A review by evelina96
The Desert and the Drum by Mbarek Ould Beyrouk

emotional sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

3.5

I would never have found this book without my ongoing challenge to read a book from every country. It really made me want to know more about Mauretania. I was pleasantly surprised by this book, I loved the writing and the descriptions of nature, and the main character's feelings. The ending fell a bit flat for me as I felt like I didn't understand it fully but it's still a book I recommend if you want to broaden your reading and learn about a different culture. I also appreciated the juxtaposition Rayhana encountered when she left her Beduin camp and made it to the larger city.