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Les ombres de Ghadamès
Stolz invigorates her tale with elegant prose and a deft portrayal of a girl verging on adolescence. The vivid backdrop is intoxicating, but the story's universal concerns will touch readers most.--Booklist, starred review.
174 pages, Paperback
First published October 12, 2004
12 people are currently reading
221 people want to read
About the author
Joëlle Stolz
7 booksJoëlle Stolz is a French journalist based in Vienna, where she reports for Le Monde and Radio France Internationale. The Shadows of Ghadames is her first children’s novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
March 7, 2022
i dont know how to rate books but this book had a better cover than all the other books we could choose from == good book?
2 books behind schedule haha
2 books behind schedule haha
November 25, 2019
"The only thing that never changes," he says, raising his head, "are the stars and the way they move across the sky."
March 7, 2011
The Shadows of Ghadames by Joelle Stolz (2004)
Historical Fiction, 118 pages
Ghadames, a city in Libya near Algeria and Tunisia, is changing along with its customs and gender roles. Caught between the past and the future at the end of the nineteenth century, Malika, a girl on the brink of adulthood, is bothered by some of the cultural restrictions of women and yet scared of her unknown future and womanhood. Built on tradition and religious beliefs, Ghadames holds two unique cities—the streets below belong to the men, who roam freely doing their business and the city atop the roofs belongs to the women to do their work, buy from the traveling market, and communicate with other women to build solidarity. It is here that women free of men’s eyes can remove their veils and display the beautiful tattoo artwork on their bodies, symbolizing fertility, safety from evildoers, and pain on their rivals. Malika dreams of learning to read and write but knows her mother does not support this idea outside of custom. However, Malika’s father and his second wife, Bilkisu, both know Malika shows promise and desires to learn more of the world than rooftops. These looming restrictions of womanhood all start to change when Bilkisu rescues an unconscious man in the streets, pursued by the Aïssaouïa men of the city, forcing Malika’s mother to reconsider her social constructions. As a French journalist reporting on the past, Stolz fascinatingly weaves culture, tradition, and history along with beautiful language of imagery and detail in Malika’s observations. Malika’s position in life is metaphorically described like a dirt plot, currently fallow, but evolving into an extensive garden full of education and womanly knowledge. Young adult readers interested in Muslim culture, gender roles, and the evolution of society will enjoy this short but powerful tale. In this unique coming-of-age story, Malika questions the invisibility of women, adulthood, and what it means to love. Can any person who loves, man or woman, actually be free?
Historical Fiction, 118 pages
Ghadames, a city in Libya near Algeria and Tunisia, is changing along with its customs and gender roles. Caught between the past and the future at the end of the nineteenth century, Malika, a girl on the brink of adulthood, is bothered by some of the cultural restrictions of women and yet scared of her unknown future and womanhood. Built on tradition and religious beliefs, Ghadames holds two unique cities—the streets below belong to the men, who roam freely doing their business and the city atop the roofs belongs to the women to do their work, buy from the traveling market, and communicate with other women to build solidarity. It is here that women free of men’s eyes can remove their veils and display the beautiful tattoo artwork on their bodies, symbolizing fertility, safety from evildoers, and pain on their rivals. Malika dreams of learning to read and write but knows her mother does not support this idea outside of custom. However, Malika’s father and his second wife, Bilkisu, both know Malika shows promise and desires to learn more of the world than rooftops. These looming restrictions of womanhood all start to change when Bilkisu rescues an unconscious man in the streets, pursued by the Aïssaouïa men of the city, forcing Malika’s mother to reconsider her social constructions. As a French journalist reporting on the past, Stolz fascinatingly weaves culture, tradition, and history along with beautiful language of imagery and detail in Malika’s observations. Malika’s position in life is metaphorically described like a dirt plot, currently fallow, but evolving into an extensive garden full of education and womanly knowledge. Young adult readers interested in Muslim culture, gender roles, and the evolution of society will enjoy this short but powerful tale. In this unique coming-of-age story, Malika questions the invisibility of women, adulthood, and what it means to love. Can any person who loves, man or woman, actually be free?
December 7, 2012
This book was interesting. I liked it because it was about a different culture.
Summary: This book is about a girl named Malika who lives in the Libyan city of Ghadames. She has just watched her merchant father depart on one of his caravan expeditions. She too desires to travel to distant cities, and really wants to learn to read like her younger brother. But she is almost 12 years old, and soon to be of marriageable age, Malika knows that— like all Muslim women— she must be content with a more secluded, more limited life. Then one night a stranger enters her home, someone who disrupts the traditional order of things— and who affects Malika in unexpected ways.
