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The Storyteller of Casablanca
In this evocative tale from the bestselling author of The Dressmaker’s Gift, a strange new city offers a young girl hope. Can it also offer a lost soul a second chance?
Morocco, 1941. With France having fallen to Nazi occupation, twelve-year-old Josie has fled with her family to Casablanca, where they await safe passage to America. Life here is as intense as the sun, every sight, smell and sound overwhelming to the senses in a city filled with extraordinary characters. It’s a world away from the trouble back home—and Josie loves it.
Seventy years later, another new arrival in the intoxicating port city, Zoe, is struggling—with her marriage, her baby daughter and her new life as an expat in an unfamiliar place. But when she discovers a small wooden box and a diary from the 1940s beneath the floorboards of her daughter’s bedroom, Zoe enters the inner world of young Josie, who once looked out on the same view of the Atlantic Ocean, but who knew a very different Casablanca.
It’s not long before Zoe begins to see her adopted city through Josie’s eyes. But can a new perspective help her turn tragedy into hope, and find the comfort she needs to heal her broken heart?
Morocco, 1941. With France having fallen to Nazi occupation, twelve-year-old Josie has fled with her family to Casablanca, where they await safe passage to America. Life here is as intense as the sun, every sight, smell and sound overwhelming to the senses in a city filled with extraordinary characters. It’s a world away from the trouble back home—and Josie loves it.
Seventy years later, another new arrival in the intoxicating port city, Zoe, is struggling—with her marriage, her baby daughter and her new life as an expat in an unfamiliar place. But when she discovers a small wooden box and a diary from the 1940s beneath the floorboards of her daughter’s bedroom, Zoe enters the inner world of young Josie, who once looked out on the same view of the Atlantic Ocean, but who knew a very different Casablanca.
It’s not long before Zoe begins to see her adopted city through Josie’s eyes. But can a new perspective help her turn tragedy into hope, and find the comfort she needs to heal her broken heart?
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First published September 21, 2021
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About the author
Fiona Valpy
17 books2,484 followersFiona Valpy spent seven years living in France, having moved there from the UK in 2007. She and her family renovated an old, rambling farmhouse in the Bordeaux winelands, during which time she developed new-found skills in cement-mixing, interior decorating and wine-tasting.
All of these inspirations, along with a love for the place, the people and their history, have found their way into the books she’s written, which have been translated into more than 30 languages and sold more than 2 million copies worldwide.
Fiona now lives in Scotland, but enjoys regular visits to France in search of the sun.
Sign up to be the first to hear about her NEW releases here: http://bit.ly/184zc8B
All of these inspirations, along with a love for the place, the people and their history, have found their way into the books she’s written, which have been translated into more than 30 languages and sold more than 2 million copies worldwide.
Fiona now lives in Scotland, but enjoys regular visits to France in search of the sun.
Sign up to be the first to hear about her NEW releases here: http://bit.ly/184zc8B
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 2,146 reviews
May 30, 2021
4.5 stars rounded up.
When Zoe’s husband Tom gets a five year posting to Casablanca she views this as a fresh start for their strained and distant relationship. She makes a chance find beneath the floorboards of their accommodation of a little box and a leather bound notebook that belongs to twelve year old Josiane Duval. Josie’s journal from 1941 reveals that she is French, the family are Jewish and are in Casablanca awaiting the paperwork to take a ship to Portugal and onwards to the USA. The story is told in alternate timelines which works extremely well as both their lives weave and interconnect in surprising ways.
This is another lovely, engaging and well written novel which is based on some actual events. There are many superbly visual descriptions of Casablanca, you feel the heat, hear the sounds, the smells and can almost taste the delicious food. You feel as if you have had a tour not just of Casablanca but also of Morocco. The journal gives insight into the war, the encroaching dangers for Josie’s family and you get a sense of foreboding for the Duval family. The historical context of the war is very well done and we even get appearances by Josephine Baker which is used so effectively in the evolving storyline. The book contains some fascinating insights into the importance of storytelling in Moroccan culture and the author cleverly uses quilting too, merging this well into the plot line. Josie is a fantastic character, she’s clever, perceptive, incredibly brave and she can think on her feet. I love her obsession with Dorothy L. Sayers and in the modern storyline the inclusion of stories like Scheherazade. The story is brought sharply up to date with the inclusion of the migrant crisis in North Africa and people there wait to make an often perilous journey to Europe. This is a soaring emotional tale which has a multitude of elements to it and keeps you transfixed. I did foresee the twist at the end but that’s doesn’t in any way spoil the enjoyment.
Overall, another winner for me from Fiona Valpy. It’s an enthralling read which demonstrates beautifully the power of storytelling on several levels.
With thanks to NetGalley and Amazon Publishing UK for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
When Zoe’s husband Tom gets a five year posting to Casablanca she views this as a fresh start for their strained and distant relationship. She makes a chance find beneath the floorboards of their accommodation of a little box and a leather bound notebook that belongs to twelve year old Josiane Duval. Josie’s journal from 1941 reveals that she is French, the family are Jewish and are in Casablanca awaiting the paperwork to take a ship to Portugal and onwards to the USA. The story is told in alternate timelines which works extremely well as both their lives weave and interconnect in surprising ways.
This is another lovely, engaging and well written novel which is based on some actual events. There are many superbly visual descriptions of Casablanca, you feel the heat, hear the sounds, the smells and can almost taste the delicious food. You feel as if you have had a tour not just of Casablanca but also of Morocco. The journal gives insight into the war, the encroaching dangers for Josie’s family and you get a sense of foreboding for the Duval family. The historical context of the war is very well done and we even get appearances by Josephine Baker which is used so effectively in the evolving storyline. The book contains some fascinating insights into the importance of storytelling in Moroccan culture and the author cleverly uses quilting too, merging this well into the plot line. Josie is a fantastic character, she’s clever, perceptive, incredibly brave and she can think on her feet. I love her obsession with Dorothy L. Sayers and in the modern storyline the inclusion of stories like Scheherazade. The story is brought sharply up to date with the inclusion of the migrant crisis in North Africa and people there wait to make an often perilous journey to Europe. This is a soaring emotional tale which has a multitude of elements to it and keeps you transfixed. I did foresee the twist at the end but that’s doesn’t in any way spoil the enjoyment.
Overall, another winner for me from Fiona Valpy. It’s an enthralling read which demonstrates beautifully the power of storytelling on several levels.
With thanks to NetGalley and Amazon Publishing UK for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
December 19, 2021
This is the type of historical fiction I love to read.
In 2010, Zoe moves to Casablanca with her family for her husband’s new job. Their marriage is on the rocks and Zoe is trying to adjust to her new life. In the house she’s living at, she finds a box of hidden mementos from the past and specifically the journal of a girl named Josie from 1941. Josie’s mother has Jewish heritage, and in WWII, Josie and her family fled from France to Casablanca with plans to move to America. Zoe reads young Josie’s story of her life in Casablanca and how her father helped form the French resistance network in North Africa. Josie’s story helps Zoe to eventually open up to tell her own story. Zoe works to face her painful past and finds the strength to move forward.
The past and present timelines were blended together nicely and the present didn’t feel like it dominated the book. The character’s were compassionate and intelligent, and they each had a key part in the plot. The loose ends were all woven together, and the revelations were both unexpected and devastating to discover.
I hadn’t read a book on Casablanca before, and it was interesting to learn about it’s history in WWII. Morocco had a complicated past, as it was melting pot of refugees and had a strong secret resistance force. The book also included history on the more the recent humanitarian crisis, where refugees that were stripped of their identities, homes, and sometimes families came to Casablanca in search of a better life.
The Storyteller of Casablanca is a heart-wrenching and beautifully written historical fiction read. The stories of Zoe and Josie illuminated how the human spirit is indestructible. Sharing our truth can set us free, and out of hardship and tragedy something beautiful can arise. 💛
In 2010, Zoe moves to Casablanca with her family for her husband’s new job. Their marriage is on the rocks and Zoe is trying to adjust to her new life. In the house she’s living at, she finds a box of hidden mementos from the past and specifically the journal of a girl named Josie from 1941. Josie’s mother has Jewish heritage, and in WWII, Josie and her family fled from France to Casablanca with plans to move to America. Zoe reads young Josie’s story of her life in Casablanca and how her father helped form the French resistance network in North Africa. Josie’s story helps Zoe to eventually open up to tell her own story. Zoe works to face her painful past and finds the strength to move forward.
The past and present timelines were blended together nicely and the present didn’t feel like it dominated the book. The character’s were compassionate and intelligent, and they each had a key part in the plot. The loose ends were all woven together, and the revelations were both unexpected and devastating to discover.
I hadn’t read a book on Casablanca before, and it was interesting to learn about it’s history in WWII. Morocco had a complicated past, as it was melting pot of refugees and had a strong secret resistance force. The book also included history on the more the recent humanitarian crisis, where refugees that were stripped of their identities, homes, and sometimes families came to Casablanca in search of a better life.
