Habib Selmi

Interesting split between Western and Arabic readers.

I read this book for a book group of mixed ethnic backgrounds. Some readers read it in English, some in Arabic. Some interesting differences appeared immediately. Firstly the Arabic readers praised the author's style and seamless use of language while the Western readers commented on the somewhat sticcato feel of the translation.
Many of the Arabic readers enjoyed the book more than the rest of us and picked up on various nuances of male Arab behaviour that we had missed, particularly the Tunisian's 'obsession' with Marie-Claire and his awareness of the cultural gap that he must be careful not to cross. He realises that he is only able to have a relationship of this nature because he is away from his own country. On the other hand, a comment made by several English readers was the lack of obvious cultural differences between the two characters and one person suggested that it sounded more French than Arabic.

The story itself is a detailed observation of a love affair between Marie-Claire, a French lady, and Mahfouth, a Tunisian man, from their meeting until the collapse of their relationship several years later. It is unusual in that the whole relationship is narrated from the point of view of the man and we have little insight into Marie-Claire's thoughts.
Mahfouth seems rather naiive in this relationship, almost as if he is programmed for it to self destruct. After his initial care not to step on Marie-Claire's toes, he becomes selfish and careless. However, I did feel that it was a love affair, rather than mere lust as some suggested.

I didn't particularly enjoy the book and although only 170 pages long, it took me a week to read as I wasn't interested enough in the characters and nothing really happened. An interesting book to discuss though.… (mer)