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The Moroccan Daughter
In Morocco, behind the ancient walls of the medina, secrets will be revealed . . .
Amina Bennis has come back to her childhood home in Morocco to attend her sister's wedding. The time has come for her to confront her strict, traditionalist father with the secret she has kept for more than a year - her American husband Max.
Amina's best friend Charlie, and Charlie's feisty grandmother Bea, have come along for moral support, staying with Amina and her family in their palatial riad in Fès, and enjoying all that the city has to offer. But Charlie is also hiding someone from her past - a mystery man from Casablanca.
And then there's Samira, the Bennis's devoted housekeeper for many decades. Hers is the biggest secret of all - and the one that strikes at the very heart of the family . . .
From the twisted alleyways of the ancient medina of Fès to a marriage festival high in the Atlas Mountains, Deborah Rodriguez's entrancing new bestseller is a modern story of forbidden love set in the sensual landscape of North Africa.
Amina Bennis has come back to her childhood home in Morocco to attend her sister's wedding. The time has come for her to confront her strict, traditionalist father with the secret she has kept for more than a year - her American husband Max.
Amina's best friend Charlie, and Charlie's feisty grandmother Bea, have come along for moral support, staying with Amina and her family in their palatial riad in Fès, and enjoying all that the city has to offer. But Charlie is also hiding someone from her past - a mystery man from Casablanca.
And then there's Samira, the Bennis's devoted housekeeper for many decades. Hers is the biggest secret of all - and the one that strikes at the very heart of the family . . .
From the twisted alleyways of the ancient medina of Fès to a marriage festival high in the Atlas Mountains, Deborah Rodriguez's entrancing new bestseller is a modern story of forbidden love set in the sensual landscape of North Africa.
336 pages, Paperback
Published February 4, 2021
129 people are currently reading
1027 people want to read
About the author
Deborah Rodriguez
26 books763 followersDeborah Rodriguez is a hairdresser, a motivational speaker, and the author of the bestselling memoir Kabul Beauty School.
She spent five years teaching at and later directing the Kabul Beauty School, the first modern beauty academy and training salon in Afghanistan. Rodriguez also owned the Oasis Salon and the Cabul Coffee House.
She currently lives in Mexico.
She spent five years teaching at and later directing the Kabul Beauty School, the first modern beauty academy and training salon in Afghanistan. Rodriguez also owned the Oasis Salon and the Cabul Coffee House.
She currently lives in Mexico.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 108 reviews
February 5, 2021
A journey experiencing the vibrant colours, food and culture that Morocco has to offer. This book is highly entertaining and a great escape from the reality of restrictions for travel at this point in time……. I travelled to Morocco about 5 years ago, it’s a beautiful vibrant country, this book took me back there
We follow Charlie and her Grandmother Bea from California. Their friend Amina has invited them to join her, Amina is travelling back home to Morocco for her sister’s wedding.
Once they arrive in Morocco, the family drama kicks it up a notch.
Amina has been studying abroad in California, returning home she is confronted with her father’s strict traditional expectations. Amina has a secret of her own, she needs to find the courage to tell her father she is married to an American man. With Charlie and Bea in tow for moral support and the beautiful background of Fez, the Atlas Mountains and more secrets to uncover this book was highly entertaining.
This book is a great escapism, I loved the cultural references, and descriptive writing of the beautiful landscapes of Morocco. Solid 4 stars from me.
Thank you to Penguin Random House Australia and Deborah Rodriguez for my copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
We follow Charlie and her Grandmother Bea from California. Their friend Amina has invited them to join her, Amina is travelling back home to Morocco for her sister’s wedding.
Once they arrive in Morocco, the family drama kicks it up a notch.
Amina has been studying abroad in California, returning home she is confronted with her father’s strict traditional expectations. Amina has a secret of her own, she needs to find the courage to tell her father she is married to an American man. With Charlie and Bea in tow for moral support and the beautiful background of Fez, the Atlas Mountains and more secrets to uncover this book was highly entertaining.
This book is a great escapism, I loved the cultural references, and descriptive writing of the beautiful landscapes of Morocco. Solid 4 stars from me.
Thank you to Penguin Random House Australia and Deborah Rodriguez for my copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
February 15, 2021
The Moroccan Daughter follows on from Deborah Rodriguez’s previous release, Island on the Edge of the World. It’s not so much a sequel though, so you don’t have to worry about having to read it before you read this one, but more of a continuation of the adventures of two of the key characters, Charlie and Bea. For those who have read Island on the Edge of the World, this one offers some further insight into these characters, but for those who haven’t read it, enough backstory is woven into this one to ensure enjoyment and clarity.
I really like Deborah’s novels. She creates an intriguing blend of adventure, family drama, love and friendship, all set against the most exotic locations – all of which she has visited, providing an authentic replication of her locales onto the page. Her characters are all lively and realistic, with individual personalities sparking off each other just as they do in real life. Her settings are richly detailed, everything from smells to sounds with an infusion of culture woven into the narrative, giving the reader such a vivid sense of place. She hits the right notes all the time and The Moroccan Daughter is no exception to this trademark style of hers.
I found Amina very frustrating at times, as did the other characters, but I think this is an example of how cultural barriers can come into play, particularly within cross-cultural relationships. She frustrated me, yes, but I also understood why she was doing what she was doing and acting the way she was acting. She had indeed put herself into a situation of her own making and I couldn’t help but think that she had been a bit like an ostrich when marrying Max, sticking her head in the sand and thinking she’ll deal with the fall out with her family later. Except, when later arrived, she still wasn’t equipped to deal with it, external circumstances forcing her hand.
I enjoyed the family dynamic that played out within this novel between Amina and her siblings, their loyalty to their father’s happiness and honour, as well as Samira’s place within the household and how it varied between the sibling’s perspectives. She was an interesting character and learning her backstory was fascinating. I liked the friendship between Samira and Bea that blossomed and the scenes where Samira would take Bea out with her were written so well, giving the reader insight into Fès, the daily life and customs, from the perspective of a local and a tourist.
The Moroccan Daughter does offer a lot to the reader, with its four main characters all having their own things going on as well as linking in with each other and a host of secondary characters. To describe the plot would almost seem like too much was going on but I never felt that whilst reading. Instead, everything works well, the characters and their individual stories overlapping as the ending draws closer, resulting in a warm-hearted, entertaining, and insightful novel. This was an entirely enjoyable read and I recommend it highly.
Thanks is extended to Penguin Random House Australia for providing me with a copy of The Moroccan Daughter for review.
I really like Deborah’s novels. She creates an intriguing blend of adventure, family drama, love and friendship, all set against the most exotic locations – all of which she has visited, providing an authentic replication of her locales onto the page. Her characters are all lively and realistic, with individual personalities sparking off each other just as they do in real life. Her settings are richly detailed, everything from smells to sounds with an infusion of culture woven into the narrative, giving the reader such a vivid sense of place. She hits the right notes all the time and The Moroccan Daughter is no exception to this trademark style of hers.
I found Amina very frustrating at times, as did the other characters, but I think this is an example of how cultural barriers can come into play, particularly within cross-cultural relationships. She frustrated me, yes, but I also understood why she was doing what she was doing and acting the way she was acting. She had indeed put herself into a situation of her own making and I couldn’t help but think that she had been a bit like an ostrich when marrying Max, sticking her head in the sand and thinking she’ll deal with the fall out with her family later. Except, when later arrived, she still wasn’t equipped to deal with it, external circumstances forcing her hand.
I enjoyed the family dynamic that played out within this novel between Amina and her siblings, their loyalty to their father’s happiness and honour, as well as Samira’s place within the household and how it varied between the sibling’s perspectives. She was an interesting character and learning her backstory was fascinating. I liked the friendship between Samira and Bea that blossomed and the scenes where Samira would take Bea out with her were written so well, giving the reader insight into Fès, the daily life and customs, from the perspective of a local and a tourist.
The Moroccan Daughter does offer a lot to the reader, with its four main characters all having their own things going on as well as linking in with each other and a host of secondary characters. To describe the plot would almost seem like too much was going on but I never felt that whilst reading. Instead, everything works well, the characters and their individual stories overlapping as the ending draws closer, resulting in a warm-hearted, entertaining, and insightful novel. This was an entirely enjoyable read and I recommend it highly.
Thanks is extended to Penguin Random House Australia for providing me with a copy of The Moroccan Daughter for review.
November 29, 2021
If you are Moroccan, or have Moroccan heritage you will find this book lazy, stereotypical and insulting. The author touches on many issues but doesn’t expand on any of them because she lacks the real insight of how it really is to be a Moroccan woman trapped in a patriarchal society. Maybe leave it to the real Moroccan women to explain how hard is to live in this society? We don’t need another white woman telling us how it feels. Thanks.
August 7, 2021
This book angered me on so many levels but I’ll save the rant - overall, how about next time we let Muslim people tell stories about Muslim culture and religion?
Living/spending time in an Arab country doesn’t give you a license to monetize and make a series of books, even if they are stories of fiction.
Living/spending time in an Arab country doesn’t give you a license to monetize and make a series of books, even if they are stories of fiction.
