Qais Ghanem's Blog - Posts Tagged "migration"

This fictional story of Two Boys from Aden College describes beautifully the dilemma faced by two friends thrown into a world completely alien to their conservative culture. Arriving in the UK in the 60's they are faced with challenges they had never experienced. The 60's was a time of new previously unheard of sexual freedom and both boys in different ways indulge in what is on offer. Hassan on the surface follows his faith religiously but hypocritically enjoys extra marital sex. His character is already in training for his future successful life based on greed and corruption. Ahmad whilst also studying hard enjoys sex and alcohol but makes no pretense to be following an Islamic way of life.
The author writes as if neither boy can distinguish between sex and love as they indulge their passions but Ahmad is already becoming the more likeable character.
Hassan returns to Aden where he marries Ahmed's sister who is depicted as having no mind of her own.
On his return Ahmad is appalled to find his friend uncompromisingly corrupt in his greed for money and power. This,together with his own battles that he faces with the authorities,make life impossible in his own country.
The prostitute Haleemah is a strong character,doing what she despises to men she despises even more for their hypocrisy in visiting her.
The author's comparison of the way both men treat her shows great insight into how some men view women.Ahmad shows respect and compassion while Hassan uses and abuses her for his pleasure----her revenge is great!
The author shows the life of many Yemeni women to be subservient to their husbands in every way but gives us an optimistic promise of a way forward as Ahmad goes to meet Meethaq who will be his Yemeni wife and equal. There is hope!

Liz Robertson, Teacher, Edinburgh, Scotland