How to use this book with students: This book is geared towards 5th through 8th graders, so I think it could be used in a literature circle or a book club. In a book club, the students can talk about what they would do if they were in the same situation as Malika.
Summary: This book is about a girl named Malika who lives in the Libyan city of Ghadames. She has just watched her merchant father depart on one of his caravan expeditions. She too desires to travel to distant cities, and really wants to learn to read like her younger brother. But she is almost 12 years old, and soon to be of marriageable age, Malika knows that— like all Muslim women— she must be content with a more secluded, more limited life. Then one night a stranger enters her home, someone who disrupts the traditional order of things— and who affects Malika in unexpected ways.
How to use this book with students: This book is geared towards 5th through 8th graders, so I think it could be used in a literature circle or a book club. In a book club, the students can talk about what they would do if they were in the same situation as Malika.
November 27, 2012
This is a historical fiction book that is set in the city of Ghadames, in southern Libya. The time period for this book is the late nineteenth century. This book shows the culture of the city during this time period. The book is about a girl named Malika, her family, and the traditions of these people.
I really enjoyed this book. It was very interesting to find out about the culture of these people during this time period.
I would use this book in my classroom to teach my students about the culture of the city of Ghadames during this time period. This would also be a great way to show my students the differences of this culture and the culture of the city now. It shows that through time, all things change. I would also use this book to talk about differences and similarities between the culture in this book and the cultures of my students.
I really enjoyed this book. It was very interesting to find out about the culture of these people during this time period.
I would use this book in my classroom to teach my students about the culture of the city of Ghadames during this time period. This would also be a great way to show my students the differences of this culture and the culture of the city now. It shows that through time, all things change. I would also use this book to talk about differences and similarities between the culture in this book and the cultures of my students.
April 9, 2019
I liked The Shadows of Ghadames. I think it was sad that the women had to stay on the rooftops and never touch the street again, after a certain age. The only thing that kept me from giving this a 5 star review, is that I wished that Abdelkarim stayed with Malika, but I understand they had different traditions and ways of life. I give this a 4.5 star review.
June 1, 2018
Malika’s story is fiction, but the culture portrayed in The Shadows of Ghadameswas real. The story is very engaging and, while short, you’ll learn a lot about the city and culture. I highly recommend this book to middle grade kids (girls and boys) on up to adults.
November 12, 2016
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Format: Chapter book
Award: Batchelder Award
Summary: This story is about a Muslim girl, Malika, who longs to travel and dream. Because of her culture, she is limited as a female to do much outside the home. One night, her second mother and her find a wounded man outside their home. They take him in to help him heal, while the men of the house are gone on a business trip. The women of the home, hide this secret from their neighbors. Malika becomes friends with Abdelkarim and begins to learn how to read and write because of him. He gives Malika lessons while he heals. Then, it is time for him to go, and Malika's father to return. Malika has dreams and desires. Her father approves and encourages her dream.
Critique: I really liked this story because it betrays the culture in a non-biased way. The women are limited because of their culture, however, the women do things to help others even though it might be against their society. For example, Malika learns how to read and write, and they take in a man into their home because he is hurt, even though, the male of the home is not present.
Teaching prompt: The book uses the word 'gandourah' throughout. The teacher can take some vocabulary words before she reads the book and have the students guess first what each word is by matching it with a picture. This will give the students prior knowledge to be able to follow the story better because they will know what the word means.
Craft element: The students can compare and contrast the Muslim culture with Christianity. This can be a research project that takes a whole week. That way the students are aware of other beliefs and can see the similarities that a lot of religions have in common.
Format: Chapter book
Award: Batchelder Award
Summary: This story is about a Muslim girl, Malika, who longs to travel and dream. Because of her culture, she is limited as a female to do much outside the home. One night, her second mother and her find a wounded man outside their home. They take him in to help him heal, while the men of the house are gone on a business trip. The women of the home, hide this secret from their neighbors. Malika becomes friends with Abdelkarim and begins to learn how to read and write because of him. He gives Malika lessons while he heals. Then, it is time for him to go, and Malika's father to return. Malika has dreams and desires. Her father approves and encourages her dream.
Critique: I really liked this story because it betrays the culture in a non-biased way. The women are limited because of their culture, however, the women do things to help others even though it might be against their society. For example, Malika learns how to read and write, and they take in a man into their home because he is hurt, even though, the male of the home is not present.