February 8, 2021
*https://mrsbbookreviews.wordpress.com
#TheMoroccanDaughterTour
A soul nourishing journey to a far away destination awaits the reader in The Moroccan Daughter by Deborah Rodriguez. Told from the eyes of four very different women, The Moroccan Daughter unveils a story of adventure, drama, emotion, family, unions, friendship, the past and mystery. This latest tale from the author who graced us with the unforgettable title The Little Coffee Shop in Kabul is vivacious and palatable.
Transporting the reader to Morocco, a country filled with vibrant colours, rich scents, entrenched traditions and a unique cultural hub, The Moroccan Daughter is the latest slice of trip fiction from Deborah Rodriquez. Highlighting themes of tradition, values, morals, practices and honour, the lives of four different women unfurl in this spectacular North African backdrop. For Amina, coming home to Morocco after years away to attend her sister’s wedding sees the airing of a secret to her morally devout father. Meanwhile, Amina’s close friend Charlie and her grandmother Bea have travelled to this stunning destination to play tourist, as well as support Amina. But Charlie has a secret she is keeping close to her chest about a mystery man. Finally, The Moroccan Daughter follows the life of Samira, a woman who has served Amina’s family for many years as a housekeeper. But Samira also holds a devastating secret, that will shock the family that has employed her for many years. The latest destination leap from Deborah Rodriguez is a richly woven tale full of secrets, revelations, truths and admissions revolving around the overarching theme of love.
Deborah Rodriguez is best known for her breakout novel, The Little Coffee Shop of Kabul, which I read for my book club a few years back. The Moroccan Daughter is Rodriguez’s latest contemporary fiction title and it is a tale that requires the reader to pack their virtual suitcase and take a journey to the far-flung destination of Morocco. I know I willingly took up this spot of armchair travel in these pandemic times. The Moroccan Daughter was the perfect book-based escape.
Rodriguez immediately works to establish a strong sense of place within the pages of The Moroccan Daughter. We are soon plunged into a vibrant and colourful world, full of sensory delights. I really enjoyed being whisked away to Morocco, an out of reach destination for me personally until travel restrictions are lifted. Rodriguez invests a great deal of energy in setting her scene and allowing her readership to fully experience all that Morocco has to offer. My senses were definitely on fire as I meandered through the experiences presented in The Moroccan Daughter. On the other side of this aspect of the tale, we are made fully aware of the strict practices, cultural pursuits, belief systems and morals of this North African locale. I appreciated the opportunity to glean more about this country and the people that populate Morocco.
Shifting the viewpoint focus from four different women in The Moroccan Daughter provides Deborah Rodriguez with ample opportunity to explore the very interesting hidden lives of her protagonist set. It was a pleasure to be acquainted with each woman and the wider cast that populates this novel. With plenty of variety in terms of the themes and main issues presented in this new tale from a generous storyteller, the reader is left with much to contemplate. From forbidden love, religious beliefs, family values, long held secrets, shock revelations, confessions, choices and cultural clashes to contend with, The Moroccan Daughter offers a prismatic journey from start to finish. I enjoyed this fanlight into the soul of Morocco.
With an accompanying acknowledgements section, a peek behind the scenes supplement, a set of book club inspired reading group questions and a collection of delectable authentic Moroccan recipes to try, The Moroccan Daughter has much to offer awaiting readers! Book your ticket with Deborah Rodriguez, it is time to be whisked away to a dreamy destination!
*I wish to thank Penguin Books Australia for providing me with a free copy of this book for review purposes.
#TheMoroccanDaughterTour
A soul nourishing journey to a far away destination awaits the reader in The Moroccan Daughter by Deborah Rodriguez. Told from the eyes of four very different women, The Moroccan Daughter unveils a story of adventure, drama, emotion, family, unions, friendship, the past and mystery. This latest tale from the author who graced us with the unforgettable title The Little Coffee Shop in Kabul is vivacious and palatable.
Transporting the reader to Morocco, a country filled with vibrant colours, rich scents, entrenched traditions and a unique cultural hub, The Moroccan Daughter is the latest slice of trip fiction from Deborah Rodriquez. Highlighting themes of tradition, values, morals, practices and honour, the lives of four different women unfurl in this spectacular North African backdrop. For Amina, coming home to Morocco after years away to attend her sister’s wedding sees the airing of a secret to her morally devout father. Meanwhile, Amina’s close friend Charlie and her grandmother Bea have travelled to this stunning destination to play tourist, as well as support Amina. But Charlie has a secret she is keeping close to her chest about a mystery man. Finally, The Moroccan Daughter follows the life of Samira, a woman who has served Amina’s family for many years as a housekeeper. But Samira also holds a devastating secret, that will shock the family that has employed her for many years. The latest destination leap from Deborah Rodriguez is a richly woven tale full of secrets, revelations, truths and admissions revolving around the overarching theme of love.
Deborah Rodriguez is best known for her breakout novel, The Little Coffee Shop of Kabul, which I read for my book club a few years back. The Moroccan Daughter is Rodriguez’s latest contemporary fiction title and it is a tale that requires the reader to pack their virtual suitcase and take a journey to the far-flung destination of Morocco. I know I willingly took up this spot of armchair travel in these pandemic times. The Moroccan Daughter was the perfect book-based escape.
Rodriguez immediately works to establish a strong sense of place within the pages of The Moroccan Daughter. We are soon plunged into a vibrant and colourful world, full of sensory delights. I really enjoyed being whisked away to Morocco, an out of reach destination for me personally until travel restrictions are lifted. Rodriguez invests a great deal of energy in setting her scene and allowing her readership to fully experience all that Morocco has to offer. My senses were definitely on fire as I meandered through the experiences presented in The Moroccan Daughter. On the other side of this aspect of the tale, we are made fully aware of the strict practices, cultural pursuits, belief systems and morals of this North African locale. I appreciated the opportunity to glean more about this country and the people that populate Morocco.
Shifting the viewpoint focus from four different women in The Moroccan Daughter provides Deborah Rodriguez with ample opportunity to explore the very interesting hidden lives of her protagonist set. It was a pleasure to be acquainted with each woman and the wider cast that populates this novel. With plenty of variety in terms of the themes and main issues presented in this new tale from a generous storyteller, the reader is left with much to contemplate. From forbidden love, religious beliefs, family values, long held secrets, shock revelations, confessions, choices and cultural clashes to contend with, The Moroccan Daughter offers a prismatic journey from start to finish. I enjoyed this fanlight into the soul of Morocco.
With an accompanying acknowledgements section, a peek behind the scenes supplement, a set of book club inspired reading group questions and a collection of delectable authentic Moroccan recipes to try, The Moroccan Daughter has much to offer awaiting readers! Book your ticket with Deborah Rodriguez, it is time to be whisked away to a dreamy destination!
*I wish to thank Penguin Books Australia for providing me with a free copy of this book for review purposes.
February 15, 2021
A huge thank you to the team at Penguin Books Australia for having me in the blog tour celebrating Deborah Rodriguez’s absolutely beautiful new book, The Moroccan Daughter and for sending me a copy to read and review as part of the tour, all thoughts are my own.
The Moroccan Daughter was my first foray into Deborah Rodriguez work, I’d heard nothing but the loveliest things about her writing, so I was excited to finally read something of hers and honestly right from the first page, I was instantly swept up into the lives of our main character Amina, her closest friend Charlie and the latter’s gypsy-esque, blind, bohemian Grandmother, Bea. They’re honestly all such likeable characters, right from the start! Amina, especially, your heart completely goes out to her as she’s dreading having to confront her old fashioned, very strict and traditional Father back home in Morocco, where she’s returning for her Sisters’ pending nuptials.
I love that Bea and Charlie went along with Amina for moral support, I couldn’t help but feel Aminas’ unease throughout the journey back to Morocco and I just felt so bad for her that she felt like she was in such a delicate position, that she felt like her secret marriage to the American Max wouldn’t be approved of, that she’d be shunned and her Father would be completely disappointed in her for marrying someone of her own accord, whereas her sister Naziha was marrying a man pretty much hand picked by her family!
The writing throughout The Moroccan Daughter was perfectly lovely and immersive throughout, so picturesque and vivid too, a complete feast for the senses! I absolutely loved its escapism! The primary setting of The Medina was such a delight to visualise, from the hustle and bustle of stall holders selling their wares, to children running amuck, trying to plead for any spare coins. Then there’s the luscious, wafting aromas of the various spiced flavours of the food bring cooked and sold along the market square, not the mention the bustling household of Aminas’ family, with our main character and her family being welcomed home, with all sorts of delicious dishes being presented on arrival.
Whilst I found The Moroccan Daughter to certainly be more character oriented than plot, personally, I honestly feel like this book was just such a fast paced, addictive read! There were plot twists aplenty, I did not see practically any of them coming and was definitely left quite surprised by what was revealed throughout, it definitely goes to show that not everything was as it seemed upon face value wise in terms of Aminas’ family, that whilst Amina was carrying the secret of her marriage, that her closest friend, Charlie, Bea and the devoted Housekeeper of Aminas’ family were all nursing their own secrets! I was just wholly invested in all these characters throughout and couldn’t help but feel completely engaged throughout this whole story!
