Customer Reviews

Jean Genet in Tangier

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This book details the encounters of Choukri with Jean Genet in Tangier over a short period of time. The prose describing the encounters and the selection of details to include in the description is masterful - in a slim volume one gains both a feeling of Morocco's bureaucrats, of the author's respect for Genet and of Genet himself. There is no hint of "gossip column" or "me with a big shot" - both of which are dangers for this type of writing. This is book is well worth your time.

One of the rare books I could read in one breath. It is short, inspiring, and imaginative. Choukri's writing is very simple, like a dessin, in a diary style. Simple, yet it tells so much about so many things, mainly about Genet and how he relates to people, what he thinks about literature. It also tells a good deal about Morocco. The translation is excellent, I think. The beauty of the language is well preserved.
One will sense the respect Choukri has for Genet, and his compassion, sensitivity and warmth toward the society. There are a few pictures of the author with Genet and his friends also, which is a treat.
A great page turner. Couldn't put it down. One of the most beautiful proses I've ever read. Now I'm looking for more books by Choukri.