Secret Son in Around the World in 80 Books

Jan 24, 2014 Beverly rated it really liked it

Shelves: africa, 2014-new-to-you-authors, kindle-book, beverly-where-in-the-world, cross-cultural, where-in-the-world, new-to-you, morocco

My thoughts:
• I was not quite sure what to expect when I started reading Secret Son, but I was quickly drawn into the story and found myself captivated by the writing and the journey of the sensitive naïve nineteen year old protagonist, Youssef.
• I wondered about the quote included before the start of the story – “The fact that I/am writing to you/ in English/already falsifies what I wanted to tell you.” (from Cuban American port Gustavo Perez Firmat) but it made more sense when I learned that t My thoughts:
• I was not quite sure what to expect when I started reading Secret Son, but I was quickly drawn into the story and found myself captivated by the writing and the journey of the sensitive naïve nineteen year old protagonist, Youssef.
• I wondered about the quote included before the start of the story – “The fact that I/am writing to you/ in English/already falsifies what I wanted to tell you.” (from Cuban American port Gustavo Perez Firmat) but it made more sense when I learned that the author wrote this book for American audiences and yes, the book did appeal to my American sensibilities.
• The story is sent in contemporary Morocco after Sept. 11th which helps set the tone of the story.
• While each of the characters battles/confronts issues of identity, loyalty, and justice – it is Youssef’s that are the main focus in the book. It is the unraveling of secrets that reveal the cracks in perception that cause personal turmoil against the outside forces beguiling with their promises.
• Youssef lives in a slum in Casablanca with his single mother who pushed him that a university education is the way out of poverty. But Morocco has a very stratified class society and while the government speaks that all is possible if…, the actions say otherwise. And when Youssef gets to live this life of luxury and the attainment of a better future looks attainable, the fall back to poverty and the disillusionment of who he is shatters him until another type of dream is presented to him.
• This book highlights the struggle of Islamic fundamentalists vs. the corrupt liberalism of the power structure but this fight is definitely geared towards capturing the minds of men because there is not sugarcoating that this is an oppressive society for women.
• And while there are probably many answers to the question – “Why does one become a terrorist?” this storyline answers that question as it pertains to Youssef. I thought the author “kept it real” without over simplifying or going-over-the-top and illustrates how complicated and complex the issues of change, modernity vs. traditional, and power are.

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Jul 29, 2015 Karen rated it really liked it

Shelves: travel-the-world

Beautifully written book, set in Casablanca, Morocco. Youssef grew up in the slums of Casablanca, finished high school, and was ready to start his first year of college. Then he found out who is father was and his life changed forever.

Secret Son reminded me of The Reluctant Fundamentalist and Great Expectations.

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Nov 06, 2010 Madeleine rated it liked it

Shelves: ur-opeds-r-better-than-ur-books, swana

Geez. Just not in the mood for the terribly depressing ending. This is a really good book, and I should totally give it four stars, and I follow Lalami on Twitter and love most everything she says, and I loved her article in the Nation a while back about Islamophobia in Europe, and I'll read her book of short stories...just don't make me give something this depressing four stars today. ...more

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