Contes marocains

by Henri Berger, Helena Rysava

Connaissez-vous les djinns, génies étranges, qui peuvent transformer un mendiant en sultan? Avez-vous déjà croisé une favorite à la beauté enchanteresse et au chant doux comme du miel? Pour rencontrer ces personnages mystérieux et découvrir leurs histoires étonnantes, ouvrez grand vos oreilles et écoutez la voix du conteur marocain...

544 pages, Hardcover

Published September 24, 2008

Reviews

[Doria · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a beautifully illustrated collection of Moroccan folktales and legends, written in French, reminiscent of The 1001 Nights. The tales are wide-ranging in terms of mood and character type, ranging from short humorous anecdotes to long episodic hero-quests, yet certain themes continually recur. Whether they center around an impoverished shepherd, a wandering holy man, or a kidnapped princess, the hero or heroine can usually rely upon the beneficent intervention of a talking bird or sheep or horse, who will guide them through an array of perils to a prosperous marriage with a loving spouse. Like the story of Odysseus, these stories are not concerned so much with the destination; it is the journey, with its inevitable reversals and deprivations and challenges, that matters.

Colorful and detailed illustrations enliven and adorn each story, making the book a work of art, as well as a rich compendium of Middle Eastern stories. The narrative style is comfortably old fashioned, which fits the mood of these venerable tales. They are clearly intended to be read aloud, which I highly recommend if possible. For a real treat, savor one story each night before bedtime; if you’re lucky, you might find yourself dreaming on a flying carpet.