The Storyteller of Casablanca is a heart-wrenching and beautifully written historical fiction read. The stories of Zoe and Josie illuminated how the human spirit is indestructible. Sharing our truth can set us free, and out of hardship and tragedy something beautiful can arise. 💛
October 4, 2021
4.5 stars rounded up. Fiona Valpy has succeeded again in writing another brilliant historical fiction novel. The Storyteller of Casablanca was heartbreaking and captivating. It was written in a dual time period and the chapters alternated accordingly. Both of the female protagonists were admirable and quite likable. Fiona Davis was able to incorporate the sights and smells and unique qualities of Morocco so vividly into her book that I almost felt like I was there with the characters. Many of the people she mentioned in The Storyteller of Casablanca were real people that played important roles during that time. I adored the main characters of Josie and Zoe. Their stories and circumstances really tugged at my heart. The conception of The Storyteller was sparked by a request. Someone’s husband once mentioned to Fiona Valpy that he wished he had a granddaughter that could tell about his wife’s experience in Casablanca at the onset of World War II. From that simple request and impeccable research The Storyteller of Casablanca was formulated and written.
In 1941, Josie and her family fled from Nazi occupied France to Casablanca. Josie was just twelve years old at the time. Her family’s goal was to escape to America. They had distant family that lived there. However, securing all the required documents was not easy. Their stay in Casablanca kept getting extended. Patience was needed but was not always easy to practice. During her time in Casablanca, Josie recorded many of her thoughts, feeling and things that happened in a journal her father had given to her.
Seventy years later, in 2010, Zoe and her husband Tom arrived in Casablanca. Zoe and Tom were looking for a fresh start. Tom had secured a job there. Both Zoe and Tom were aware that their marriage was in jeopardy of failing. Along with their baby daughter, Grace, life as an expat in an unfamiliar place was not easy or comfortable for either Zoe or Tom. One day Zoe discovered a hidden wooden box with a diary from the 1940’s hidden beneath the floor boards in her baby daughter’s room. Zoe was soon transported back in time into Josie’s life. She became fascinated with Josie’s story and plight. Could these two strong women, one from the past and one from the present help each other to get past their suffering and hurt?
I loved everything about The Storyteller of Casablanca. The story drew me in right from the start and I learned a lot about the role Casablanca played during World War II especially for the escaping refugees trying to get to Britain or America. The ending was quite a surprise and not expected at all. I highly recommend this book.
Thank you to Lake Union Publishing for allowing me to read this advanced digital copy of The Storyteller of Casablanca through Netgalley. All opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
In 1941, Josie and her family fled from Nazi occupied France to Casablanca. Josie was just twelve years old at the time. Her family’s goal was to escape to America. They had distant family that lived there. However, securing all the required documents was not easy. Their stay in Casablanca kept getting extended. Patience was needed but was not always easy to practice. During her time in Casablanca, Josie recorded many of her thoughts, feeling and things that happened in a journal her father had given to her.
Seventy years later, in 2010, Zoe and her husband Tom arrived in Casablanca. Zoe and Tom were looking for a fresh start. Tom had secured a job there. Both Zoe and Tom were aware that their marriage was in jeopardy of failing. Along with their baby daughter, Grace, life as an expat in an unfamiliar place was not easy or comfortable for either Zoe or Tom. One day Zoe discovered a hidden wooden box with a diary from the 1940’s hidden beneath the floor boards in her baby daughter’s room. Zoe was soon transported back in time into Josie’s life. She became fascinated with Josie’s story and plight. Could these two strong women, one from the past and one from the present help each other to get past their suffering and hurt?
I loved everything about The Storyteller of Casablanca. The story drew me in right from the start and I learned a lot about the role Casablanca played during World War II especially for the escaping refugees trying to get to Britain or America. The ending was quite a surprise and not expected at all. I highly recommend this book.
Thank you to Lake Union Publishing for allowing me to read this advanced digital copy of The Storyteller of Casablanca through Netgalley. All opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
July 29, 2021
Josie Duval is a twelve year old Jewish girl living in Casablanca in 1941, Zoe Harris is staying in the same house in 2010 and their story has a dual timeline. The two main characters are bound together when Zoe finds Josie’s diary, a trinket box, keepsakes, under the floor boards in one of the bedrooms and where they have been hidden for over seventy years.
Guillaume, Delphine, Annette and Josie, flee France when the German’s invade Paris, they eventually arrive in Casablanca, and here they hope to get visas, pass the medical checks and immigrate to America. Josie’s loves Casablanca, it’s warm climate, sights, culture, food, people, visiting the library and spending time with her new friend Nina. The whole process is slow and tedious waiting for a boat to take them to safety, the war is getting closer to Morocco, the Duval's money is running out, German soldiers arrive and the families scared.
Zoe and Tom Harris move to Casablanca for a fresh start, their marriage is struggling, other British expats live nearby and the wives make Zoe feel welcome. However, Zoe becomes captivated by Josie’s story, she wants to discover what happened to the Duval’s and did they make it to America? Zoe and Josie both meet interesting people while living in Casablanca, they both like to help others and feel a deep connection to the place. The story is tied together by themes of hope, friendship, grief, and the importance of storytelling in Moroccan culture and it's deep history.
The Storyteller of Casablanca will have you captivated from the very first page, a beautifully written story, I loved the main characters, Fiona Valpy weaves her magic once again, and what an emotional and unexpected ending. I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review, if you enjoyed the Beekeeper’s Promise and I can guarantee you will enjoy reading The Storyteller of Casablanca and five stars from me. https://karrenreadsbooks.blogspot.com/
Guillaume, Delphine, Annette and Josie, flee France when the German’s invade Paris, they eventually arrive in Casablanca, and here they hope to get visas, pass the medical checks and immigrate to America. Josie’s loves Casablanca, it’s warm climate, sights, culture, food, people, visiting the library and spending time with her new friend Nina. The whole process is slow and tedious waiting for a boat to take them to safety, the war is getting closer to Morocco, the Duval's money is running out, German soldiers arrive and the families scared.
Zoe and Tom Harris move to Casablanca for a fresh start, their marriage is struggling, other British expats live nearby and the wives make Zoe feel welcome. However, Zoe becomes captivated by Josie’s story, she wants to discover what happened to the Duval’s and did they make it to America? Zoe and Josie both meet interesting people while living in Casablanca, they both like to help others and feel a deep connection to the place. The story is tied together by themes of hope, friendship, grief, and the importance of storytelling in Moroccan culture and it's deep history.
The Storyteller of Casablanca will have you captivated from the very first page, a beautifully written story, I loved the main characters, Fiona Valpy weaves her magic once again, and what an emotional and unexpected ending. I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review, if you enjoyed the Beekeeper’s Promise and I can guarantee you will enjoy reading The Storyteller of Casablanca and five stars from me. https://karrenreadsbooks.blogspot.com/
March 14, 2022
3.5 stars
The story was nice, but it didn't caught me. I was hoping to not being able to let go but instead I didn't feel the wanting to pick it up.
Going closer to the end it gets more interesting but I guessed half of it and the other half wasn't all that surprising.
It was a good historical fiction that I'll probably not read again.
The story was nice, but it didn't caught me. I was hoping to not being able to let go but instead I didn't feel the wanting to pick it up.
Going closer to the end it gets more interesting but I guessed half of it and the other half wasn't all that surprising.
It was a good historical fiction that I'll probably not read again.
September 6, 2021
Morocco, 1941: With France having fallen to Nazi occupation, twelve year old Josie has fled with her family to Casablanca, where they await safe passage to America. Life here is as intense as the sun, every sight, smell and sound overwhelming to the senses in a city filled with extraordinary characters. It's a world away from the trouble back home - and Josie loves it.
Seventy years later: another new arrival in the intoxicating port city, Zoe, is struggling - with her marriage, her baby daughter and her new life as an expat in an unfamiliar place. But when she discovers a small wooden box and a diary from the 1940s beneath the floorboards in her daughters bedroom, Zoe enters the inner world of young Josie.
The stories dual timeline is set seventy years apart. Set in Casablanca, Zoe's story is set in 2010 and Josie's in 1941. When Zoe finds twelve year old Josie's diary, she becomes preoccupied by her story. The two timelines are interwoven seamlessly as we learn of Zoe's marriage problems and Josie's family. This is a descriptively written story that I was quickly caught up in. The pace is steady with some wonderful characters.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #AmazonPublishingUk and the author #FionaValpy for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Seventy years later: another new arrival in the intoxicating port city, Zoe, is struggling - with her marriage, her baby daughter and her new life as an expat in an unfamiliar place. But when she discovers a small wooden box and a diary from the 1940s beneath the floorboards in her daughters bedroom, Zoe enters the inner world of young Josie.
The stories dual timeline is set seventy years apart. Set in Casablanca, Zoe's story is set in 2010 and Josie's in 1941. When Zoe finds twelve year old Josie's diary, she becomes preoccupied by her story. The two timelines are interwoven seamlessly as we learn of Zoe's marriage problems and Josie's family. This is a descriptively written story that I was quickly caught up in. The pace is steady with some wonderful characters.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #AmazonPublishingUk and the author #FionaValpy for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
June 30, 2022
This was actually a very entertaining read. It's a story of a woman and her husband who are living in a house in Casablanca and the woman finds That 1 of the floorboards is loose. Instead of just nailing it back down she lifts it out and find a journal and a box filled with memoirs.
September 18, 2021
I enjoyed this story but, at times it was a little slow. I liked the setting of the story and the dual time-line but, the characters annoyed me. Some were so weak and others too controlling. This is my first book by Fiona and I will try another one of hers in the future as she has a good reputation. My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.