I definitely will be reading more Deborah Rodriguez in the future, her writing is not only completely illustrious but how she depicted such a beautiful culture was completely fascinating, from the setting and the food but also going into the grizzly things that women might find themselves subjected to ensure a marriage is honest-to-goodness consumiated and pure! The Moroccan Daughter is a completely enjoyable, page turning read and I know my mind will linger back to the characters with fondness and I completely recommend!
The Moroccan Daughter was my first foray into Deborah Rodriguez work, I’d heard nothing but the loveliest things about her writing, so I was excited to finally read something of hers and honestly right from the first page, I was instantly swept up into the lives of our main character Amina, her closest friend Charlie and the latter’s gypsy-esque, blind, bohemian Grandmother, Bea. They’re honestly all such likeable characters, right from the start! Amina, especially, your heart completely goes out to her as she’s dreading having to confront her old fashioned, very strict and traditional Father back home in Morocco, where she’s returning for her Sisters’ pending nuptials.
I love that Bea and Charlie went along with Amina for moral support, I couldn’t help but feel Aminas’ unease throughout the journey back to Morocco and I just felt so bad for her that she felt like she was in such a delicate position, that she felt like her secret marriage to the American Max wouldn’t be approved of, that she’d be shunned and her Father would be completely disappointed in her for marrying someone of her own accord, whereas her sister Naziha was marrying a man pretty much hand picked by her family!
The writing throughout The Moroccan Daughter was perfectly lovely and immersive throughout, so picturesque and vivid too, a complete feast for the senses! I absolutely loved its escapism! The primary setting of The Medina was such a delight to visualise, from the hustle and bustle of stall holders selling their wares, to children running amuck, trying to plead for any spare coins. Then there’s the luscious, wafting aromas of the various spiced flavours of the food bring cooked and sold along the market square, not the mention the bustling household of Aminas’ family, with our main character and her family being welcomed home, with all sorts of delicious dishes being presented on arrival.
Whilst I found The Moroccan Daughter to certainly be more character oriented than plot, personally, I honestly feel like this book was just such a fast paced, addictive read! There were plot twists aplenty, I did not see practically any of them coming and was definitely left quite surprised by what was revealed throughout, it definitely goes to show that not everything was as it seemed upon face value wise in terms of Aminas’ family, that whilst Amina was carrying the secret of her marriage, that her closest friend, Charlie, Bea and the devoted Housekeeper of Aminas’ family were all nursing their own secrets! I was just wholly invested in all these characters throughout and couldn’t help but feel completely engaged throughout this whole story!
I definitely will be reading more Deborah Rodriguez in the future, her writing is not only completely illustrious but how she depicted such a beautiful culture was completely fascinating, from the setting and the food but also going into the grizzly things that women might find themselves subjected to ensure a marriage is honest-to-goodness consumiated and pure! The Moroccan Daughter is a completely enjoyable, page turning read and I know my mind will linger back to the characters with fondness and I completely recommend!
February 13, 2021
The Moroccan Daughter is the engaging second contemporary novel from Deborah Rodriguez to feature hairstylist Charlie and her eccentric grandmother, Bea, who first appear in Island On the Edge of the World.
When Amina is summoned home to Morocco for her sister’s wedding, she urges her best friend Charlie, and Charlie’s grandmother, Bea, to join her, in the hopes that they will provide her with moral support when she finally tells her traditionalist, religious father that she is married to an American man. Though happy to be of assistance to her friend, Charlie also sees the trip as an opportunity to resolve a youthful mistake, while Bea is simply delighted with the opportunity to experience Morocco’s unique culture.
A story of friendship, family, tradition and secrets, The Moroccan Daughter is full of drama as it unfolds from the perspectives of Amina, Charlie, Bea and Samira.
Samira is the Bennis family housekeeper, who keeps many of its secrets, including one that has the power to change Amina’s life. While Amina struggles with a way to tell her father the truth about her life in California, a task made more urgent when her husband, Max, turns up on their doorstep, Samira wonders if it would help her to know the truth.
Charlie’s secret is completely unexpected, involving a mystery man who she met three years earlier during her earlier backpacking travels, and adds a touch of suspense to the novel when it becomes clear he is not quite whom he seems.
Bea is delightful - optimistic, curious and unconventional, she does not let her near-total blindness hold her back. Her interest in people is disarming, and her concern for their well-being sincere, even if she is occasionally a touch meddlesome. Bea also has a keen interest in the mystical, and in possession of her own special abilities, she is intrigued by a nearby Apothecary and eager to learn more about Moroccan shawafas (witches).
Rodriguez transports the reader to Morocco with her rich, sensory descriptions of the bustling Medina in Fes, the tranquil Riad which is home to the Bennis family, and the rocky, dusty landscape of the Atlas Mountains. I liked that I felt I learnt something about the culture of Morocco, from its extravagant weddings to the plight of the Amazigh (or Imazighen).
The Moroccan Daughter is a pleasant escape to an exotic location with engaging characters, and wonderfully Rodriguez provides a handful of delicious authentic Moroccan recipes that can only enhance the reading experience.
When Amina is summoned home to Morocco for her sister’s wedding, she urges her best friend Charlie, and Charlie’s grandmother, Bea, to join her, in the hopes that they will provide her with moral support when she finally tells her traditionalist, religious father that she is married to an American man. Though happy to be of assistance to her friend, Charlie also sees the trip as an opportunity to resolve a youthful mistake, while Bea is simply delighted with the opportunity to experience Morocco’s unique culture.
A story of friendship, family, tradition and secrets, The Moroccan Daughter is full of drama as it unfolds from the perspectives of Amina, Charlie, Bea and Samira.
Samira is the Bennis family housekeeper, who keeps many of its secrets, including one that has the power to change Amina’s life. While Amina struggles with a way to tell her father the truth about her life in California, a task made more urgent when her husband, Max, turns up on their doorstep, Samira wonders if it would help her to know the truth.
Charlie’s secret is completely unexpected, involving a mystery man who she met three years earlier during her earlier backpacking travels, and adds a touch of suspense to the novel when it becomes clear he is not quite whom he seems.
Bea is delightful - optimistic, curious and unconventional, she does not let her near-total blindness hold her back. Her interest in people is disarming, and her concern for their well-being sincere, even if she is occasionally a touch meddlesome. Bea also has a keen interest in the mystical, and in possession of her own special abilities, she is intrigued by a nearby Apothecary and eager to learn more about Moroccan shawafas (witches).
Rodriguez transports the reader to Morocco with her rich, sensory descriptions of the bustling Medina in Fes, the tranquil Riad which is home to the Bennis family, and the rocky, dusty landscape of the Atlas Mountains. I liked that I felt I learnt something about the culture of Morocco, from its extravagant weddings to the plight of the Amazigh (or Imazighen).
The Moroccan Daughter is a pleasant escape to an exotic location with engaging characters, and wonderfully Rodriguez provides a handful of delicious authentic Moroccan recipes that can only enhance the reading experience.
February 6, 2021
Way back in 2007, Deborah Rodriguez wrote an excellent memoir about setting up a beauty school in Kabul, Afghanistan. At the time I was very impressed and found it to be an interesting approach to relating her experience in a very complex country. In the years that followed, Rodriguez has written about half a dozen fictional novels, a couple related to Kabul, others to other parts of the world. I keep reading them - and more often than not - being a bit disappointed. Most recently, I'd read and not been impressed by 'The Zanzibar Wife' but I was optimistic for the Moroccan Daughter.
When we're not in the midst of a global pandemic, I go to Morocco 2 or 3 times a year. It's a country I love and a culture I find fascinating. Stuck in the UK at a time of year when I'd normally be trying to get to Morocco, this book was the closest I could get to a short trip to one of my favourite places.
The book tells of three American women - Charlie and her grandmother Bea (who apparently appeared in another of DR's books that I haven't read) and their Moroccan-born friend Amina. Charlie has a secret, so does Amina, and Bea's a bit of a 'white witch'. Actually. everybody in this book has secrets.
It's set in Fes. The women have gone to attend Amina's sister's wedding. The setting is good, and the atmosphere 'feels' authentic to me, if a little laboured in places. After 20 years of going to Morocco, I didn't get the 'Here we go, she's writing about something she doesn't know' feeling that I've had with many other books of this kind. That said, I felt a lot of the expected and predictable themes of 'honour' and family were not developed very far.
If I had to fault it, there's really not enough tension or suspense. Everything comes out way too easily. A major plot twist about Amina's parentage slips out with little more than a slight 'oops' and a divorce is sorted out without slipping into the expected terrorist sub-plot. Much is hinted at but little actually happens. Various blind alleys - and any Moroccan town has lots of them - are approached but not resolved. There's a lot of 'woowoo' witchy stuff that's used to advance the plot in improbable ways which really wasn't the least believable.
So for me, this is better than some of DR's books but treats serious subjects rather too lightly for my liking.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for my ARC.
When we're not in the midst of a global pandemic, I go to Morocco 2 or 3 times a year. It's a country I love and a culture I find fascinating. Stuck in the UK at a time of year when I'd normally be trying to get to Morocco, this book was the closest I could get to a short trip to one of my favourite places.
