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stunnerz25's review
challenging
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
It took a little time for me to delve deeper into this novel, but it was worth it, though i still can't get over the ending. It was an amazing read for a new voice i hadn't explored yet.
This novel follows the story of, Rayhana, a spirited young woman and the chief's niece, as her life takes an unexpected turn. When she encounters a foreign miner named Yahya and his group of engineers who were settling near her village camp, little does she know that her world is about to be turned upside down. Bewitched by Yahya's flattering words, Rayhana falls into his deceitful embrace, only to be left heartbroken and shattered, her innocence stolen and her spirit fractured.
As the poignant narrative unfolds, Ould Beyrouk masterfully weaves the intricate tapestry of the Bedouin nomadic lifestyle, drawing readers into a profound connection with the vast desert that shapes their existence. Through Rayhana's eyes, we witness the thin line between honor and shame in upholding our traditions, raising thought-provoking questions about the complexities of human nature and societal norms. Yet, this isn't just a tale of heartbreak and betrayal; it's a multidimensional story sprinkled with elements of politics, philosophy, and governance. The author fearlessly denounces the ills of our society, confronting the reader with the sobering truth that making mistakes is an inevitable part of the human experience.
As the poignant narrative unfolds, Ould Beyrouk masterfully weaves the intricate tapestry of the Bedouin nomadic lifestyle, drawing readers into a profound connection with the vast desert that shapes their existence. Through Rayhana's eyes, we witness the thin line between honor and shame in upholding our traditions, raising thought-provoking questions about the complexities of human nature and societal norms. Yet, this isn't just a tale of heartbreak and betrayal; it's a multidimensional story sprinkled with elements of politics, philosophy, and governance. The author fearlessly denounces the ills of our society, confronting the reader with the sobering truth that making mistakes is an inevitable part of the human experience.
One quote that stood out for me was "to make a mistake is not to die." Definitely recommend this to anyone who wants to read something different for a change.
scottishben's review against another edition
3.0
Exactly the type of book that only gets read because of a reading the world challenge and at the same time highlights how there is lots to be gained from reading books you might otherwise not have read or even heard of.
The book is a bit uneven and the pacing is a bit off -but this is a compelling story showing cultures and worlds I didnt really know very much about.
Wasnt always the most "fun" reading but very glad I got to it.
The book is a bit uneven and the pacing is a bit off -but this is a compelling story showing cultures and worlds I didnt really know very much about.
Wasnt always the most "fun" reading but very glad I got to it.
rainonmetsunami's review
3.75
damn this was lowkey heartbreaking i mean the story wasn’t that groundbreaking like common story right but the ending was so 🤯🤯🤯
paulap's review against another edition
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
This is a very well written story of a Bedouin young woman that runs away from her camp because of what her mother did claiming tradition. She finds herself alone in the city trying to get what she lost and putting distance from her tribe, but that proves more difficult than she thought. The writing was beautiful, the story was engaging and although the character development was a bit simplified, I really empathized with the main character.
anetq's review against another edition
4.0
Cleverly interwoven story of how a good beduin girl ends up in the big city with little hope, despite caring friends and helpful strangers - it is also the story of industry destroying the traditional land (in this case for mining) and interfering with local cultures, urbanisation and modernity living side by side with traditional tribes.
Also: first/only(?) book from Mauretania translated into English - but a good one!
Also: first/only(?) book from Mauretania translated into English - but a good one!
apyzocha's review against another edition
dark
emotional
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
4.5
lauren_endnotes's review against another edition
"I marvelled at how such hyenas could be praised to the skies...what could I ever expect from a world that lauded those who violated people's trust and their dreams?"
From THE DESERT AND THE DRUM by Mbarek Ould Beyrouk, translated from the French by Rachael McGill, 2015/2018.
#ReadtheWorld21
From THE DESERT AND THE DRUM by Mbarek Ould Beyrouk, translated from the French by Rachael McGill, 2015/2018.
#ReadtheWorld21