Synopsis
In his early twenties Choukri takes the momentous decision to learn to read and write, and joins a children's class at the local state school in Tangier. When not at school he hangs out in cafés, drinking and smoking kif. Some nights he sleeps in a doss-house, but mostly he sleeps in mosques or on the street. He befriends many 'lowlife' characters, while the café habitués help him with his Arabic and the local prostitutes take him home, providing some human solace. Choukri's determination to educate himself, and his compassion for those with whom he shares his life on the streets is heartfelt and inspirational. 'As a writer, he is in an enviable position, though he paid a high price for it in suffering.' Paul Bowles 'Choukri's irrepressible, ultimately indomitable spirit is most touching and human.' The Independent 'Choukri is a powerful teller of stories. His telling of oppression is vivid and remarkable.' Morning Star
About Mohamed Choukri
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Mohamed Choukri is one of North Africa's most respected and widely read authors. This poignant autobiographical novel, which spans the 1960s and '70s (together with his previous novel, For Bread Alone), ranks among the best works of contemporary Arabic literature
Published August 20, 2012
by Telegram Books.
164 pages
Genres:
Political & Social Sciences, Education & Reference, Literature & Fiction, Biographies & Memoirs.
Fiction