The book tells of three American women - Charlie and her grandmother Bea (who apparently appeared in another of DR's books that I haven't read) and their Moroccan-born friend Amina. Charlie has a secret, so does Amina, and Bea's a bit of a 'white witch'. Actually. everybody in this book has secrets.
It's set in Fes. The women have gone to attend Amina's sister's wedding. The setting is good, and the atmosphere 'feels' authentic to me, if a little laboured in places. After 20 years of going to Morocco, I didn't get the 'Here we go, she's writing about something she doesn't know' feeling that I've had with many other books of this kind. That said, I felt a lot of the expected and predictable themes of 'honour' and family were not developed very far.
If I had to fault it, there's really not enough tension or suspense. Everything comes out way too easily. A major plot twist about Amina's parentage slips out with little more than a slight 'oops' and a divorce is sorted out without slipping into the expected terrorist sub-plot. Much is hinted at but little actually happens. Various blind alleys - and any Moroccan town has lots of them - are approached but not resolved. There's a lot of 'woowoo' witchy stuff that's used to advance the plot in improbable ways which really wasn't the least believable.
So for me, this is better than some of DR's books but treats serious subjects rather too lightly for my liking.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for my ARC.
February 9, 2022
3 stars.
The Moroccan Daughter is a charming, easy to read story about Amina Bennis, a young woman who has travelled back to her home town in Morocco for her sister's wedding, accompanied by her friend Charlie, and Charlie's grandmother, Bea.
I appreciated that the author had travelled to Morocco before writing the story, as well as the little cultural tidbits she placed throughout the novel.
In saying that, I think the major let down of this book was that the author was trying to cover too much in a limited amount of time and as a result the story lacked depth. In less than 300 pages the story introduced two hidden marriages, two secret 'real' fathers and a pregnancy, as well as attempting to make commentary on relationships and the political dynamics and social norms within Moroccan culture. There was simply not enough time to explore every one of these deeply complex issues with the attention they deserve, and therefore each one of them felt surface level at best. Not to mention that there not enough time to allow the characters to learn, react and then work through all of these twists. There were times in the novel where something life-changing happened causing serious tension between characters, and then two pages later it was resolved and we jumped to the happily ever after. If you throw multiple shocking moments into a novel solely for the purpose of keeping the reader interested but without attempting to address the consequences of these moments, you lose all emotional magnitude as well as the ability to make meaningful commentary.
As well as this, it felt unrealistic to have every main character in the book be nursing a massive secret. Again, if you have too many things going on without the time to address them with the gravity they deserve, you lose all impact. Supporting characters can still be compelling and have value without having to carry some deep secret. This additionally will also make those characters feel more real, as well as relatable, to the reader.
All of this to say, this was a story that had a lot of potential. I just hope that the next book this author publishes will dig below the surface a little more.
The Moroccan Daughter is a charming, easy to read story about Amina Bennis, a young woman who has travelled back to her home town in Morocco for her sister's wedding, accompanied by her friend Charlie, and Charlie's grandmother, Bea.
I appreciated that the author had travelled to Morocco before writing the story, as well as the little cultural tidbits she placed throughout the novel.
In saying that, I think the major let down of this book was that the author was trying to cover too much in a limited amount of time and as a result the story lacked depth. In less than 300 pages the story introduced two hidden marriages, two secret 'real' fathers and a pregnancy, as well as attempting to make commentary on relationships and the political dynamics and social norms within Moroccan culture. There was simply not enough time to explore every one of these deeply complex issues with the attention they deserve, and therefore each one of them felt surface level at best. Not to mention that there not enough time to allow the characters to learn, react and then work through all of these twists. There were times in the novel where something life-changing happened causing serious tension between characters, and then two pages later it was resolved and we jumped to the happily ever after. If you throw multiple shocking moments into a novel solely for the purpose of keeping the reader interested but without attempting to address the consequences of these moments, you lose all emotional magnitude as well as the ability to make meaningful commentary.
As well as this, it felt unrealistic to have every main character in the book be nursing a massive secret. Again, if you have too many things going on without the time to address them with the gravity they deserve, you lose all impact. Supporting characters can still be compelling and have value without having to carry some deep secret. This additionally will also make those characters feel more real, as well as relatable, to the reader.
All of this to say, this was a story that had a lot of potential. I just hope that the next book this author publishes will dig below the surface a little more.
February 4, 2021
Thank you to Penguin Random House for sending me a copy of this in exchange for an honest review!
Initial Thoughts Upon Finishing
I loved it! I gobbled this up in about one day because it is really hard to put down. The vibrant atmosphere of the book is irresistible with the Moroccan setting. Not to mention a wonderful array of strong female characters!
The Moroccan Daughter
This is the story of Amina and challenges of her two worlds colliding. It's compelling, it's beautiful and the characters are simply to die for. This certainly lives up to the standard we have come to expect from Rodriguez's novels which always shine a light on a fascinating corner of the world.
Amina lives in California with her husband, Max. Amina is Moroccan and has been away from her family for a long time. Her family thinks she's in the States for college and they have no idea that Max even exists. She's living a double life, coming up with a variety of excuses and reasons for why she always stays a bit longer in the States.
This book is set around Amina's sister's wedding (Naziha) which brings Amina back to Morocco to celebrate. Amina convinces two friends of hers from California to accompany her, convincing them that it's something not to be missed and the weddings are so big that they wouldn't even notice a couple of extra. This is how Charlie and her grandmother, Bea, come into the story.
But it's more than just Naziha's wedding on Amina's agenda, at the urging (and fair enough) of Max, Amina is to finally tell her father that she is married and wants to stay in California. It's a huge thing and directly goes against every expectation her father has of her.
When we arrive in Morocco, one more important female character is introduced to us: Samira. Samira is essentially the family's maid, but as with anyone in this sort of position, she's so much more than just help. Samira has seen this family through it all and holds many secrets within her. She's a fantastic character who weaves all the little stories together.
Why I Loved This
This book was simply a delight to read. I love reading books set in places I have never been to and know little about. Morocco is certainly one of these. I've never set foot in any African country so when an opportunity like this presents itself, of course I must read! Rodriguez paints the most captivating and chaotic picture of this country. The Medina sounds so busy and bustling, and just like any other major tourist hotspot—filled with people trying to sell you things!
I enjoyed the chapters' rotating perspectives from Charlie, to Amina, to Samira and Bea. Bea was by far my favourite. An energic, blind grandmother, Bea is how we explore and learn about the most interesting things in this book. To be honest, I didn't know what a hammam was before this book, but though it sounds intense, I so want to go to one. It's a form of bathhouse and I sure think I'd come out squeaky clean at the end.
The more I kept reading as these four women made their way through this book, the harder it became to put down. The adventures and interference of Bea in other people's lives was thoroughly entertaining, Charlie added an extra element of intrigue, Samira was a complex character with her heart in the right place and poor Amina was tormented by all the tough decisions laying ahead of her. Bea truly was my favourite character. I think it was a great idea to have a blind character in this book because the way that Bea experiences her time in Morocco was very descriptive (as you can imagine) which was fantastic for helping readers who also haven't been to this place imagine it. But Bea is just full of so much cheeky energy and dabbles in a bit of 'black magic', so they call it, which was another nice touch to bringing some unexpected things into the story.
What surprised me was the number of twists and turns in this story that I didn't anticipate. Obviously I won't go into them here because of spoilers but there were two main revelations that I just DID NOT see coming. Naturally, I was thrilled by these because they added this extra depth to the book which was welcome.
Morocco vs USA
In general, I always find a story interesting when there is a conflict of culture involved. I liked that 99% of the book is actually set in Morocco and we're not wasting any time in the USA, a setting we are overly familiar with, so all the energy of the book is set towards describing the sites, smells and sounds of the place.
There is a wonderful juxtaposition between Amina and her American friends (and even Max) as she tries to work out the best way to break the news to her dad. Whilst they're trying to support her there is that underlying feeling that they don't truly understand, and Amina's frustration builds as time continues to pass with no progress.
I feel like Rodriguez has done a really good job of writing about a place, foreign to many of this book's readers, through a lens that they will understand. And I love that there are so many elements of a different country and culture explored. From simple day-to-day routines, to relationships, children, work and gendered rolls. It's all in here.
Summary
This is definitely something you should pick up and read! The atmosphere of this book is something else and you will love every chapter. I can't wait to see what and where Rodriguez writes next because if it's anything as exciting as this I am so there!
Happy reading!
Initial Thoughts Upon Finishing
I loved it! I gobbled this up in about one day because it is really hard to put down. The vibrant atmosphere of the book is irresistible with the Moroccan setting. Not to mention a wonderful array of strong female characters!
The Moroccan Daughter
This is the story of Amina and challenges of her two worlds colliding. It's compelling, it's beautiful and the characters are simply to die for. This certainly lives up to the standard we have come to expect from Rodriguez's novels which always shine a light on a fascinating corner of the world.
Amina lives in California with her husband, Max. Amina is Moroccan and has been away from her family for a long time. Her family thinks she's in the States for college and they have no idea that Max even exists. She's living a double life, coming up with a variety of excuses and reasons for why she always stays a bit longer in the States.