Teaching prompt: The book uses the word 'gandourah' throughout. The teacher can take some vocabulary words before she reads the book and have the students guess first what each word is by matching it with a picture. This will give the students prior knowledge to be able to follow the story better because they will know what the word means.
Craft element: The students can compare and contrast the Muslim culture with Christianity. This can be a research project that takes a whole week. That way the students are aware of other beliefs and can see the similarities that a lot of religions have in common.
July 12, 2007
Stolz, Joelle, (1999). Temerson, Catherine (trans, 2004). The Shadows of Ghadames. Delacorte Press.
At the end of the 19th century in the city of Ghadames in southern Libya, 11-year-old Malika’s life is beginning to change. On the brink of adulthood, she is no longer allowed to walk in public and is restricted to traveling on the rooftops of the city buildings. A mysterious stranger comes into the women’s lives while Malika’s father is away on business, and Malika’s respect for the women of Ghadames begins to grow. This historical fiction novel, originally written in French, does a wonderful job of portraying the lives of women in the Middle East. Despite the confining rules and customs the women must follow, they are portrayed as positive role models who are intelligent, independent and strong. Readers will become engaged in the lives of the women, who give freely to the less fortunate, hold a bazaar on the rooftop, stomp their feet when walking in the street to alert men of their presence, and remove all jewelry while their husbands are away. Stolz creates a vibrant depiction of women living in a Muslim world. Ages 11-14.
At the end of the 19th century in the city of Ghadames in southern Libya, 11-year-old Malika’s life is beginning to change. On the brink of adulthood, she is no longer allowed to walk in public and is restricted to traveling on the rooftops of the city buildings. A mysterious stranger comes into the women’s lives while Malika’s father is away on business, and Malika’s respect for the women of Ghadames begins to grow. This historical fiction novel, originally written in French, does a wonderful job of portraying the lives of women in the Middle East. Despite the confining rules and customs the women must follow, they are portrayed as positive role models who are intelligent, independent and strong. Readers will become engaged in the lives of the women, who give freely to the less fortunate, hold a bazaar on the rooftop, stomp their feet when walking in the street to alert men of their presence, and remove all jewelry while their husbands are away. Stolz creates a vibrant depiction of women living in a Muslim world. Ages 11-14.
November 25, 2013
This is the only historical story about this region and the culture in young adult literature, that I know of. The narrative paints a beautiful picture of life for women on the city roofs, the gardens, nature, rituals, beliefs, architecture, politics, and social mores - including details like the women's tattoos, the baths, the caravans. It is a coming of age story of a young north african, Berber girl at the turn of the century. A lot of the story describes how men and women treat each other, which is captivating and curious. It's very educational while being entertaining. I never felt there was a 'western' agenda - just the yearnings of a young girl excited and thinking about her future. The male-female dichotomy is a little harsh for someone unfamiliar with the culture. The plot is a little weak - almost as if the author just wanted a vehicle to share what it was like for young muslim women in this part of the world, at this time. And of course the reason this book is important, is that it begs us to ask: what is it like now?
I would recommend this to 5th grade girls to adults.
I would recommend this to 5th grade girls to adults.
November 13, 2019
When I started this book, I thought it seemed very promising because the author began by describing in vivid detail the fascinating setting of her book - 1800's Libya. Joelle Stolz certainly has a way with words and a talent for making an exotic setting come to life.
However, her talent stops there. Stolz may have a way with words, but she definitely does not have a way with plots, characters, or writing about things readers just may actually be interested in.
The characters are silly and badly written, the author introduces possible things the book could be about - yet then seemingly abandons the ideas - and the plot is nonexistent.
I can't even really say for sure what this book is about... The main character is a young girl coming of age in 1800's Libya, and that is pretty much all we can be certain of.
This book is not worth reading.
However, her talent stops there. Stolz may have a way with words, but she definitely does not have a way with plots, characters, or writing about things readers just may actually be interested in.
The characters are silly and badly written, the author introduces possible things the book could be about - yet then seemingly abandons the ideas - and the plot is nonexistent.
I can't even really say for sure what this book is about... The main character is a young girl coming of age in 1800's Libya, and that is pretty much all we can be certain of.
This book is not worth reading.
December 23, 2008
Coffee should be savored with your eyes shut, so that its subtle perfume spreads in your mouth and rises up to your nostrils." pg 72
"Womens bodies are like books; you have to know how to decipher them." pg 75.
This is the story of a Berber girl, Malika, who lives with her family in Ghadames. Her father goes on a journey, and his second wife takes in a strange man at night. Despite the customs of the time, and her mother's initial resistence, Abdelkarim teaches Malika to read. This book provides an interesting glimpse into the Muslim culture of Ghadames, and the power of being able to question and read.