August 26, 2021
The Diary
I loved the enchantment of Casablanca. and the country of Morocco. The Ocean views, the architecture, the ancient city and the famous history behind it all. Not only was is a great story, it was a wonderful tour of the country as well.
Zoe and her husband move to Casablanca to have a fresh start to work on repairing their marriage. Zoe finds it hard to fit in as an ex-pat in a foreign country it is all so different. Then she finds the diary of a young Jewish girl from 1941 under a floorboard. It is the story of Jose, her parents, her sister Annette and her friends Nina and Felix. Written in a diary by a 12 year old it is the story of their flight from Paris and their time in Casablanca while waiting to immigrate to America.
The characters are wonderful and both Zoe and Jose are brave and both are sensitive people who care much for those they love. I loved both of the stories and how they interacted with each other beyond the years.
It is surprising how much books and stories can affect a person and help them when they have struggles. As it was in 1941 so it was in 2011 helping others helped them. Friends and projects and a feeling of belonging to something worthwhile and important was very healing.
The book ends with a twist that you will not see coming. It is a great read, you will love it. I recommend this book.
Thanks to Fiona Valpy, Amazon Publishing U.K. and NetGalley for allowing me to read a complimentary copy of the book for my honest review.
I loved the enchantment of Casablanca. and the country of Morocco. The Ocean views, the architecture, the ancient city and the famous history behind it all. Not only was is a great story, it was a wonderful tour of the country as well.
Zoe and her husband move to Casablanca to have a fresh start to work on repairing their marriage. Zoe finds it hard to fit in as an ex-pat in a foreign country it is all so different. Then she finds the diary of a young Jewish girl from 1941 under a floorboard. It is the story of Jose, her parents, her sister Annette and her friends Nina and Felix. Written in a diary by a 12 year old it is the story of their flight from Paris and their time in Casablanca while waiting to immigrate to America.
The characters are wonderful and both Zoe and Jose are brave and both are sensitive people who care much for those they love. I loved both of the stories and how they interacted with each other beyond the years.
It is surprising how much books and stories can affect a person and help them when they have struggles. As it was in 1941 so it was in 2011 helping others helped them. Friends and projects and a feeling of belonging to something worthwhile and important was very healing.
The book ends with a twist that you will not see coming. It is a great read, you will love it. I recommend this book.
Thanks to Fiona Valpy, Amazon Publishing U.K. and NetGalley for allowing me to read a complimentary copy of the book for my honest review.
October 14, 2021
I won this book from Amazon Kindle in a GoodReads Giveaway and I thank them for the opportunity to read this moving book.
I particularly loved this dual timeline, which is a common thread with many of the historical novels I read. Some work better than others and I felt this one worked really well. Though I could see a reveal in Zoe's story coming from a mile away, I was intrigued to find out how she got there.
Likewise, Josie's story seemed like it would be inevitable but the little twist at the end was very moving. I really loved all the historical elements, learning some things I didn't know before about Casablanca and quilting to name two, and I loved the humanity of so many of the characters in the book. Considering the heavy topics in this book, and there were many, including the desperate, harrowing journeys of refugees in both timelines, the book had a surprisingly hopeful message and a light touch which made it an easier read.
And thanks to this book, I've got to get my hands on a copy of Hidden in Plain View: A Secret Story of Quilts and The Underground Railroad.
I particularly loved this dual timeline, which is a common thread with many of the historical novels I read. Some work better than others and I felt this one worked really well. Though I could see a reveal in Zoe's story coming from a mile away, I was intrigued to find out how she got there.
Likewise, Josie's story seemed like it would be inevitable but the little twist at the end was very moving. I really loved all the historical elements, learning some things I didn't know before about Casablanca and quilting to name two, and I loved the humanity of so many of the characters in the book. Considering the heavy topics in this book, and there were many, including the desperate, harrowing journeys of refugees in both timelines, the book had a surprisingly hopeful message and a light touch which made it an easier read.
And thanks to this book, I've got to get my hands on a copy of Hidden in Plain View: A Secret Story of Quilts and The Underground Railroad.
November 14, 2021
Implausible in the way it was written
I’m afraid I gave up on this book half way through as I found it frustrating. The diary by the young Josie was just not convincing in its language - it was supposedly written by a 12 year old French girl who had had some English lessons so the extent of her descriptive vocabulary was far too wide and she seemed never to search for the right words! I just couldn’t get past that even though her story was quite an interesting one, it was just too implausible. The character of Zoe I also found irritating and the way she was emotionally affected by the story from 70 years previously again seemed unlikely and a clunky way to add drama to her life. Not for me I’m afraid.
I’m afraid I gave up on this book half way through as I found it frustrating. The diary by the young Josie was just not convincing in its language - it was supposedly written by a 12 year old French girl who had had some English lessons so the extent of her descriptive vocabulary was far too wide and she seemed never to search for the right words! I just couldn’t get past that even though her story was quite an interesting one, it was just too implausible. The character of Zoe I also found irritating and the way she was emotionally affected by the story from 70 years previously again seemed unlikely and a clunky way to add drama to her life. Not for me I’m afraid.
January 20, 2022
4.5 stars rounded up. A dual timeline book reaching back to the beginning of WWII in Casablanca to Josie and her family escaping France with others trying to get to America and then 2010 to Zoe's family coming to Casablanca for her husband's job and looking for a fresh start.
Zoe discovers Josie's diary and treasures hidden under a floor board in the attic room of the house they have rented. Zoe struggles with issues in her life that manifest both emotionally and physically. She begins to read Josie's diary and immerses herself into that time in Casablanca during the early 1940's as refugees from all over Europe come there as a jumping off point to escape the Nazis and try to reach America. She learns about Josie's life as an intelligent, brave young girl who is forced to grow up with the horrors of those who wish to eliminate people due to who they are and not fitting into the "mold" that the Nazi's have of their "perfect world order".
Zoe discovers in her time that there are refugees who have come from all points of Africa trying to escape the horrors of the modern day wars they have encountered in their homelands escaping those trying to impose their views and destroying those who either do not fit in with their views or who they wish to eliminate because they are not who they want in their new world order. Zoe begins with the help of Josie's diary and her work with refugees to accept her own issues and by the end of the book we learn what has occurred in her life as she learns to accept, let go but not forget the past and heal.
The writing is very descriptive and it is clear the author has done extensive research into the history, and geography of Morocco in both the early 1940s and during modern times. I also feel she has a good grasp of the mental health issues that both Josie and Zoe are experiencing and how communities can help refugees who are suffering physically and mentally begin to recapture their true selves and try to move on to their new normal with strength and grace without forgetting their cultures. I think everyone can and should learn from other cultures as there are so many ways we are all the same and any differences can and should be experienced and celebrated.
I was not expecting the ending, however it did explain some oddities in Zoe's life and brought the stories of Zoe and Josie to what I feel is a satisfactory conclusion.
Zoe discovers Josie's diary and treasures hidden under a floor board in the attic room of the house they have rented. Zoe struggles with issues in her life that manifest both emotionally and physically. She begins to read Josie's diary and immerses herself into that time in Casablanca during the early 1940's as refugees from all over Europe come there as a jumping off point to escape the Nazis and try to reach America. She learns about Josie's life as an intelligent, brave young girl who is forced to grow up with the horrors of those who wish to eliminate people due to who they are and not fitting into the "mold" that the Nazi's have of their "perfect world order".
Zoe discovers in her time that there are refugees who have come from all points of Africa trying to escape the horrors of the modern day wars they have encountered in their homelands escaping those trying to impose their views and destroying those who either do not fit in with their views or who they wish to eliminate because they are not who they want in their new world order. Zoe begins with the help of Josie's diary and her work with refugees to accept her own issues and by the end of the book we learn what has occurred in her life as she learns to accept, let go but not forget the past and heal.
The writing is very descriptive and it is clear the author has done extensive research into the history, and geography of Morocco in both the early 1940s and during modern times. I also feel she has a good grasp of the mental health issues that both Josie and Zoe are experiencing and how communities can help refugees who are suffering physically and mentally begin to recapture their true selves and try to move on to their new normal with strength and grace without forgetting their cultures. I think everyone can and should learn from other cultures as there are so many ways we are all the same and any differences can and should be experienced and celebrated.
I was not expecting the ending, however it did explain some oddities in Zoe's life and brought the stories of Zoe and Josie to what I feel is a satisfactory conclusion.
April 19, 2022
A novel set in Morocco in two different centuries: 1941 and 2010? Josie and her Jewish family flee to Casablanca to escape the Nazis, hoping to emigrate to America. Josie's life is hectic and she suffers from bad dreams, but she makes friends with their servant's daughter and another Jewish immigrant boy. With her father's encouragement, she keeps a detailed journal, which benefits her family. Josie is a compelling character. Zoe moves to Morocco with her husband to help repair their troubled marriage. Under a loose floorboard, she finds a small wooden box, with Josie's diary and treasures. Zoe tries to fit in, but is struggling with neuroses and is not compelling at all. Her only saving grace is a desire to quilt, eventually sharing her passion with refugees to remember their abandoned cultures. The two stories come together nicely, and Zoe's problems were explained.
September 30, 2022
I gave 4 stars to the 1941 narrative from Josie’s Journal as that part of the story was so interesting and edge of your seat engrossing.
I give 1.5 stars to the MC who is bland, repetitive and doesn’t really have a story other than when she finds the journal. The fact that her baby Grace slept about 20 hours a day miraculous lol
But the ending receives 5 stars for the unimaginable twist!!