This book is set around Amina's sister's wedding (Naziha) which brings Amina back to Morocco to celebrate. Amina convinces two friends of hers from California to accompany her, convincing them that it's something not to be missed and the weddings are so big that they wouldn't even notice a couple of extra. This is how Charlie and her grandmother, Bea, come into the story.
But it's more than just Naziha's wedding on Amina's agenda, at the urging (and fair enough) of Max, Amina is to finally tell her father that she is married and wants to stay in California. It's a huge thing and directly goes against every expectation her father has of her.
When we arrive in Morocco, one more important female character is introduced to us: Samira. Samira is essentially the family's maid, but as with anyone in this sort of position, she's so much more than just help. Samira has seen this family through it all and holds many secrets within her. She's a fantastic character who weaves all the little stories together.
Why I Loved This
This book was simply a delight to read. I love reading books set in places I have never been to and know little about. Morocco is certainly one of these. I've never set foot in any African country so when an opportunity like this presents itself, of course I must read! Rodriguez paints the most captivating and chaotic picture of this country. The Medina sounds so busy and bustling, and just like any other major tourist hotspot—filled with people trying to sell you things!
I enjoyed the chapters' rotating perspectives from Charlie, to Amina, to Samira and Bea. Bea was by far my favourite. An energic, blind grandmother, Bea is how we explore and learn about the most interesting things in this book. To be honest, I didn't know what a hammam was before this book, but though it sounds intense, I so want to go to one. It's a form of bathhouse and I sure think I'd come out squeaky clean at the end.
The more I kept reading as these four women made their way through this book, the harder it became to put down. The adventures and interference of Bea in other people's lives was thoroughly entertaining, Charlie added an extra element of intrigue, Samira was a complex character with her heart in the right place and poor Amina was tormented by all the tough decisions laying ahead of her. Bea truly was my favourite character. I think it was a great idea to have a blind character in this book because the way that Bea experiences her time in Morocco was very descriptive (as you can imagine) which was fantastic for helping readers who also haven't been to this place imagine it. But Bea is just full of so much cheeky energy and dabbles in a bit of 'black magic', so they call it, which was another nice touch to bringing some unexpected things into the story.
What surprised me was the number of twists and turns in this story that I didn't anticipate. Obviously I won't go into them here because of spoilers but there were two main revelations that I just DID NOT see coming. Naturally, I was thrilled by these because they added this extra depth to the book which was welcome.
Morocco vs USA
In general, I always find a story interesting when there is a conflict of culture involved. I liked that 99% of the book is actually set in Morocco and we're not wasting any time in the USA, a setting we are overly familiar with, so all the energy of the book is set towards describing the sites, smells and sounds of the place.
There is a wonderful juxtaposition between Amina and her American friends (and even Max) as she tries to work out the best way to break the news to her dad. Whilst they're trying to support her there is that underlying feeling that they don't truly understand, and Amina's frustration builds as time continues to pass with no progress.
I feel like Rodriguez has done a really good job of writing about a place, foreign to many of this book's readers, through a lens that they will understand. And I love that there are so many elements of a different country and culture explored. From simple day-to-day routines, to relationships, children, work and gendered rolls. It's all in here.
Summary
This is definitely something you should pick up and read! The atmosphere of this book is something else and you will love every chapter. I can't wait to see what and where Rodriguez writes next because if it's anything as exciting as this I am so there!
Happy reading!
March 29, 2021
This book was full of rich, warm imagery. You could imagine yourself in Morocco, with the deep colours, spices, and a a family wedding to attend. Amina has returned to see her sister get married , and will be subject to family pressure to arrange her own. She has taken her best friend and her grandmother and they both love their trip.
It's also full of family relationships, secrets that need to be told and a big wedding to organise with all the drama that can involve.
It's also full of family relationships, secrets that need to be told and a big wedding to organise with all the drama that can involve.
February 10, 2021
I jumped at the opportunity to be a part of this blog tour because I love exploring new places through reading and I have not read many books set in Morocco before! I actually realised a little way into this that it is connected to one of Deborah Rodriguez’s other books, which I have not read, but it didn’t matter and it didn’t affect my enjoyment. I was able to piece together things that had happened prior to this book pretty easily.
Amina has been living abroad for a while – studying first in Paris and then moving to America where she married Max. Her family doesn’t know about her husband and Amina has been terrified to tell them, knowing her strict, traditionalist father will not approve. A marriage to Max would not be seen as beneficial in his eyes. Max isn’t from a prominent family who will bring pride and honour to her family. Amina has been putting it off for as long as possible but now that she’s returning to Morocco for her sister’s wedding, she knows that she has to finally confess. Max is getting impatient as well, tired of being kept a secret. He wants Amina to just tell her father, not understanding how difficult that is for her and the fact that things in Morocco are done very differently to what Max is used to in America.
Amina’s best friend Charlie and Charlie’s grandmother Bea are accompanying Amina on the trip. Bea is almost blind but loves an adventure and is ready to embrace everything that Morocco has to offer, especially the markets and apothecaries and even the more mysterious side. Charlie on the other hand, has quite a secret from her past involving a man from Morocco and she seeks to reconnect with him.
I really loved the descriptions of Morocco – Fès, the Medina, Amina’s father’s riad. It was all so noisy and busy and colourful – all of that came through on the page. I also really loved the character of Bea, who was throwing herself into everything about Morocco, even though she cannot really see any longer. She uses her other heightened senses – her hearing, sense of smell etc – to experience everything in a slightly different way. I found that really interesting – Bea was highly entertaining. Pretty much everything rolled over her and her developing friendship with Samira, who worked for Amina’s father helped some of the secrets Samira had come out.
This book definitely went in some unexpected directions with those secrets! Samira was holding onto a lot of some very serious pieces of information, things that definitely helped some issues and interactions make more sense as I got further into the book. I couldn’t help but sympathise with Amina – it’s easy for someone like me to say hey, just tell your father that you’re married! But she’s had a very different upbringing and the rules in Morocco for women vs men are quite different. Amina’s quite spoiled younger brother Tarik makes that quite clear with his behaviour and it’s no wonder that he’s often resented a little for the freedom he has. Marriages are viewed differently too. Amina knows that her father is going to feel betrayed and angry when she confesses her secret and her fear of disappointing him runs deep. She needed to just finally confess though as the stress of keeping the secret was doing such damage to her – especially as her father was using the fact that Amina had returned home to think about perhaps setting up a marriage for her, blissfully unaware that she’d been married for a year! You can see everything kind of heading towards a big confrontation: Max and his impatience and frustration, Amina and her stress, her father and his determination that she come home and settle into the life he would have mapped out for her. It takes a few earth-shaking secrets coming to light to change things dramatically.
Sidenote: Moroccan weddings sound incredible. Amina’s sister’s wedding is a huge celebration that sounds amazing.
I enjoyed this! I’ve read a couple of other Deborah Rodriguez books before but I think I definitely need to catch up on the ones that I’ve missed.
***A copy of this book was provided by the publisher for the purpose of an honest review***
Amina has been living abroad for a while – studying first in Paris and then moving to America where she married Max. Her family doesn’t know about her husband and Amina has been terrified to tell them, knowing her strict, traditionalist father will not approve. A marriage to Max would not be seen as beneficial in his eyes. Max isn’t from a prominent family who will bring pride and honour to her family. Amina has been putting it off for as long as possible but now that she’s returning to Morocco for her sister’s wedding, she knows that she has to finally confess. Max is getting impatient as well, tired of being kept a secret. He wants Amina to just tell her father, not understanding how difficult that is for her and the fact that things in Morocco are done very differently to what Max is used to in America.
Amina’s best friend Charlie and Charlie’s grandmother Bea are accompanying Amina on the trip. Bea is almost blind but loves an adventure and is ready to embrace everything that Morocco has to offer, especially the markets and apothecaries and even the more mysterious side. Charlie on the other hand, has quite a secret from her past involving a man from Morocco and she seeks to reconnect with him.
I really loved the descriptions of Morocco – Fès, the Medina, Amina’s father’s riad. It was all so noisy and busy and colourful – all of that came through on the page. I also really loved the character of Bea, who was throwing herself into everything about Morocco, even though she cannot really see any longer. She uses her other heightened senses – her hearing, sense of smell etc – to experience everything in a slightly different way. I found that really interesting – Bea was highly entertaining. Pretty much everything rolled over her and her developing friendship with Samira, who worked for Amina’s father helped some of the secrets Samira had come out.
This book definitely went in some unexpected directions with those secrets! Samira was holding onto a lot of some very serious pieces of information, things that definitely helped some issues and interactions make more sense as I got further into the book. I couldn’t help but sympathise with Amina – it’s easy for someone like me to say hey, just tell your father that you’re married! But she’s had a very different upbringing and the rules in Morocco for women vs men are quite different. Amina’s quite spoiled younger brother Tarik makes that quite clear with his behaviour and it’s no wonder that he’s often resented a little for the freedom he has. Marriages are viewed differently too. Amina knows that her father is going to feel betrayed and angry when she confesses her secret and her fear of disappointing him runs deep. She needed to just finally confess though as the stress of keeping the secret was doing such damage to her – especially as her father was using the fact that Amina had returned home to think about perhaps setting up a marriage for her, blissfully unaware that she’d been married for a year! You can see everything kind of heading towards a big confrontation: Max and his impatience and frustration, Amina and her stress, her father and his determination that she come home and settle into the life he would have mapped out for her. It takes a few earth-shaking secrets coming to light to change things dramatically.