Keywords: muslim_culture, berbers, historical fiction, middle_school, strong_female, family, knowledge, reading
"Womens bodies are like books; you have to know how to decipher them." pg 75.
This is the story of a Berber girl, Malika, who lives with her family in Ghadames. Her father goes on a journey, and his second wife takes in a strange man at night. Despite the customs of the time, and her mother's initial resistence, Abdelkarim teaches Malika to read. This book provides an interesting glimpse into the Muslim culture of Ghadames, and the power of being able to question and read.
Keywords: muslim_culture, berbers, historical fiction, middle_school, strong_female, family, knowledge, reading
February 23, 2014
Taking place in Ghadames, a Muslim child (Malika) about to become an adult will understand that her world is less constrained than she thinks it really is. With strong Libyan customs the men rule the streets while the women live on the connected rooftops. Though Malika has the freedoms of those rooftops she still yearns for more. Malika wants to be able to travel with her father as a merchant, to be able to read also to see what lies beyond the customs and of women and what the are suspected to assume. She becomes surprised that to how powerful and complex the womens world really is when, her father is away. Malika's 2 moms are keeping a secret and deifying laws to keep a dark secret which will change Malika's life entirely either for the better or worse.
December 1, 2008
Genre: Junior fiction. Realistic.
Reading Level: Fluent
Topics & Themes: Women's life, rights, and regulations in Libya (Middle East). Coming of age story for Malika: secondary for her brother, Jasim.
Curricular Use: Independent.
Social: Introduction to other cultures' family structure: non-traditional family (for Americans) Husband has two wives.
Literary Elements: Conflict/tension of Bilkisu and Meriem, the two wives with different viewpoints of women's place. Meriem believes in a strict adherence to traditional practices, while Bilkisu is slightly more liberal. Malika's point of view and strong voice as she questions and comes to terms with her place.
Reading Level: Fluent
Topics & Themes: Women's life, rights, and regulations in Libya (Middle East). Coming of age story for Malika: secondary for her brother, Jasim.
Curricular Use: Independent.
Social: Introduction to other cultures' family structure: non-traditional family (for Americans) Husband has two wives.
Literary Elements: Conflict/tension of Bilkisu and Meriem, the two wives with different viewpoints of women's place. Meriem believes in a strict adherence to traditional practices, while Bilkisu is slightly more liberal. Malika's point of view and strong voice as she questions and comes to terms with her place.
November 11, 2009
This book wouldn't interest guys much, I don't think. It's a coming of age tale of a girl at the end of the 19th century in Libya.
The beginning of the story we are introduced t her mom, her father, her half-brother, and her brothers mother, all of whom live together. She tells her story as though living with two mothers is delightful. We find later on that it has been a rough road for the two women to be married to the same man.
The author does a nice job explaining the traditions and customs of the day through flowing conversation dialogue.
I would recommend this book for 5-8th grade.
The beginning of the story we are introduced t her mom, her father, her half-brother, and her brothers mother, all of whom live together. She tells her story as though living with two mothers is delightful. We find later on that it has been a rough road for the two women to be married to the same man.
The author does a nice job explaining the traditions and customs of the day through flowing conversation dialogue.
I would recommend this book for 5-8th grade.
May 12, 2010
Fascinating life of women in a Muslim city about 1900. Probably not "classic" material--but definitely a great little book that gives some insight into a completely foreign culture.
I gave it four stars because I'm not sure but that the author didn't put a little bit of modern "sensibility" into her characters--but what do I know, it just felt that way. It took away a little from the authenticity.
Wouldn't buy it, but it might be a runner-up for the girl's list. Totally a girl's book--can't imagine a boy being very interested.
I gave it four stars because I'm not sure but that the author didn't put a little bit of modern "sensibility" into her characters--but what do I know, it just felt that way. It took away a little from the authenticity.
Wouldn't buy it, but it might be a runner-up for the girl's list. Totally a girl's book--can't imagine a boy being very interested.
June 21, 2010
Read thui book for my Multicultural class. I enjoyed the overall story and theme, but there were issues. One, the story went along and then it was over. Ending seemed terribly rushed. Two, Malika refers to the stranger as handsome and feeling guilty about it several times. Malika is 11 and the stranger has a full beard and mustache. Is this normal? Was I to be freaked out? How old was the stranger? Seemed unnecessary. Lastly, the realization that womens roles were changing was far to convenient. The stranger and Malikas gift from her father were a little too perfect for me.
