The Voices of Marrakesh

As a twelve-year foreign resident of Marrakesh, I read with interest this slim volume in about two hours. Before reading, I thought this was something written in the past 20 years. But I quickly discovered that the author's sejour in Morocco must have occurred in about 1959 (according to my Moroccan husband) due to certain events mentioned. (The book was first published in 1967.)

The book takes place in the time when Morocco was still part of the French Colonial Empire, and when the French had placed a "puppet" sultan on the throne. The author speaks of camel markets in Bab Khemis, the camels having walked in a train of 105 animals from the Western Sahara. Those not purchased by butchers (yes, for eating)in Marrakesh were to continue walking north to Settat, the end of the line for the camel trains (just outside of Casablanca). This must have been before trucking was the common method of transport. Occassional "blue men" of the Sahara could still be seen in Marrakesh.

This book will be of particular interest to any visitors of Moroccan Jewish origin who may be returning to visit the land of their parents. The author, we find out, is Jewish, and just happens to meet up with some members of the Jewish community. He gets pulled into their own little world (which no longer exists in Marrakesh, as most of that community emmigrated to Israel after 1967). He relates his experiences.

If you are thinking of traveling to Marrakesh, or anywhere in Morocco, this little book will open your eyes to the sights, sounds, and smells of the city. Much of the city has changed, but the atmosphere has remained the same.

My favourite travel book : I re-read it on every holiday (59/60 people found this helpful)

This is an ideal introduction to the work of Elias Canetti, who is described on the cover of my US copy as "one of the major intellectual figures of the 20th century". If, like me, you had never heard of this "solitary man of genius" (except on a list of Nobel Prize winners) then this short record of a visit to Morocco will introduce to you the quality of his writing.
For a brief example of his perception read the brilliant observation of bargaining in the chapter entitled "the Souks". There is no better or more concise explanation in literature of the culture and age-old tradition of bartering .
Canetti is perhaps not so well-known because he relentlessly returns to the same few themes in his writing: crowds, death, and the smells and sounds that bring emotions.These are touched upon in this book also. I read this book on my way to any hot foreign country and resolve to observe and enjoy life better.
This book is slight compared to Canetti's masterpiece - his memoirs in three parts.I cannot recommend those volumes too highly. But you will not regret purchasing this little memoir.

Elias Canetti

Reader Reviews:

Marrakesh Resident Likes the Book (36/39 people found this helpful)

My favourite travel book : I re-read it on every holiday (59/60 people found this helpful)

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