Sidenote: Moroccan weddings sound incredible. Amina’s sister’s wedding is a huge celebration that sounds amazing.
I enjoyed this! I’ve read a couple of other Deborah Rodriguez books before but I think I definitely need to catch up on the ones that I’ve missed.
***A copy of this book was provided by the publisher for the purpose of an honest review***
January 17, 2021
Thank you Penguin for sending us a copy to read and review.
The colours, sounds, smells and chaotic atmosphere of a Moroccan city are blended with the cultural and religious values of its people in the latest adventure undertaken by Bea and her grand daughter Charlie.
An invite to Morocco to attend a wedding was too good to pass up for this intrepid pair.
An ulterior motive behind the invite lurks in the background awaiting its chance to bubble to the surface.
Amina is nervous about her visit to the homeland as she hiding a secret from her family.
Knowing that her traditional father will be up in arms and that she has breached custom.
Samira the family house keeper is adored by Amina and looked down upon by the rest of the family.
She is the keeper of the biggest secret that has the potential to tear the family apart and have her banished from their lives.
Secrets unravel like a derailed train in this action packed and emotional tale where custom and traditions battle against raw feelings, true love and loyalty.
Deborah has done it again.
The dazzling cover serving as a window into another amazing story set in a country full of history and intrigue.
A cast of characters that you are immediately drawn too and some fondly remembered add to the drama creating spice.
Another journey behind closed doors showing the hospitality, family dynamics and to a degree the hypocrisy of a people and their nation.
I look forward to my next adventure with this author and her colourful and insightful stories.
The colours, sounds, smells and chaotic atmosphere of a Moroccan city are blended with the cultural and religious values of its people in the latest adventure undertaken by Bea and her grand daughter Charlie.
An invite to Morocco to attend a wedding was too good to pass up for this intrepid pair.
An ulterior motive behind the invite lurks in the background awaiting its chance to bubble to the surface.
Amina is nervous about her visit to the homeland as she hiding a secret from her family.
Knowing that her traditional father will be up in arms and that she has breached custom.
Samira the family house keeper is adored by Amina and looked down upon by the rest of the family.
She is the keeper of the biggest secret that has the potential to tear the family apart and have her banished from their lives.
Secrets unravel like a derailed train in this action packed and emotional tale where custom and traditions battle against raw feelings, true love and loyalty.
Deborah has done it again.
The dazzling cover serving as a window into another amazing story set in a country full of history and intrigue.
A cast of characters that you are immediately drawn too and some fondly remembered add to the drama creating spice.
Another journey behind closed doors showing the hospitality, family dynamics and to a degree the hypocrisy of a people and their nation.
I look forward to my next adventure with this author and her colourful and insightful stories.
June 4, 2022
I am sorry that I read this… I was in the mood for a light, fun romcom… now I feel like I have financially supported cultural appropriation. I picked it based on the blurb and didn’t note that it was written by an American who spent a month in Morocco to research the novel. It was also cringe worthy badly written… the dialogue, the characters, the plot…yikes.
February 4, 2021
4.5 stars
Delightful. This book was simply delightful.
The Moroccan Daughter tells the interwoven tales of four women; Amina, Charlie, Bea and Samira, all with their own secrets. Amina, worried about disappointing a strict father; Charlie who has a secret she’d rather have left behind in Casablanca; Samira, who has a secret which could cost her a relationship with someone she loves and Bea who seemed happy to just be along for the ride.
I requested The Moroccan Daughter as I’d previously read The Little Coffee Shop of Kabul by the same author and really enjoyed it, and while I felt this book took a little while to pick up the pace, it did not disappoint. This was book was relatively short and easy read, but it definitely packed in a lot of drama in those pages.
This was very much a book about family and the complicated ties that bind people together. The dialogue flowed effortlessly, the pacing was perfect and the characters felt so real and relatable that I was genuinely invested in how their stories would end.
This was a perfect book to read on a cold winter’s day as through the beautifully written descriptions I felt transported to Morocco, I could almost feel the sun on my skin and smell the spices from the souks while reading.
If you like well-written books about gorgeous destinations, complicated families, romances, a touch of mystery and overall captivating atmosphere, then this could be a read for you.
*Copy provided via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review*
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Delightful. This book was simply delightful.
The Moroccan Daughter tells the interwoven tales of four women; Amina, Charlie, Bea and Samira, all with their own secrets. Amina, worried about disappointing a strict father; Charlie who has a secret she’d rather have left behind in Casablanca; Samira, who has a secret which could cost her a relationship with someone she loves and Bea who seemed happy to just be along for the ride.
I requested The Moroccan Daughter as I’d previously read The Little Coffee Shop of Kabul by the same author and really enjoyed it, and while I felt this book took a little while to pick up the pace, it did not disappoint. This was book was relatively short and easy read, but it definitely packed in a lot of drama in those pages.
This was very much a book about family and the complicated ties that bind people together. The dialogue flowed effortlessly, the pacing was perfect and the characters felt so real and relatable that I was genuinely invested in how their stories would end.
This was a perfect book to read on a cold winter’s day as through the beautifully written descriptions I felt transported to Morocco, I could almost feel the sun on my skin and smell the spices from the souks while reading.
If you like well-written books about gorgeous destinations, complicated families, romances, a touch of mystery and overall captivating atmosphere, then this could be a read for you.
*Copy provided via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review*
Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Tik Tok
July 3, 2022
Romance novel set in FEZ
You may have come across the author’s delightful novel The Little Coffee Shop in Kabul which garnered great reviews. The writing in The Moroccan Daughter feels thus very familiar, a talented author who can pen a good romance storyline and create a wonderfully evocative backdrop. This time she turns her hand to Morocco.
Charlie and her grandmother Bea are accompanying Amina to Fez – the three women are friends in California (in fact Charlie is Amina’s hairdresser) – and soon they arrive to attend Amina’s sister’s wedding. Life in Carrmel-by-the Sea is much more easy going than life in a traditional Moroccan family, where family is strong, the paterfamilias in charge and tradition and old values hold sway over individuals and communities. The big secret that Amina somehow has to share with her father, is that she is married to Max back in California.
This story has wheels within wheels. Amina’s dad wants to introduce her to a man, who might like to pursue a marriage match. Eek. And then Max himself arrives not quite understanding how different the cultures all are. Goodness, there are secrets galore in this household, including even the housekeeper.
Charlie, too, has some personal issues to resolve whilst Grandma Bea is busy exploring and doing what grandmas do best. She has restricted sight, which the author uses as a device to flesh out the powerful sounds and smells of the city, much more potent to someone who has to rely on other senses to get a feel for the city, its hamams, souks and markets. And of course the utterly wonderful Blue Gate.
A wonderful introduction to Morocco, and if you have already been, then this is a book set in Morocco, with colourful experiences that will transport you back.
You may have come across the author’s delightful novel The Little Coffee Shop in Kabul which garnered great reviews. The writing in The Moroccan Daughter feels thus very familiar, a talented author who can pen a good romance storyline and create a wonderfully evocative backdrop. This time she turns her hand to Morocco.
Charlie and her grandmother Bea are accompanying Amina to Fez – the three women are friends in California (in fact Charlie is Amina’s hairdresser) – and soon they arrive to attend Amina’s sister’s wedding. Life in Carrmel-by-the Sea is much more easy going than life in a traditional Moroccan family, where family is strong, the paterfamilias in charge and tradition and old values hold sway over individuals and communities. The big secret that Amina somehow has to share with her father, is that she is married to Max back in California.
This story has wheels within wheels. Amina’s dad wants to introduce her to a man, who might like to pursue a marriage match. Eek. And then Max himself arrives not quite understanding how different the cultures all are. Goodness, there are secrets galore in this household, including even the housekeeper.
Charlie, too, has some personal issues to resolve whilst Grandma Bea is busy exploring and doing what grandmas do best. She has restricted sight, which the author uses as a device to flesh out the powerful sounds and smells of the city, much more potent to someone who has to rely on other senses to get a feel for the city, its hamams, souks and markets. And of course the utterly wonderful Blue Gate.
A wonderful introduction to Morocco, and if you have already been, then this is a book set in Morocco, with colourful experiences that will transport you back.
February 2, 2021
Thank you to Penguin for sending me a copy for review!
Rating: ★ ★ ★ .75 ☆
Thoughts: This book was a delight to read. It was a quick and breezy story that was entertaining, I felt transported to Morocco and into the chaotic lives of the characters. The novel follows four women:
* Amina, the Moroccan daughter who returns home for her sister’s wedding.
* Amina’s best friend Charlie.
* Charlie’s grandmother, Bea.
* Samira, Amina’s family’s housekeeper.