The last chapter is the BEST
I’m glad I read it but the journal could be on its own as is Anne Frank’s.
I give 1.5 stars to the MC who is bland, repetitive and doesn’t really have a story other than when she finds the journal. The fact that her baby Grace slept about 20 hours a day miraculous lol
But the ending receives 5 stars for the unimaginable twist!!
The last chapter is the BEST
I’m glad I read it but the journal could be on its own as is Anne Frank’s.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 12, 2023
70 years apart Josie a young French girl whose family has fled the Nazi’s and Zoe whose distant husband has taken a new job assignment, live in the same house in Casablanca, Morocco.
After Zoe finds Josie’s diary, she begins to see her adopted city with a whole new perspective helping her find hope that she can change her life.
4 stars- Read for Retired Bookworms group.
After Zoe finds Josie’s diary, she begins to see her adopted city with a whole new perspective helping her find hope that she can change her life.
4 stars- Read for Retired Bookworms group.
November 7, 2022
This was an interesting and heartbreaking story. I liked learning about Casablanca. I feel like I've read a lot of war stories but never one that's taken place here. I liked the dual timelines - the diary entry posts from Josie from the past and the POV of Zoe in the present. Thy two POV were well balance as Josie's voice was younger and Zoe is an adult and can read more into the interactions and situations that Josie. I found the twists (and there are a few!) interesting and gut-wrenching. Even if I knew 1 or 2, I definitely didn't realize the big twist because it was so well hidden and welldone. The story slows just a bit in the middle as it lays the groundwork for both stories but I appreciated the details.
A huge thank you to the author and publisher for providing an e-ARC via Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion regarding the book.
A huge thank you to the author and publisher for providing an e-ARC via Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion regarding the book.
August 6, 2021
Generally, I love Fiona Valpy’s novels, but this one was a little hard for me to get into. Per the usual, I fell right into the past part of the dual timeline—in this case a little girl named Josie who has fled France with her family for Casablanca hopefully en route to the United States to escape German persecution. With Fiona’s mother being Jewish, her family quickly saw the signs of more trouble to come and fled before being rounded up into a ghetto.
The contemporary timeline follows Zoe a recent expat with her family to Casablanca, who clearly has mysophobia and is constantly washing her hands. What is causing her extreme anxiety is the real question. She does try to fit in with the wives of her husband’s associates in their tight-knit expat community, but finds better company in the form of a journal she finds beneath the floorboard of her home—Josie’s journal.
Overall, the book was an interesting read. Josie’s maturity was a little hard to believe at times as my daughter is her age, and I think the story might have been more believable from her older sister’s perspective. I really struggled to connect to Zoe as a character. She fell somewhat flat for me. As with most books, the second half read significantly faster than the first. I did enjoy reading about WWII from the continent of Africa, which was a first for me.
Thank you to Netgalley and Lake Union Publishing for the advanced copy for an honest review.
instagram.com/passionforprose
The contemporary timeline follows Zoe a recent expat with her family to Casablanca, who clearly has mysophobia and is constantly washing her hands. What is causing her extreme anxiety is the real question. She does try to fit in with the wives of her husband’s associates in their tight-knit expat community, but finds better company in the form of a journal she finds beneath the floorboard of her home—Josie’s journal.
Overall, the book was an interesting read. Josie’s maturity was a little hard to believe at times as my daughter is her age, and I think the story might have been more believable from her older sister’s perspective. I really struggled to connect to Zoe as a character. She fell somewhat flat for me. As with most books, the second half read significantly faster than the first. I did enjoy reading about WWII from the continent of Africa, which was a first for me.
Thank you to Netgalley and Lake Union Publishing for the advanced copy for an honest review.
instagram.com/passionforprose
November 30, 2021
⭐⭐⭐⭐
I enjoyed this one a lot. Books set during war times usually are not my jam, but the setting of Casablanca intrigued me. The author did a good job with the setting in both timelines. That said, I far preferred Josie's sections of the book. I just didn't feel like Zoe was a very likable character. The other little niggle I had was the twist at the end. It felt thrown in for a shock moment, and I honestly just didn't see the point. 🤷🏻♀️ Overall, it was a solid read so I am giving it two thumbs up.
**ARC Via NetGalley**
I enjoyed this one a lot. Books set during war times usually are not my jam, but the setting of Casablanca intrigued me. The author did a good job with the setting in both timelines. That said, I far preferred Josie's sections of the book. I just didn't feel like Zoe was a very likable character. The other little niggle I had was the twist at the end. It felt thrown in for a shock moment, and I honestly just didn't see the point. 🤷🏻♀️ Overall, it was a solid read so I am giving it two thumbs up.
**ARC Via NetGalley**
October 10, 2021
★★★★ 3.5 stars (rounded up)
I must admit, I was intrigued by the premise for this book particularly as it was dual timelined which is of course one of my favourite forms of historical fiction. Although I have a couple of Fiona Valpy's books, THE STORYTELLER OF CASABLANCA is actually the first one I've read. It was heartbreaking and compelling at the same time although I did feel it drag a little at times, mostly through Zoe's narrative. I was, however, immediately captivated by Josie's story through her journal and admittedly it was that that kept me turning the pages till the end.
Casablanca, Morocco 1941: When 12 year old (nearly 13) Josie Duval and her family arrive in Casablanca, having fled France when the Germans invade Paris, it is but a stepping stone to their new future that awaits them across the Atlantic in America. For Josie and her sister Annette are half-Jewish as their maman DelphineGuillaume Duval arranges a passage to Casablanca where they will apply for American visas and await their transit to Portugal which would then see their passage to America.
However, Casablanca during wartime wasn't an easy place to live. Upon arrival, the Duvals are taken to a refugee camp before they move to a house in which they will live whilst awaiting their passage to America. Almost at once, Josie falls in love with everything about Casablanca - the sights, the sounds, the food, the people and of course its warm climate. She makes friends with their housekeeper's daughter Nina who is the same age as Josie and the two spend almost every moment together, even visiting the library and pouring over Dorothy L. Sayers books as well as those of Agatha Christie which the two girls devour with relish. After some time, Josie begins to feel so settled there that she begins to dread the moment her papa secures their visas and necessary paperwork to see them across the Atlantic. Maybe it was just as well the whole process was slow and tedious that it seemed like that day would never arrive.
And then strange things begin to occur. Josie began to notice her papa going to many meetings and the stealthy slip of a brown envelope passed to the tutor they hired to maintain her schooling. A couple of family trips seemed a bit out of the ordinary - one to the mountains and the other along the Moroccan coast - whilst they happened across a nasty little man that made Josie especially feel uncomfortable.
Meanwhile, her 17 year old sister Annette had been mourning the fact they had to leave her boyfriend Eduardo and would often break out in floods of tears...in between finding ways to torment her little sister. And then she met Olivier and suddenly Eduardo was forgotten which Josie was at pains to remind her.
But the war was getting closer to Casablanca and time was running out for the Duvals to escape to America before it was too late...
Casablanca 2010: Seventy years later, Zoe and her husband Tom arrive in the Moroccan town for a fresh start. Tom has secured a job in the ports there (though I'm not exactly sure what he did as that was never really outlined) while Zoe struggled to find a way to fill her time in the sprawling and somewhat empty house. Except that she had Grace, her beautiful little daughter. It's clear from the outset that Zoe and Tom's marriage is floundering and neither of them are doing much to find their way back to each other. They are like ships that pass in the night as Tom wakes before Zoe to go for an early morning run, comes home long enough to shower and change before rushing off to work where he often stays late, stopping off for a drink or three afterwards only to return home to a cold dinner and an annoyed wife. But what happened to them to rip their world apart?
Although she and Tom appear to be drifting further and further apart, Zoe meets some other British ex-pat wives who make her feel extremely welcome. Despite her fear of social situations and outings, she meets Kate and May for lunch regularly - the women bonding over Zoe's desire to begin a quilt she wishes to sew by hand as a labour of love.
It's the wee hours of one morning that Josie creeps upstairs to Grace's attic room to watch her daughter sleep that she stumbles over the creaking board under the rug again. She pulls the rug up and attempts to flatten the floorboard but it appears to be buckled and loose. She pulls it up to reveal a leather-bound notebook and small sandalwood box with a pearl lid. She pulls out the items - a Star of David necklace, a scrap of faded blue paper, a feather and a piece of green sea glass - and ponders the significance of these things that were once somebody's treasures. Then she opens the notebook. It's a diary...written by a 12 year old girl called Josiana Duval in the year 1941.
Curled up next to Grace who sleeps soundly on the bed, Zoe steps back in time to a different Casablanca during wartime and begins to see the town through Josie's eyes. It's through Josie that Zoe feels a deep connection to the place and she becomes fascinated with her story and the plight which she and her family had faced. As Zoe is swept up in Josie's story wanting to find out what happened to the family and if they made it to America, Josie's story becomes entwined with her own - tying them together through hope, friendship and grief...but above all, the Moroccan culture of storytelling and dream-sellers welded deep in history.