September 18, 2010
This story takes place in the Libyan city of Ghadames at the end of the nineteenth century. The heroine, Malika, is dreading her twelfth birthday because according to Berber customs, she will be close to marriageable age and confined to the world of women. In Ghadames that means restriction to the rooftops, "a city above the city, an open sunny town for women only, where . . . they never talk to men."
Malika does not want to be isolated to the rooftops she longs to live beyond the city and to travel, like her father.
Malika does not want to be isolated to the rooftops she longs to live beyond the city and to travel, like her father.
April 19, 2008
A great look into another culture. Even though this is historical fiction, it really doesn't read like it. It was really fascinating viewing another culture and in particular their view of women. It really brought up feelings and anger in me that I didn't know was there. I would love to teach this book in an elementary or middle school classroom. It just screamed curriculum integration to me. I enjoyed reading it.
October 22, 2009
I liked this book for its depiction of the life of women in Libyan society at this time. Malika defies the order of society when she hides the stranger, thus violating numerous "laws". I imagine that such social restriction can be both smothering and comforting to women, and I admire those with the courage to defy it.
I especially liked how they traveled from rooftop to rooftop and did a lot of things on the roof. Made me wish my roof was flat!
Highly recommended!
I especially liked how they traveled from rooftop to rooftop and did a lot of things on the roof. Made me wish my roof was flat!
Highly recommended!
February 16, 2010
So far I am really enjoying this book. I am not normally into this type of literature, however this book was great! It was an easy read but reall ymade you feel for the main character Malika. She is a youung girl in Lybia, women have no rights, they are not to go outside or have an education. When her father leaves on a trip, a strange man is found wounded outside. When they try to save him Mlika realizes that this stranger is going to foever change her life.
January 24, 2011
At the end of the nineteenth century in Libya, eleven-year-old Malika simultaneously enjoys and feels constricted by the narrow world of women, but an injured stranger enters her home and disrupts the traditional order of things.
I liked the book. I really wanted the relationship with Malika and the young man to continue. Wouldn’t a sequel be nice to have the young man return when Malika is a bit older.
I liked the book. I really wanted the relationship with Malika and the young man to continue. Wouldn’t a sequel be nice to have the young man return when Malika is a bit older.
September 1, 2016
This is not the type of book I would ordinarily pick up, but I found it compelling in taking you to another time and place where girls were worse than second-class citizens. I thought the author painted a vivid picture of the culture and history of the community and presented an empathetic character. Give it a try!
January 3, 2010
Super interesting translated story that won the Batchelder in 2005. Set in the 19th century - The Shadows of Ghadames tells the story of a 12-year-old girl who is on the brink of womanhood and will then be quarantined to the rooftops of her Libiyan town with the other wormen. Beautiful - descriptive.
February 6, 2010
Set near the end of the 19th century, this short novel tells the story of a Muslim girl whose strong desire is to learn to read and write. The secret powers of women, granted by their seperation from male society, are explored in a little adventure the girl shares with her mother and her father's second wife. A strong title for girls.
April 20, 2011
Malika watches her father leave on a trading caravan, leaving her mother, Bilkisu, the second wife, and her brother Jasim alone. A fugitive man is rescued and hidden on the rooftops, the world of women, who are forbidden the streets. What does the future hold for a girl restless behind the walles of Ghadames?
June 16, 2012
I liked this book. It was an interesting coming of age story for a girl in 19th century Libya.
The only thing I really didn't like about the book was the ending. It felt rushed, and it left me with a lot of questions. It would be fine if there were a sequel, but since I haven't heard of one, I would have preferred more to the ending. Otherwise, I really enjoyed this book.
The only thing I really didn't like about the book was the ending. It felt rushed, and it left me with a lot of questions. It would be fine if there were a sequel, but since I haven't heard of one, I would have preferred more to the ending. Otherwise, I really enjoyed this book.
July 26, 2016
An interesting look at the life of a young girl growing up Muslim. The women of the town live restrictive lives. But in this town the rooftops are connected and the women are free to roam up there. The main character longs to travel and wishes she could learn to read. A stranger causes some changes in her life.
July 21, 2008
A sweet, quick little book about a girl growing up in the middle east. I found the author's 21st century attitudes were imposed upon the characters in the book. I found that slightly unrealistic and off-putting, but for the most part it's a good read.
February 25, 2010
This was a sweet, easily read book about a young girl's life in Libya during the late 18th century. Nothing earthshattering, but a glimpse into another culture. This would be a good book for a less accomplished reader.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews