Stephanie Jane reviewed Dreams of Maryam Tair by Mhani Alaoui
Absolutely brilliant!
5 stars
I had no idea what to expect from this novel. I thought its cover art indicated a young adult story and its lead character is a young girl for much of the narrative, however Dreams Of Maryam Tair is a wonderfully rich and lusciously detailed novel that I believe must garner dedicated fans from every age from late teens upwards. Alaoui is an incredible storyteller and I found it hard to believe that not only is this her first book, but that it hasn't been trumpeted from the rooftops. I loved every minute of reading this book!
Alaoui weaves together the ancient stories of Lilith and Adam, and Cain and Abel, and sets them into a modern-day Casablanca - a repressive society where government agents appear as black-winged demons to tear people from their homes. Narrating the story, an elderly Sheherezade breaks occasionally to smoke a pipe or listen to …
I had no idea what to expect from this novel. I thought its cover art indicated a young adult story and its lead character is a young girl for much of the narrative, however Dreams Of Maryam Tair is a wonderfully rich and lusciously detailed novel that I believe must garner dedicated fans from every age from late teens upwards. Alaoui is an incredible storyteller and I found it hard to believe that not only is this her first book, but that it hasn't been trumpeted from the rooftops. I loved every minute of reading this book!
Alaoui weaves together the ancient stories of Lilith and Adam, and Cain and Abel, and sets them into a modern-day Casablanca - a repressive society where government agents appear as black-winged demons to tear people from their homes. Narrating the story, an elderly Sheherezade breaks occasionally to smoke a pipe or listen to Leonard Cohen songs. Sheherezade is a memorably portrayed here, worldwise and cynical, but with a wicked sense of humour and fabulous shoes. Her young heroine by contrast, is introverted and thoughtful Maryam. Blighted by disability as well as overwhelming destiny, her journey takes us from high society to dank prisons to ancient talking cedar forests. Alaoui's message of equality and hope is inspirational.
This book, for me, was magical realism at its absolute best. I fully expect Dreams Of Maryam Tair to be my Book of the Month. Absolutely brilliant!