THE STORYTELLER OF CASABLANCA is indeed a captivating story that will have you absorbed from the beginning. However, the story does dip a little particularly through Zoe's narrative as it was difficult to connect with her. All we seemed to know about her was that she and her husband moved to Casablanca, their marriage was floundering (though we don't know why...yet) and she is obsessed with washing and rewashing her hands to the point they bleed, are dry and scaly from the dermatitis. And yet she continues to do it as she continues to bite at the skin surrounding her nails. The reason for this becomes clear by the end but it did slow the pace somewhat at times. It was Josie's story that is the winner and it was Josie's story that kept me turning the pages...and in the end I'm glad I stuck it out because the ending was worth it.
The story of Casablanca during the war is one that is little known or told. My grandfather fought in North Africa during the war and was one of the rats of Tobruk. And while wartime novels mainly feature Britain or European countries such a Germany, France or Austria, Casablanca or any North African country features very little in wartime fiction. I certainly enjoyed it far more than a previous book set in the same place and it is interesting to note that a number of the characters mentioned and portrayed in the story were in fact real people who featured in the Resistance movement there at the time. Including the famous singer and actress Josephine Baker.
I didn't see the end of the story coming at all though when I think back on it, it makes perfect sense. It is a heartbreaking tale set in frightening and turbulent times that we could only imagine but it is a story that offers hope through adversity and grief.
Beautifully written, THE STORYTELLER OF CASABLANCA is an enchanting and moving tale of two women separated by time each with their own struggles, thus creating something of an interesting perspective that is woven together beautifully by the end.
If you like historical fiction, wartime fiction or dual timelines and you're looking for something a little different, you should definitely check this out.
I would like to thank #FionaValpy, #Netgalley and #LakeUnionPublishing for an ARC of #TheStorytellerOfCasablanca in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
I must admit, I was intrigued by the premise for this book particularly as it was dual timelined which is of course one of my favourite forms of historical fiction. Although I have a couple of Fiona Valpy's books, THE STORYTELLER OF CASABLANCA is actually the first one I've read. It was heartbreaking and compelling at the same time although I did feel it drag a little at times, mostly through Zoe's narrative. I was, however, immediately captivated by Josie's story through her journal and admittedly it was that that kept me turning the pages till the end.
Casablanca, Morocco 1941: When 12 year old (nearly 13) Josie Duval and her family arrive in Casablanca, having fled France when the Germans invade Paris, it is but a stepping stone to their new future that awaits them across the Atlantic in America. For Josie and her sister Annette are half-Jewish as their maman DelphineGuillaume Duval arranges a passage to Casablanca where they will apply for American visas and await their transit to Portugal which would then see their passage to America.
However, Casablanca during wartime wasn't an easy place to live. Upon arrival, the Duvals are taken to a refugee camp before they move to a house in which they will live whilst awaiting their passage to America. Almost at once, Josie falls in love with everything about Casablanca - the sights, the sounds, the food, the people and of course its warm climate. She makes friends with their housekeeper's daughter Nina who is the same age as Josie and the two spend almost every moment together, even visiting the library and pouring over Dorothy L. Sayers books as well as those of Agatha Christie which the two girls devour with relish. After some time, Josie begins to feel so settled there that she begins to dread the moment her papa secures their visas and necessary paperwork to see them across the Atlantic. Maybe it was just as well the whole process was slow and tedious that it seemed like that day would never arrive.
And then strange things begin to occur. Josie began to notice her papa going to many meetings and the stealthy slip of a brown envelope passed to the tutor they hired to maintain her schooling. A couple of family trips seemed a bit out of the ordinary - one to the mountains and the other along the Moroccan coast - whilst they happened across a nasty little man that made Josie especially feel uncomfortable.
Meanwhile, her 17 year old sister Annette had been mourning the fact they had to leave her boyfriend Eduardo and would often break out in floods of tears...in between finding ways to torment her little sister. And then she met Olivier and suddenly Eduardo was forgotten which Josie was at pains to remind her.
But the war was getting closer to Casablanca and time was running out for the Duvals to escape to America before it was too late...
Casablanca 2010: Seventy years later, Zoe and her husband Tom arrive in the Moroccan town for a fresh start. Tom has secured a job in the ports there (though I'm not exactly sure what he did as that was never really outlined) while Zoe struggled to find a way to fill her time in the sprawling and somewhat empty house. Except that she had Grace, her beautiful little daughter. It's clear from the outset that Zoe and Tom's marriage is floundering and neither of them are doing much to find their way back to each other. They are like ships that pass in the night as Tom wakes before Zoe to go for an early morning run, comes home long enough to shower and change before rushing off to work where he often stays late, stopping off for a drink or three afterwards only to return home to a cold dinner and an annoyed wife. But what happened to them to rip their world apart?
Although she and Tom appear to be drifting further and further apart, Zoe meets some other British ex-pat wives who make her feel extremely welcome. Despite her fear of social situations and outings, she meets Kate and May for lunch regularly - the women bonding over Zoe's desire to begin a quilt she wishes to sew by hand as a labour of love.
It's the wee hours of one morning that Josie creeps upstairs to Grace's attic room to watch her daughter sleep that she stumbles over the creaking board under the rug again. She pulls the rug up and attempts to flatten the floorboard but it appears to be buckled and loose. She pulls it up to reveal a leather-bound notebook and small sandalwood box with a pearl lid. She pulls out the items - a Star of David necklace, a scrap of faded blue paper, a feather and a piece of green sea glass - and ponders the significance of these things that were once somebody's treasures. Then she opens the notebook. It's a diary...written by a 12 year old girl called Josiana Duval in the year 1941.
Curled up next to Grace who sleeps soundly on the bed, Zoe steps back in time to a different Casablanca during wartime and begins to see the town through Josie's eyes. It's through Josie that Zoe feels a deep connection to the place and she becomes fascinated with her story and the plight which she and her family had faced. As Zoe is swept up in Josie's story wanting to find out what happened to the family and if they made it to America, Josie's story becomes entwined with her own - tying them together through hope, friendship and grief...but above all, the Moroccan culture of storytelling and dream-sellers welded deep in history.
THE STORYTELLER OF CASABLANCA is indeed a captivating story that will have you absorbed from the beginning. However, the story does dip a little particularly through Zoe's narrative as it was difficult to connect with her. All we seemed to know about her was that she and her husband moved to Casablanca, their marriage was floundering (though we don't know why...yet) and she is obsessed with washing and rewashing her hands to the point they bleed, are dry and scaly from the dermatitis. And yet she continues to do it as she continues to bite at the skin surrounding her nails. The reason for this becomes clear by the end but it did slow the pace somewhat at times. It was Josie's story that is the winner and it was Josie's story that kept me turning the pages...and in the end I'm glad I stuck it out because the ending was worth it.
The story of Casablanca during the war is one that is little known or told. My grandfather fought in North Africa during the war and was one of the rats of Tobruk. And while wartime novels mainly feature Britain or European countries such a Germany, France or Austria, Casablanca or any North African country features very little in wartime fiction. I certainly enjoyed it far more than a previous book set in the same place and it is interesting to note that a number of the characters mentioned and portrayed in the story were in fact real people who featured in the Resistance movement there at the time. Including the famous singer and actress Josephine Baker.
I didn't see the end of the story coming at all though when I think back on it, it makes perfect sense. It is a heartbreaking tale set in frightening and turbulent times that we could only imagine but it is a story that offers hope through adversity and grief.
Beautifully written, THE STORYTELLER OF CASABLANCA is an enchanting and moving tale of two women separated by time each with their own struggles, thus creating something of an interesting perspective that is woven together beautifully by the end.
If you like historical fiction, wartime fiction or dual timelines and you're looking for something a little different, you should definitely check this out.
I would like to thank #FionaValpy, #Netgalley and #LakeUnionPublishing for an ARC of #TheStorytellerOfCasablanca in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
January 27, 2022
Didnt care for this. Didnt like the main character and Josies diary was tedious and boring to read. Couldnt care what happened to any of the characters.
February 28, 2023
Enjoyable and moving!
July 2, 2025
Priča iz Casablance, dirljiv je i potresan roman koji ne ostavlja ravnodušnim.
Čitajući roman, isprepliću se dvije paralelne radnje, koje se na kraju spoje u jednu.
1941.g., djevojčica Josiane Francois Duval, koja je sa svojom obitelji izbjegla iz ratom zahvaćene Francuske u Casablancu, odakle namjeravaju otputovati u Ameriku i započeti novi život. Svoje misli i trenutke o svojoj obitelji, lijepe i potresne događaje, nade i želje, zapisuje u svoj dnevnik, kojeg drži sakrivenog u tavanu.
Mnogo godina kasnije, točnije 2010., Zoe sa svojim mužem i kćeri dolazi živjeti u Casablancu , u istu kuću u kojoj je Josie živjela, te osim što se nastoji se prilagoditi načinu života, pronalazi Josien dnevnik i grad doživljava Josienim očima.
Uživala sam u svakoj stranici romana, u živopisnim i detaljnim opisima lijepe Casablance.
" U francuskom 'novom gradu', nouvelle ville, ulice su široki bulevari, neizbježne palme datulja tu i tamo se izmjenjuju sa običnim drvećem, koje u ovo doba dana baca duboke sjene na pločnik točno ispod njihovih grana. Ali što se više približavate oceanu, ulice postaju sve uže, a zgrade sve niže, privlačeći vas u zapetljano srce medine, staru Arapsku četvrt. "
" S one strane crijepova, gomila ravnih krovova proteže se do samog ruba mora. Iznad njih, minareti džamija uzdižu se u beskrajno plavetnilo sjevernoafričkog neba."
