Secret Son

fast read. well written. one son’s personal anguish cradled in Morocco’s class struggles and corruption among the ruling class. recommended reading.......more

This book has such an enjoyable writing style; it’s very accessible and the book is a really quick read, and a pleasant read, despite its tragic subject matter. This book had a good mix of the personal and political, heavy on the personal, which I liked. I got a great feel for various parts of Moroc......more

Growing up in the Casablanca slumps, Youssef is urged by he’s mother to pursue he’s education at college and try to better himself. Youssef soon learns that he’s believed dead father is still alive, in fact he’s a wealthy businessman! Given the choice of abandoning he’s past, Youssef has the opportuni......more

In this superb short novel, Laila Lalami deftly limns the rise and fall of Youssef El Mekki, unacknowledged bastard son of prominent businessman, disillusioned activist, and bon vivant Nabil El Amrani. Seemingly sprung from the trap of the Casablanca slums when he learns that his father, far from be......more