For such a short novel (291 pages) it really jam packed a lot of drama inside its pages. We see all four women deal with their families and their secrets, grappling with the truth of the sacrifices made. At first my brain struggled to remember who was who and what was going on with the storylines but this only lasted for a few chapters before I got into the rhythm of the book. The shocking revelation from one of the women was completely unexpected but I loved this aspect of the book. I couldn’t put it down because I needed to know what was going to happen and how the interconnected issues would resolve.
This is a story about family, truth, and the secrets we keep to protect the people we love the most. The traditions and culture explored in the novel were interesting to read about as they differed so greatly from my own. I felt for Amina with her struggles for freedom and autonomy over her life, and dealing with oppressive patriarchal structures when returning from America to Morocco.
This was the first book I had read by Rodriguez but it will not be the last, her storytelling is entertaining and captivating with vivid characters. I really liked how each women had their own unique characterisation and voice in the novel. My only issue though was Charlie call her grandmother by her first name, who does that?! 😂
Rating: ★ ★ ★ .75 ☆
Thoughts: This book was a delight to read. It was a quick and breezy story that was entertaining, I felt transported to Morocco and into the chaotic lives of the characters. The novel follows four women:
* Amina, the Moroccan daughter who returns home for her sister’s wedding.
* Amina’s best friend Charlie.
* Charlie’s grandmother, Bea.
* Samira, Amina’s family’s housekeeper.
For such a short novel (291 pages) it really jam packed a lot of drama inside its pages. We see all four women deal with their families and their secrets, grappling with the truth of the sacrifices made. At first my brain struggled to remember who was who and what was going on with the storylines but this only lasted for a few chapters before I got into the rhythm of the book. The shocking revelation from one of the women was completely unexpected but I loved this aspect of the book. I couldn’t put it down because I needed to know what was going to happen and how the interconnected issues would resolve.
This is a story about family, truth, and the secrets we keep to protect the people we love the most. The traditions and culture explored in the novel were interesting to read about as they differed so greatly from my own. I felt for Amina with her struggles for freedom and autonomy over her life, and dealing with oppressive patriarchal structures when returning from America to Morocco.
This was the first book I had read by Rodriguez but it will not be the last, her storytelling is entertaining and captivating with vivid characters. I really liked how each women had their own unique characterisation and voice in the novel. My only issue though was Charlie call her grandmother by her first name, who does that?! 😂
March 16, 2021
The Moroccan Daughter is warmhearted women’s fiction exploring the perils of secret-keeping, the value of and tug-of-war between ancient customs and modern thinking and the enduring love and loyalty of family (and friends that feel like family!).
Amina’s sister’s grand wedding may be the catalyst that brings the four distinctly different women – Amina, Charlie, Bea and Samira – together amidst the hustle and bustle of Fes, Morocco, but that event plays second-fiddle to these ladies’ strong personalities and complicated backstories.
The banter and good-natured squabbles between the colourful and eccentric Bea and her ostensibly more level-headed granddaughter Charlie injects light and humour to the many sticky cross-cultural situations they find themselves in. Continue reading >> https://www.bookloverbookreviews.com/...
Amina’s sister’s grand wedding may be the catalyst that brings the four distinctly different women – Amina, Charlie, Bea and Samira – together amidst the hustle and bustle of Fes, Morocco, but that event plays second-fiddle to these ladies’ strong personalities and complicated backstories.
The banter and good-natured squabbles between the colourful and eccentric Bea and her ostensibly more level-headed granddaughter Charlie injects light and humour to the many sticky cross-cultural situations they find themselves in. Continue reading >> https://www.bookloverbookreviews.com/...
April 18, 2021
A culturally-rich and enjoyable read! The story was interesting and descriptive, set in a backdrop of modern day Morocco.
I’m usually a sucker for happy endings, but this one felt like everything suddenly rounded up TOO nicely 😂 I would have liked to see more depth in the ending, and also to some of the male characters. But still enjoyed the complexity and creativity surrounding the female characters.
Some parts of particularly Charlie and Bea’s characters I at times found a bit cliche, but all in all, loveable characters.
I’d recommend this if you’re looking for a comfortable and richly descriptive read!
I’m usually a sucker for happy endings, but this one felt like everything suddenly rounded up TOO nicely 😂 I would have liked to see more depth in the ending, and also to some of the male characters. But still enjoyed the complexity and creativity surrounding the female characters.
Some parts of particularly Charlie and Bea’s characters I at times found a bit cliche, but all in all, loveable characters.
I’d recommend this if you’re looking for a comfortable and richly descriptive read!
August 16, 2022
2.75. Very quick read. I liked the descriptions of Morocco, they felt quite realistic/vivid. However, the book is very predictable. I would have liked to have seen more interactions between Amina and the father and more deep dives into the cultural and religious aspects. Its very obvious that this book was written by someone who is not Moroccan. It could have been far more layered if we’d only followed the one perspective too.
That being said, I read about the author’s background and she seems like a remarkable person.
That being said, I read about the author’s background and she seems like a remarkable person.
December 16, 2025
Content warnings: xenophobia, misogyny, car accident, hospitalisation of a loved one, probably a decent amount of other stuff that I've forgotten in the six weeks since I read this my bad
So here's the thing: the whole time I was reading this, I kept feeling like I was reading the second book in a series and that I was missing a whole lot of context. I kept checking Storygraph and Goodreads for a series associated with this book and there isn't one. It's only now in checking other people's reviews that I found out this is a direct sequel to Island on the Edge of the World. And I don't understand why the publisher wouldn't make that obvious???
Anyway. As it is, the story felt quite...stereotypical? Yes, it painted a vivid picture of the places and characters the protagonists interact with in the course of their time in Morocco. But I didn't really want aspects of this story to be told by a white American woman. I said what I said.
So here's the thing: the whole time I was reading this, I kept feeling like I was reading the second book in a series and that I was missing a whole lot of context. I kept checking Storygraph and Goodreads for a series associated with this book and there isn't one. It's only now in checking other people's reviews that I found out this is a direct sequel to Island on the Edge of the World. And I don't understand why the publisher wouldn't make that obvious???
Anyway. As it is, the story felt quite...stereotypical? Yes, it painted a vivid picture of the places and characters the protagonists interact with in the course of their time in Morocco. But I didn't really want aspects of this story to be told by a white American woman. I said what I said.
March 19, 2021
Review to come
June 9, 2021
1.Bibi was THE main character and that’s on period
2.I want a Samira and Meddur sequel
3. Why so many ‘unfinished’ storylines, this better becomes a series because I’m too invested
2.I want a Samira and Meddur sequel
3. Why so many ‘unfinished’ storylines, this better becomes a series because I’m too invested
June 26, 2021
An entertaining easy read. I enjoyed the descriptions of Morocco
June 26, 2022
Loved this book ❤️
July 16, 2021
Young Westernised Moroccans clash with traditional Moroccan values. Bags of kasbah atmosphere. An enjoyable light read. For my full review please go to http://thebooksmithblog.wordpress.com
November 11, 2024
“We all live with secrets and lies. Big ones, little ones.”
The Moroccan Daughter centers on Amina, a young Moroccan woman secretly married to an American named Max. Afraid to reveal this to her family, Amina returns to her hometown of Fes, Morocco, for her sister's wedding. She’s joined by her friend Charlie and her grandmother, Bea. Unbeknownst to one another, each of them carries a secret that gradually untangles as the story progresses.
The author brings Fes to life with vibrant descriptions of the city’s sights, sounds, and colors. The reader is immersed in the bustling Medina, where spices and herbs line the market stalls, and the unique cultural warmth and hospitality of Morocco are palpable. However, the story itself is simple and predictable, with some parts feeling tedious. Certain storylines could have been explored more deeply but were barely touched.Amina's character falls short of expectations, unable to create a strong connection with readers, while characters like Samira and Bea truly take center stage.
This novel may appeal to those who enjoy reading about different cultures and serves as an introductory glimpse into Moroccan life and traditions.
My Rating: 2.9/5
-Dr. Dwija
The Moroccan Daughter centers on Amina, a young Moroccan woman secretly married to an American named Max. Afraid to reveal this to her family, Amina returns to her hometown of Fes, Morocco, for her sister's wedding. She’s joined by her friend Charlie and her grandmother, Bea. Unbeknownst to one another, each of them carries a secret that gradually untangles as the story progresses.
The author brings Fes to life with vibrant descriptions of the city’s sights, sounds, and colors. The reader is immersed in the bustling Medina, where spices and herbs line the market stalls, and the unique cultural warmth and hospitality of Morocco are palpable. However, the story itself is simple and predictable, with some parts feeling tedious. Certain storylines could have been explored more deeply but were barely touched.Amina's character falls short of expectations, unable to create a strong connection with readers, while characters like Samira and Bea truly take center stage.
This novel may appeal to those who enjoy reading about different cultures and serves as an introductory glimpse into Moroccan life and traditions.
My Rating: 2.9/5
-Dr. Dwija
March 27, 2022
I chose this book to give me a flavour of Morocco prior to a trip there for my nephew’s wedding. I stuck with it for that reason alone. It’s not what I’d call quality literature. The author depends on multiple long-held secrets, far-fetched coincidences, sudden and improbable character changes, dramatic revelations, chance meetings and overheard conversations to move the story along. Then she wraps up the book with unlikely happy endings and repaired relationships for all.