Tužna priča, prepuna povijesnih činjenica o tadašnjem ratu, stradanjima i nacističkoj okupaciji Francuske.
Također prožeta emocijama o pričama koje su Josie i Zoe proživljavale.
I da završim... priča me se jako dojmila, dirnula u srce.
No, twist kojeg nisam očekivala na kraju ugodno me iznenadio i izmamio osmijeh na lice, a time i pridonio da mi knjiga bude u Top 10 pročitanih.
Čitajući roman, također možete naići na recept za ghoribe, marokanske kekse, a za bolji doživljaj knjige možete ih sami pokušati ispeći. 😊
Od mene 5 ⭐️ i naravno tople preporuke.
Čitajući roman, isprepliću se dvije paralelne radnje, koje se na kraju spoje u jednu.
1941.g., djevojčica Josiane Francois Duval, koja je sa svojom obitelji izbjegla iz ratom zahvaćene Francuske u Casablancu, odakle namjeravaju otputovati u Ameriku i započeti novi život. Svoje misli i trenutke o svojoj obitelji, lijepe i potresne događaje, nade i želje, zapisuje u svoj dnevnik, kojeg drži sakrivenog u tavanu.
Mnogo godina kasnije, točnije 2010., Zoe sa svojim mužem i kćeri dolazi živjeti u Casablancu , u istu kuću u kojoj je Josie živjela, te osim što se nastoji se prilagoditi načinu života, pronalazi Josien dnevnik i grad doživljava Josienim očima.
Uživala sam u svakoj stranici romana, u živopisnim i detaljnim opisima lijepe Casablance.
" U francuskom 'novom gradu', nouvelle ville, ulice su široki bulevari, neizbježne palme datulja tu i tamo se izmjenjuju sa običnim drvećem, koje u ovo doba dana baca duboke sjene na pločnik točno ispod njihovih grana. Ali što se više približavate oceanu, ulice postaju sve uže, a zgrade sve niže, privlačeći vas u zapetljano srce medine, staru Arapsku četvrt. "
" S one strane crijepova, gomila ravnih krovova proteže se do samog ruba mora. Iznad njih, minareti džamija uzdižu se u beskrajno plavetnilo sjevernoafričkog neba."
Tužna priča, prepuna povijesnih činjenica o tadašnjem ratu, stradanjima i nacističkoj okupaciji Francuske.
Također prožeta emocijama o pričama koje su Josie i Zoe proživljavale.
I da završim... priča me se jako dojmila, dirnula u srce.
No, twist kojeg nisam očekivala na kraju ugodno me iznenadio i izmamio osmijeh na lice, a time i pridonio da mi knjiga bude u Top 10 pročitanih.
Čitajući roman, također možete naići na recept za ghoribe, marokanske kekse, a za bolji doživljaj knjige možete ih sami pokušati ispeći. 😊
Od mene 5 ⭐️ i naravno tople preporuke.
September 21, 2021
Once again, Fiona Valpy has given her readers a treasure of a book. I was transported to Casablanca in this compelling dual timeline story, set in the present day as well as in 1941. Zoe has just moved to Casablanca, getting acclimated to her new surroundings, with problems brewing in her marriage, when she discovers a box of mementos and a journal. Through the journal, we read Josie’s story—a 12-year-old French girl whose family have taken refuge in Casablanca, on their way to America. It was fascinating to read about Casablanca, its culture and its traditions, its place during WWII, the refugees who lived there during the war, and also the refugees who still come to this day. Both Josie’s and Zoe’s stories are riveting and heart wrenching, both looking for hope and a new beginning in a foreign land.
January 7, 2022
This is my third and final book I wish to read from this author. The book is too emotional for me, as I previously had found another one of her books to be.
So...1 out of 3 I did appreciate. That should do it.
Kindle Unlimited
So...1 out of 3 I did appreciate. That should do it.
Kindle Unlimited
August 18, 2023
Δείτε επίσης και στο Chill and read
Είναι γνωστό ότι λατρεύω τα ιστορικά μυθιστορήματα και όσα έχουν να κάνουν με τον Δεύτερο Παγκόσμιο Πόλεμο έχουν μια ιδιαίτερη θέση στην καρδιά μου. Αν δε συνδέονται και με τη βόρεια Αφρική ή τη Μέση Ανατολή, είναι απλά άλλος ένας λόγος να το διαβάσω. Αυτή τη φορά, ταξίδεψα στην Καζαμπλάνκα του Μαρόκου, ένα μέρος γνωστό από την παλιά και αγαπημένη ομώνυμη ταινία και ένα σημαντικό και στρατηγικό κομμάτι του πολέμου. Η Καζαμπλάνκα, όπως πολλοί από εμάς πιθανόν δεν γνωρίζουν, ήταν ένας τόπος συγκέντρωσης προσφύγων.
Ως Γαλλική αποικία, το Μαρόκο φιλοξένησε πολλούς Γάλλους που αποφάσισαν να απομακρυνθούν από την Ευρώπη για να σωθούν από τα δεινά του πολέμου. Μία από τις πολλές οικογένειες που βρέθηκε στην Καζαμπλάνκα με σκοπό την «απόδραση» στην Αμερική, ήταν και η οικογένεια Ντιβάλ. Η μικρή κόρη της οικογένειας που βρέθηκε εκεί το 1941, η Ζοζί, έγραψε όλη τους την περιπέτεια στο δερματόδετο ημερολόγιο που της χάρισε ο πατέρας της. Ήταν ένας τρόπος για να κρατήσει τους εφιάλτες της μακριά, αποτυπώνοντάς τους στο χαρτί και κάνοντάς το στα αγγλικά, αντί για τα γαλλικά, έκανε και την απαραίτητη εξάσκηση στη γλώσσα που θα χρησιμοποιούσε, όταν επιτέλους κατάφερναν να πάρουν τις βίζες τους και να απομακρυνθούν από τον πόλεμο στην ασφάλεια της Αμερικής.
Σχεδόν 70 χρόνια μετά, το 2010, η Ζόι φτάνει στην Καζαμπλάνκα. Ο άντρας της ανέλαβε μια νέα θέση στην εταιρεία που δουλεύει, που τους οδήγησε να μετακομίσουν στο σπίτι που κάποτε έμενε η οικογένεια Ντιβάλ. Αυτό το ταξίδι θα ήταν μια ευκαιρία να σώσουν το γάμο τους, όμως φαίνεται πως ο Τομ συνεχίζει να δουλεύει μέχρι αργά, όπως έκανε και στην Αγγλία και η Ζόι δεν έχει και πολλές ασχολίες. Κάτω από μια από τις σανίδες της σοφίτας, θα βρει το ημερολόγιο της Ζοζί και το κουτί με τους θησαυρούς της και θα ταξιδέψει μαζί της στο χρόνο, διαβάζοντας όλες τους τις περιπέτειες όπως τις αποτύπωσε η δεκατριάχρονη Ζοζί. Παράλληλα, η Ζόι θα βρει ένα σκοπό στη ζωή της, βοηθώντας γυναίκες και παιδιά που έφυγαν από την πατρίδα τους, τα βάσανα, τον πόλεμο και τις κακουχίες, για να βρουν μια καλύτερη ζωή στην Ευρώπη, αλλά ακόμα δεν έχουν φτάσει εκεί.
Το βιβλίο αυτό είναι κάτι παραπάνω από ένα ακόμα βιβλίο για τον πόλεμο. Μιλάει για τους πρόσφυγες του τότε, αλλά και για τους πρόσφυγες του τώρα. Το πόσο είμαστε όλοι συγκινημένοι από όσα πέρασαν οι άνθρωποι στα χέρια του Χίτλερ, γιατί αυτό έχουμε διδαχθεί από τα βιβλία της ιστορίας στο σχολείο, από τα ιστορικά μυθιστορήματα, τις ταινίες και τα ντοκιμαντέρ. Όμως δε βλέπουμε τι συμβαίνει τώρα σε ανθρώπους σε ολόκληρο τον κόσμο που περνάνε τα ίδια και χειρότερα από τους διάφορους πολέμαρχους. Ιδιαίτερα τους ανθρώπους της Αφρικής και της Συρίας, τα παιδιά ενός κατώτερου Θεού, λες και φταίνε οι ίδιοι για όσα παθαίνουν, αφού δεν είναι δυτικοί, πολιτισμένοι, μορφωμένοι. Λες και ήταν επιλογή τους να γεννηθούν σε μια φτωχή χώρα, σε μια εμπόλεμη ζώνη, σε παλιές αποικίες των δυτικών που έκλεψαν τον πλούτο της χώρας και την άφησαν να ρημάξει. Δε θα το παραδεχτεί κανείς αλλά οι εμφύλιες συρράξεις και οι μάχες ανάμεσα στους πολέμαρχους των διάφορων αφρικανικών φυλών, όλη αυτή η αστάθεια που επικρατεί στις χώρες της Μέσης Ανατολής και του Τρίτου Κόσμου, εξυπηρετεί τα συμφέροντα των μεγάλων δυνάμεων και παλιών αποίκων, μιας και όσο δεν υπάρχει ειρήνη, δεν μπορεί να υπάρξει και ευημερία για αυτά τα κράτη. Και άρα ποτέ δε θα καταφέρουν να ανεξαρτητοποιηθούν τόσο, ώστε να μην χρειάζονται τη βοήθεια των πλούσιων και των δυνατών.
