people see their side of the same story. Ramon is a secondary friend, also from their school days and The Letter is what it all leads up too.
The first few chapters were basically all about sex and I thought, what I have gotten myself into? Is this what this story all about? Not that I'm a prune or anything, but it was quite the beginning.
I felt this story was very powerful and an emotional story. I give it a 4.5 stars.
September 3, 2025
I enjoyed this book overall—especially the final chapter, which introduces a third voice and ties the story together in a powerful way. Although written more than 20 years ago, its themes feel uncannily relevant today as we in the United States grapple with the fragility of our own democracy. Reading about the struggles Moroccans faced in their pursuit of true democracy was both fascinating and heartbreaking. One line struck me deeply: “Democracy is not simply a question of putting your ballot in a ballot box. It takes time. It’s a culture that needs to be learned.” Watching our own culture devolve toward authoritarianism, I couldn’t help but feel dismayed at how easily freedoms can erode - like the two main characters who were jailed simply for expressing their views.
The ending is devastating: realizing the truth of what Mamed did is an unusual and haunting act of kindness.
I’m glad I read this book for its portrait of Morocco, a country I knew little about, and also for the timely reminder of the importance of safeguarding democracy.
The ending is devastating: realizing the truth of what Mamed did is an unusual and haunting act of kindness.
I’m glad I read this book for its portrait of Morocco, a country I knew little about, and also for the timely reminder of the importance of safeguarding democracy.
May 4, 2024
Regardless of the book’s quality, I always enjoy reading Moroccan books and books set in Morocco, so for that reason this was an enjoyable read.
I believe that Ben Jelloun is a good writer, conscious of enticing storytelling and literary techniques.
I feel, however, that this novel felt short in several ways. It is told through the first-person accounts of primarily two characters. I failed to recognize enough difference in their personality and writing to truly make this an effective writing method.
Also, I feel that key events in the story are rather extreme and melodramatic, which I absolutely do not find to be a problem. However, I do not feel that this was compatible with the novel’s rather flat, detached writing style. Perhaps the themes and plot could have been better served by a more metaphysical writing style.
Read if interested in Morocco or themes of friendship and jealousy.
I believe that Ben Jelloun is a good writer, conscious of enticing storytelling and literary techniques.
I feel, however, that this novel felt short in several ways. It is told through the first-person accounts of primarily two characters. I failed to recognize enough difference in their personality and writing to truly make this an effective writing method.
Also, I feel that key events in the story are rather extreme and melodramatic, which I absolutely do not find to be a problem. However, I do not feel that this was compatible with the novel’s rather flat, detached writing style. Perhaps the themes and plot could have been better served by a more metaphysical writing style.
Read if interested in Morocco or themes of friendship and jealousy.
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