December 5, 2022
Urgh.
On the plus side, the writing style is very fluid and accessible. It was an easy read.
And that’s about it.
Honestly this all felt very arrogant. The American characters barged around Morocco measuring everything to their western beliefs and those being—of course—completely correct, all of the time. I found them thoroughly unlikeable as a result. They felt like the worst kind of tourist, and I was completely sick of them by the 20% mark.
Morocco itself, its people and its culture were portrayed with all the authenticity of a guide book for daytrippers off a cruise ship. Yes, the author clearly did a lot of research. But at no point was there any attempt to actually *understand* Morocco. At no point did I see Morocco through the eyes of anyone who felt remotely Moroccan. Never was the point made that this is their culture and their way of life and the American characters needed to butt out.
(Also for all the book tries to make a point about sexism against women, it fell very flat when Max is pilloried for being angry about being kept as the dirty little secret. Amina kicked off like a child and he got blamed for being angry at his treatment and leaving. Reverse the genders and ask if that would be acceptable for Max to hide Amina in a closet away from the rest of his life, because it absolutely wouldn’t.)
The plots threads were all very contrived as well. The initial setup—a westernised Muslim girl returning to a traditionalist family having kept secrets from them—should and in other, better books, would—be the only thread needed. It should have been the focus, and treated with the depth and respect that storyline requires. Instead the most key scenes are skipped over and the waters are muddied with myriad other melodramas.
So no, I did not enjoy this. I’m tired of Americans trying to write about cultures they fundamentally don’t understand because they can’t or won’t put themselves in another’s headspace. Find a book by an actual Moroccan woman exploring the same issues, and it will be much better.
On the plus side, the writing style is very fluid and accessible. It was an easy read.
And that’s about it.
Honestly this all felt very arrogant. The American characters barged around Morocco measuring everything to their western beliefs and those being—of course—completely correct, all of the time. I found them thoroughly unlikeable as a result. They felt like the worst kind of tourist, and I was completely sick of them by the 20% mark.
Morocco itself, its people and its culture were portrayed with all the authenticity of a guide book for daytrippers off a cruise ship. Yes, the author clearly did a lot of research. But at no point was there any attempt to actually *understand* Morocco. At no point did I see Morocco through the eyes of anyone who felt remotely Moroccan. Never was the point made that this is their culture and their way of life and the American characters needed to butt out.
(Also for all the book tries to make a point about sexism against women, it fell very flat when Max is pilloried for being angry about being kept as the dirty little secret. Amina kicked off like a child and he got blamed for being angry at his treatment and leaving. Reverse the genders and ask if that would be acceptable for Max to hide Amina in a closet away from the rest of his life, because it absolutely wouldn’t.)
The plots threads were all very contrived as well. The initial setup—a westernised Muslim girl returning to a traditionalist family having kept secrets from them—should and in other, better books, would—be the only thread needed. It should have been the focus, and treated with the depth and respect that storyline requires. Instead the most key scenes are skipped over and the waters are muddied with myriad other melodramas.
So no, I did not enjoy this. I’m tired of Americans trying to write about cultures they fundamentally don’t understand because they can’t or won’t put themselves in another’s headspace. Find a book by an actual Moroccan woman exploring the same issues, and it will be much better.
April 13, 2021
The Moroccan Daughter is the 2021 release from Deborah Rodriquez. Best known for The Coffee Shop of Kabul, Rodriguez’s latest novel once again whisks her readers away for a much needed holiday. Using Morocco as a backdrop, Rodriguez explores culture and tradition, weaving together their impact on ageing, family, friendship, marriage and love. Told in the third person, The Moroccan Daughter is the story of Charlie, Amina, Samira and Bea. It was a pleasure getting to know these unique women as they navigated different stages of life.
With her serious nature, Charlie was the character that I could relate to the most. A single woman, she loved to travel. Charlie loved her job as a hairdresser at Bea’s Hive Salon, situated in California, and worked hard to fund her trips. Bea, Charlie’s grandmother, was the elderly owner of the salon. This beautiful relationship between the two definitely helped cure the travel bug as it would not be possible to go overseas so often under normal circumstances. Despite the positive connection, it was obvious from when I first met Charlie that she had a secret, that no one, including Bea, was privy to. While Charlie did not willingly share her thoughts, she was a discreet person who was privileged to hear the secrets of others. When Charlie’s best friend, Amina, offers her the opportunity to visit Morocco, she cannot resist the temptation to discover a new world.
Amina was caught between two cultures with a secret of her own. As a Moroccan born woman living in America, she had led the life of an independent woman. Married for a year to Karim, her husband was a patient loving man who her family were unaware of. With her sister’s, Nazih, wedding looming, Amina returned to her homeland, taking Charlie and Bea along for the journey. It was a stark reminder of the differences between traditions for Amina, particularly when it came to family. I could feel Amina’s sense of frustration, and her fear of the family learning about Karim. Despite all the turmoil, it was wonderful to see Amina becoming a better person for her experiences.
Samira worked for Amina’s family, providing an insider’s point of view. A single woman with brothers, Samira was unafraid to stand up for what she believed in and I admired this trait of hers. This included speaking her mind to the male figureheads in Amina’s life, one being her father. Samira had been present at Amina’s birth and watched her develop into a young woman. Like all the other character’s, Amina too carries a burden, one that is linked to both the past and the present. I don’t know how Samira carried this responsibility alone for so long, but it showed her inner strength.
Of the four women, my favourite without a doubt, would have to be Bea. She was everything I want to be when I grow up. Bea was the opposite of Charlie, the ying to her yang, and unlike any grandmother I have met in the real or fictional world. Married many moons ago, she had led an extraordinary life and remained positive throughout it all. Even gradually losing her eyesight did not slow this wonder woman down because she made use of her other senses. Filled with spirit and adventure, Bea was determined to fulfil her dreams, including a trip to Morocco, using her cheeky nature that let her get away with so much.
There may have been four female characters, yet Morocco was truly a character in its own right. Rodriguez’s simple descriptions filled the pages, setting the scene for a country I have not thought about travelling to. I could see the sites like a movie in my mind, I could hear the myriad of sounds that filled the air around me. I could smell and taste the spicy hot food… I was left wanting to get on a plane! Yet it also left me with an appreciation of my own country.
The Moroccan Daughter is a heartfelt read for those that are desperate to travel the world once again.
With her serious nature, Charlie was the character that I could relate to the most. A single woman, she loved to travel. Charlie loved her job as a hairdresser at Bea’s Hive Salon, situated in California, and worked hard to fund her trips. Bea, Charlie’s grandmother, was the elderly owner of the salon. This beautiful relationship between the two definitely helped cure the travel bug as it would not be possible to go overseas so often under normal circumstances. Despite the positive connection, it was obvious from when I first met Charlie that she had a secret, that no one, including Bea, was privy to. While Charlie did not willingly share her thoughts, she was a discreet person who was privileged to hear the secrets of others. When Charlie’s best friend, Amina, offers her the opportunity to visit Morocco, she cannot resist the temptation to discover a new world.
Amina was caught between two cultures with a secret of her own. As a Moroccan born woman living in America, she had led the life of an independent woman. Married for a year to Karim, her husband was a patient loving man who her family were unaware of. With her sister’s, Nazih, wedding looming, Amina returned to her homeland, taking Charlie and Bea along for the journey. It was a stark reminder of the differences between traditions for Amina, particularly when it came to family. I could feel Amina’s sense of frustration, and her fear of the family learning about Karim. Despite all the turmoil, it was wonderful to see Amina becoming a better person for her experiences.
Samira worked for Amina’s family, providing an insider’s point of view. A single woman with brothers, Samira was unafraid to stand up for what she believed in and I admired this trait of hers. This included speaking her mind to the male figureheads in Amina’s life, one being her father. Samira had been present at Amina’s birth and watched her develop into a young woman. Like all the other character’s, Amina too carries a burden, one that is linked to both the past and the present. I don’t know how Samira carried this responsibility alone for so long, but it showed her inner strength.
Of the four women, my favourite without a doubt, would have to be Bea. She was everything I want to be when I grow up. Bea was the opposite of Charlie, the ying to her yang, and unlike any grandmother I have met in the real or fictional world. Married many moons ago, she had led an extraordinary life and remained positive throughout it all. Even gradually losing her eyesight did not slow this wonder woman down because she made use of her other senses. Filled with spirit and adventure, Bea was determined to fulfil her dreams, including a trip to Morocco, using her cheeky nature that let her get away with so much.
There may have been four female characters, yet Morocco was truly a character in its own right. Rodriguez’s simple descriptions filled the pages, setting the scene for a country I have not thought about travelling to. I could see the sites like a movie in my mind, I could hear the myriad of sounds that filled the air around me. I could smell and taste the spicy hot food… I was left wanting to get on a plane! Yet it also left me with an appreciation of my own country.
The Moroccan Daughter is a heartfelt read for those that are desperate to travel the world once again.
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