Όπως η Ζόι κατάφερε να φέρει τη χαρά και περισσότερη βοήθεια σε εκείνο το κέντρο γυναικών, έτσι κι εμείς θα μπορούσαμε από την πλευρά μας να δούμε τι μπορούμε να κάνουμε και να μην είμαστε όπως η Σουζέτ που πιστεύει πως όποιος δεν έχει τέλεια εμφάνιση δεν είναι άξιος προσοχής.
Αν θέλετε να διαβάσετε δυο συγκινητικές ιστορίες, τόσο διαφορετικές μεταξύ τους, αλλά που έχουν και πολλά κοινά, αν θέλετε να διαβάσετε για τις ομορφιές της Καζαμπλάνκα και του Μαρόκου και για την καλοσύνη των ανθρώπων, διαβάστε αυτό το βιβλίο!
Είναι γνωστό ότι λατρεύω τα ιστορικά μυθιστορήματα και όσα έχουν να κάνουν με τον Δεύτερο Παγκόσμιο Πόλεμο έχουν μια ιδιαίτερη θέση στην καρδιά μου. Αν δε συνδέονται και με τη βόρεια Αφρική ή τη Μέση Ανατολή, είναι απλά άλλος ένας λόγος να το διαβάσω. Αυτή τη φορά, ταξίδεψα στην Καζαμπλάνκα του Μαρόκου, ένα μέρος γνωστό από την παλιά και αγαπημένη ομώνυμη ταινία και ένα σημαντικό και στρατηγικό κομμάτι του πολέμου. Η Καζαμπλάνκα, όπως πολλοί από εμάς πιθανόν δεν γνωρίζουν, ήταν ένας τόπος συγκέντρωσης προσφύγων.
Ως Γαλλική αποικία, το Μαρόκο φιλοξένησε πολλούς Γάλλους που αποφάσισαν να απομακρυνθούν από την Ευρώπη για να σωθούν από τα δεινά του πολέμου. Μία από τις πολλές οικογένειες που βρέθηκε στην Καζαμπλάνκα με σκοπό την «απόδραση» στην Αμερική, ήταν και η οικογένεια Ντιβάλ. Η μικρή κόρη της οικογένειας που βρέθηκε εκεί το 1941, η Ζοζί, έγραψε όλη τους την περιπέτεια στο δερματόδετο ημερολόγιο που της χάρισε ο πατέρας της. Ήταν ένας τρόπος για να κρατήσει τους εφιάλτες της μακριά, αποτυπώνοντάς τους στο χαρτί και κάνοντάς το στα αγγλικά, αντί για τα γαλλικά, έκανε και την απαραίτητη εξάσκηση στη γλώσσα που θα χρησιμοποιούσε, όταν επιτέλους κατάφερναν να πάρουν τις βίζες τους και να απομακρυνθούν από τον πόλεμο στην ασφάλεια της Αμερικής.
Σχεδόν 70 χρόνια μετά, το 2010, η Ζόι φτάνει στην Καζαμπλάνκα. Ο άντρας της ανέλαβε μια νέα θέση στην εταιρεία που δουλεύει, που τους οδήγησε να μετακομίσουν στο σπίτι που κάποτε έμενε η οικογένεια Ντιβάλ. Αυτό το ταξίδι θα ήταν μια ευκαιρία να σώσουν το γάμο τους, όμως φαίνεται πως ο Τομ συνεχίζει να δουλεύει μέχρι αργά, όπως έκανε και στην Αγγλία και η Ζόι δεν έχει και πολλές ασχολίες. Κάτω από μια από τις σανίδες της σοφίτας, θα βρει το ημερολόγιο της Ζοζί και το κουτί με τους θησαυρούς της και θα ταξιδέψει μαζί της στο χρόνο, διαβάζοντας όλες τους τις περιπέτειες όπως τις αποτύπωσε η δεκατριάχρονη Ζοζί. Παράλληλα, η Ζόι θα βρει ένα σκοπό στη ζωή της, βοηθώντας γυναίκες και παιδιά που έφυγαν από την πατρίδα τους, τα βάσανα, τον πόλεμο και τις κακουχίες, για να βρουν μια καλύτερη ζωή στην Ευρώπη, αλλά ακόμα δεν έχουν φτάσει εκεί.
Το βιβλίο αυτό είναι κάτι παραπάνω από ένα ακόμα βιβλίο για τον πόλεμο. Μιλάει για τους πρόσφυγες του τότε, αλλά και για τους πρόσφυγες του τώρα. Το πόσο είμαστε όλοι συγκινημένοι από όσα πέρασαν οι άνθρωποι στα χέρια του Χίτλερ, γιατί αυτό έχουμε διδαχθεί από τα βιβλία της ιστορίας στο σχολείο, από τα ιστορικά μυθιστορήματα, τις ταινίες και τα ντοκιμαντέρ. Όμως δε βλέπουμε τι συμβαίνει τώρα σε ανθρώπους σε ολόκληρο τον κόσμο που περνάνε τα ίδια και χειρότερα από τους διάφορους πολέμαρχους. Ιδιαίτερα τους ανθρώπους της Αφρικής και της Συρίας, τα παιδιά ενός κατώτερου Θεού, λες και φταίνε οι ίδιοι για όσα παθαίνουν, αφού δεν είναι δυτικοί, πολιτισμένοι, μορφωμένοι. Λες και ήταν επιλογή τους να γεννηθούν σε μια φτωχή χώρα, σε μια εμπόλεμη ζώνη, σε παλιές αποικίες των δυτικών που έκλεψαν τον πλούτο της χώρας και την άφησαν να ρημάξει. Δε θα το παραδεχτεί κανείς αλλά οι εμφύλιες συρράξεις και οι μάχες ανάμεσα στους πολέμαρχους των διάφορων αφρικανικών φυλών, όλη αυτή η αστάθεια που επικρατεί στις χώρες της Μέσης Ανατολής και του Τρίτου Κόσμου, εξυπηρετεί τα συμφέροντα των μεγάλων δυνάμεων και παλιών αποίκων, μιας και όσο δεν υπάρχει ειρήνη, δεν μπορεί να υπάρξει και ευημερία για αυτά τα κράτη. Και άρα ποτέ δε θα καταφέρουν να ανεξαρτητοποιηθούν τόσο, ώστε να μην χρειάζονται τη βοήθεια των πλούσιων και των δυνατών.
Όπως η Ζόι κατάφερε να φέρει τη χαρά και περισσότερη βοήθεια σε εκείνο το κέντρο γυναικών, έτσι κι εμείς θα μπορούσαμε από την πλευρά μας να δούμε τι μπορούμε να κάνουμε και να μην είμαστε όπως η Σουζέτ που πιστεύει πως όποιος δεν έχει τέλεια εμφάνιση δεν είναι άξιος προσοχής.
Αν θέλετε να διαβάσετε δυο συγκινητικές ιστορίες, τόσο διαφορετικές μεταξύ τους, αλλά που έχουν και πολλά κοινά, αν θέλετε να διαβάσετε για τις ομορφιές της Καζαμπλάνκα και του Μαρόκου και για την καλοσύνη των ανθρώπων, διαβάστε αυτό το βιβλίο!
January 21, 2026
What a beautiful story.
I really loved how this was written, Zoe in 2010 coming to live at Casablanca and discovering Josie's diaries who had lived there 70 years earlier in the 1940's as a refugee of war.
The story is so beautifully interwoven, and I was captivated by both Zoe POV and Josie POV, finding the similarities between their lives even 70 years apart, and how sometimes hope comes from the strangest places, like a 70 year old diary hidden beneath a floorboard of an old attic house in Morroco.
I really loved how this was written, Zoe in 2010 coming to live at Casablanca and discovering Josie's diaries who had lived there 70 years earlier in the 1940's as a refugee of war.
The story is so beautifully interwoven, and I was captivated by both Zoe POV and Josie POV, finding the similarities between their lives even 70 years apart, and how sometimes hope comes from the strangest places, like a 70 year old diary hidden beneath a floorboard of an old attic house in Morroco.
March 30, 2024
3,5/5⭐️
May 11, 2022
Emanuela - per RFS
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Ritorna un’autrice bravissima, specializzata nel raccontare storie di donne e capace di costruire ponti nel tempo e nella storia, e di cui mi ha commossa profondamente l’accuratezza della ricerca storica condotta, necessaria per elaborare questo romanzo ispirato a una storia vera raccontatale da un affezionato lettore.
Le protagoniste sono due donne: Josie, una ragazza che vive a Casablanca con i genitori durante il periodo della seconda guerra mondiale e Zoe, una donna che nella più grande città del Marocco è arrivata da poco e sta vivendo un matrimonio in crisi che sembra essere agli sgoccioli.
Tutta la storia viene costruita sulla base del diario scritto da Josie e che Zoe ritrova sotto le assi del pavimento della casa nella quale si è trasferita.
Una Josie adolescente racconta della sua famiglia: il padre infiltrato nella resistenza, la madre di origine ebrea e la sorella più grande. In attesa di un visto per l’America la ragazza trascorre le sue giornate con gli amici Nina e Felix, sognando un futuro migliore lontano da una città dove apparentemente la guerra non è arrivata. In realtà la Gestapo ha già allungato i suoi artigli sebbene le spie operino alla luce del sole per contrastare in tutti i modi il nemico tedesco.
