About My Mother

Name: About My Mother
SKU: 9781846592010
Availability: InStock

EGP680.00

Lalla Fatma believes she is in Fez in 1944—where she grew up—not in Tangier in 2000, where the story begins.
Guided by her fragmented memories, Ben Jelloun reimagines his mother’s life in Fez at the end of the war, in the heavily ritualised world of custom and tradition that saw her married, pregnant, and widowed by sixteen. He gains privileged, painful access to her lives as daughter, sister, thrice-widowed wife—lives in which she had little say, mostly spent working in kitchens, marked by a deep religious faith and love for her family—as Alzheimer’s rips them all away.
A delicate portrait of a woman’s slow and unwinding descent into dementia, About My Mother maps out the beautiful, fragile, and complex nature of human experience in prose equally tender and compelling.
Tahar Ben Jelloun is an award-winning and internationally bestselling Moroccan novelist, essayist, critic, and poet. Regularly shortlisted for the Nobel Prize, he has won the Prix Goncourt and the International IMPAC Dublin Literary Award. Ben Jelloun received the rank of Officier de la Légion d’honneur in 2008. A frequent contributor to Le Monde, Panorama, the New Yorker, and the Paris Review, his other works include The Blinding Lights of Absence, Leaving Tangier, Sand Child, and Racism Explained to My Daughter.

SKU: 9781846592010 Categories: Books, E Arabic Literature in Translation, English Books, Literature &Fiction

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About My Mother

About My Mother Book Description

About My Mother is an emotionally rich English novel available at Kalimat Bookstore Online. The story follows Lalla Fatma, who drifts between memories of Fez in 1944 and Tangier in 2000. Guided by fragmented recollections, the author paints a vivid picture of a woman caught in tradition, marriage, and loss at a very young age.

Readers will discover how Tahar Ben Jelloun, the award‑winning Moroccan novelist, reimagines his mother’s life with tenderness and insight. He gives us privileged access to her roles as daughter, sister, and thrice‑widowed wife. Meanwhile, the narrative shows her quiet strength in kitchens, her deep faith, and her unwavering love for family.

The novel gently tracks her slow descent into dementia, mapping the fragile beauty of human experience. However, the prose remains compelling rather than bleak, inviting readers to feel both sorrow and hope. Additionally, Ben Jelloun’s lyrical style makes the story accessible to a wide audience.

Key Features of About My Mother

Inside this book, you will find a richly detailed historical setting that brings post‑war Fez to life. Moreover, the novel explores themes of memory, identity, and the impact of Alzheimer’s disease on families. Fans of literary fiction will appreciate the delicate balance between personal memoir and broader cultural commentary.

Furthermore, the author’s reputation adds extra value. Ben Jelloun has been repeatedly shortlisted for the Nobel Prize, won the Prix Goncourt, and received the International IMPAC Dublin Literary Award. His accolades assure readers of a high‑quality literary experience.

Also, the book includes insightful reflections on Moroccan customs and the role of women in a rapidly changing society. Because of this, readers gain a deeper understanding of a world that is both specific and universal.

Why Read This Book?

The narrative offers a compassionate look at aging and loss, making it a comforting companion for anyone facing similar challenges. Meanwhile, the vivid storytelling provides an escape into a beautifully described past. Therefore, the novel serves both as a poignant memoir and a cultural treasure.

Many readers find the emotional honesty of the protagonist’s journey both moving and educational. Additionally, the book’s short, clear sentences enhance readability, ensuring that the story remains engaging from start to finish.

Finally, the novel’s literary merit combines with its heartfelt message, giving you a memorable reading experience that stays with you long after the last page.

About This Book

More detail about this book and its author can be found on Goodreads. Also, discover the best English books online in our store through this link. Enjoy the tender prose and powerful themes of About My Mother today.