Francesi, inglesi e arabi vivono giocando a carte con il destino.
Zoe legge il diario con grande partecipazione emotiva e questo la aiuta in parte a reagire a una profonda perdita che, all’inizio del romanzo non è comprensibile, ma che viene svelata alla fine.
La sua attività la porta a collaborare con un centro di accoglienza per rifugiati le cui occupanti sono perlopiù donne di varie nazionalità e Zoe insegna loro a cucire il quilt.
Tanti pezzi di stoffa provenienti da altrettanti parti del mondo formeranno un unico grande pannello dal significato profondo: accettazione, amicizia e speranza.
Due donne che apparentemente sono separate da sessant’anni, vengono unite dal coraggio di lasciare andare chi non c’è più.
Un bel romanzo, appassionante e complesso che consiglio vivamente.
.
Ritorna un’autrice bravissima, specializzata nel raccontare storie di donne e capace di costruire ponti nel tempo e nella storia, e di cui mi ha commossa profondamente l’accuratezza della ricerca storica condotta, necessaria per elaborare questo romanzo ispirato a una storia vera raccontatale da un affezionato lettore.
Le protagoniste sono due donne: Josie, una ragazza che vive a Casablanca con i genitori durante il periodo della seconda guerra mondiale e Zoe, una donna che nella più grande città del Marocco è arrivata da poco e sta vivendo un matrimonio in crisi che sembra essere agli sgoccioli.
Tutta la storia viene costruita sulla base del diario scritto da Josie e che Zoe ritrova sotto le assi del pavimento della casa nella quale si è trasferita.
Una Josie adolescente racconta della sua famiglia: il padre infiltrato nella resistenza, la madre di origine ebrea e la sorella più grande. In attesa di un visto per l’America la ragazza trascorre le sue giornate con gli amici Nina e Felix, sognando un futuro migliore lontano da una città dove apparentemente la guerra non è arrivata. In realtà la Gestapo ha già allungato i suoi artigli sebbene le spie operino alla luce del sole per contrastare in tutti i modi il nemico tedesco.
Francesi, inglesi e arabi vivono giocando a carte con il destino.
Zoe legge il diario con grande partecipazione emotiva e questo la aiuta in parte a reagire a una profonda perdita che, all’inizio del romanzo non è comprensibile, ma che viene svelata alla fine.
La sua attività la porta a collaborare con un centro di accoglienza per rifugiati le cui occupanti sono perlopiù donne di varie nazionalità e Zoe insegna loro a cucire il quilt.
Tanti pezzi di stoffa provenienti da altrettanti parti del mondo formeranno un unico grande pannello dal significato profondo: accettazione, amicizia e speranza.
Due donne che apparentemente sono separate da sessant’anni, vengono unite dal coraggio di lasciare andare chi non c’è più.
Un bel romanzo, appassionante e complesso che consiglio vivamente.
May 14, 2022
I don't understand how this book has such high reviews. If it had an average of four stars, that would make sense, but an average of almost 4.5 is mind-boggling. There wasn't anything special about this book and the characters were annoying. Josie's diary was ludicrous. No one would keep a journal like that with exact play-by-plays of every little thing that happened along with lengthy word-for-word conversations, complete with the people saying each other's names over and over. The fact that she also was learning to write in English and could do so perfectly right at the start of the journal didn't make sense. It should have started out poorly written and gotten better as the years progressed, because that's how a journal written by someone learning a language would be.
Zoe was seriously annoying and I just couldn't feel sorry for her. There are clues early on and throughout the book about Grace so I could see she was someone we were supposed to have some empathy for, but I couldn't because she was just so whiny. She complains to her husband that she's trapped in the house every day while he gets to go out jogging and go to work. Well, get a fucking guidebook and a map and learn your way around the city you now live in. You aren't trapped in the house so shut up. And then she gets an honorific title from the women at the shelter because apparently she's the only one that's helping them, rather than the rest of the people who are there all the time doing what they can. Completely ridiculous.
And then the silly ending: Josie couldn’t go back for her journal because someone else was renting the house. What? It’s been over sixty years! In all that time, you couldn’t once go knock on the door and say, “Hi, I used to live here and left something behind. Do you mind if I look for it?” You couldn’t ever do that? In sixty years?!?!
Zoe was seriously annoying and I just couldn't feel sorry for her. There are clues early on and throughout the book about Grace so I could see she was someone we were supposed to have some empathy for, but I couldn't because she was just so whiny. She complains to her husband that she's trapped in the house every day while he gets to go out jogging and go to work. Well, get a fucking guidebook and a map and learn your way around the city you now live in. You aren't trapped in the house so shut up. And then she gets an honorific title from the women at the shelter because apparently she's the only one that's helping them, rather than the rest of the people who are there all the time doing what they can. Completely ridiculous.
And then the silly ending: Josie couldn’t go back for her journal because someone else was renting the house. What? It’s been over sixty years! In all that time, you couldn’t once go knock on the door and say, “Hi, I used to live here and left something behind. Do you mind if I look for it?” You couldn’t ever do that? In sixty years?!?!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 23, 2023
Mielenkiintoista tässä oli Marokko, niin nykypäivänä kuin 1940-luvun alussa. Kumpaankin maailman aikaan Marokkoa ravistelee pakolaiskriisi, joka häilyy kirjan tapahtumien taustalla. Lopun yllättävä juonenkäänne olisi voinut olla hyvä, jos olisin saanut minkäänlaista tunneyhteyttä kirjan henkilöihin. Zoe oli todella raivostuttava ja Josie taas turhan väritön ja tasapaksu.
En pitänyt myöskään hitaasta kerronnasta, tuntui ettei juuri mitään oikeastaan edes tapahtunut. Vaikka oikeasti kyllä tapahtui, niihin pääseminen vain vei aikaa kun kirjailija keskittyi kuvailemaan niin paljon kaikkea muuta. Oikeastaan viimeisen 50-80 sivun aikana tapahtui kaikki kirjan mielenkiintoisemmat tapahtumat. Zoe avioliiton kuvauksiin oli niin väritöntä, ettei hänen ja Tomin aviokriisiä päässyt kunnolla tuntemaan. Kaikkea seurasin niin etäältä, ettei mitkään tapahtumat lopulta tullut iholle. Ei edes traagisimmat. Kaikenlisäksi arvasin jo hyvin alussa miten kirja tulee päättymään, vaikka pienen yllätyksen loppu onnistuikin tarjoamaan.
Mietin että jätän kesken, mutta Marokko kiinnosti ja kiehtoi sen verran paljon että jatkoin loppuun. Varsinkin Josephine Barker oli kiinnostava henkilö ja olisin toivonut, että hänestä olisi kerrottu enemmänkin. Oikein kunnolla Marokossa toimivaan vastarintaliikkeen toimintaan ei päässyt kiinni, sillä sitä seurataan Josien silmin, kun hänen isänsä osallistuu liikkeen toimintaan. Eikä isä luonnollisesti kerro lapselleen liikkeen toiminnasta. Kaiken hieman avaavan kaivaa Zoe kirjastosta esille. Eli kiinnostavia tapahtumia seurataan aina sivustakatsojan silmin, mikä myös loi etäisyyttä niihin tapahtumiin, jotka todella kiinnostivat itseä.
Tämä on taas näitä kirjoja, että tulipa luettua, mutta todennäköisesti en muista ensi viikolla juurikaan lukemastani mitään. Harmi, olisin halunnut pitää tästä enemmän.
En pitänyt myöskään hitaasta kerronnasta, tuntui ettei juuri mitään oikeastaan edes tapahtunut. Vaikka oikeasti kyllä tapahtui, niihin pääseminen vain vei aikaa kun kirjailija keskittyi kuvailemaan niin paljon kaikkea muuta. Oikeastaan viimeisen 50-80 sivun aikana tapahtui kaikki kirjan mielenkiintoisemmat tapahtumat. Zoe avioliiton kuvauksiin oli niin väritöntä, ettei hänen ja Tomin aviokriisiä päässyt kunnolla tuntemaan. Kaikkea seurasin niin etäältä, ettei mitkään tapahtumat lopulta tullut iholle. Ei edes traagisimmat. Kaikenlisäksi arvasin jo hyvin alussa miten kirja tulee päättymään, vaikka pienen yllätyksen loppu onnistuikin tarjoamaan.
Mietin että jätän kesken, mutta Marokko kiinnosti ja kiehtoi sen verran paljon että jatkoin loppuun. Varsinkin Josephine Barker oli kiinnostava henkilö ja olisin toivonut, että hänestä olisi kerrottu enemmänkin. Oikein kunnolla Marokossa toimivaan vastarintaliikkeen toimintaan ei päässyt kiinni, sillä sitä seurataan Josien silmin, kun hänen isänsä osallistuu liikkeen toimintaan. Eikä isä luonnollisesti kerro lapselleen liikkeen toiminnasta. Kaiken hieman avaavan kaivaa Zoe kirjastosta esille. Eli kiinnostavia tapahtumia seurataan aina sivustakatsojan silmin, mikä myös loi etäisyyttä niihin tapahtumiin, jotka todella kiinnostivat itseä.
Tämä on taas näitä kirjoja, että tulipa luettua, mutta todennäköisesti en muista ensi viikolla juurikaan lukemastani mitään. Harmi, olisin halunnut pitää tästä enemmän.
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