Tuesday, September 18, 2018

4/4 stars excellent review of Andalusian in Jerusalem by Rosemary Khathibe

Review by Rosemary Khathibe -- Andalusian in Jerusalem

Post by Rosemary Khathibe » 16 Sep 2018, 04:46
[Following is a volunteer review of "Andalusian in Jerusalem" by Mois benarroch.]

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4 out of 4 stars
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Andalusian in Jerusalem by Mois Benarroch follows the life of Guillermo, a 50-year-old Spanish writer who was known as a jew since he was 8 years old. He was born in Lucena and lived in Pereire Boulevard, Paris. On his journey as a writer, Guillermo had published seven novels. Two of them were named The Birthday Thief and Café Voltaire. In the story, he effortlessly gave a quick summary of some of his books. For instance, there was a writer who woke up every day as one of his own characters.

The book started with Guillermo's first visit to Jerusalem in 2010. Since one of his novels was a bestseller, he got invited to the writer's festival. On his way there, he met a woman named Orito, who claimed to be his mother. This came as a surprise because his mother had died two years ago. He was also shocked that Orito, who looked a lot like her (his mother), knew the secret name he had never told anyone. As if that was not enough, a woman had a pleasant surprise for him. But if she was truly his mother, where had she been all these years? How did she lose him?

When reading Andalusian in Jerusalem, which was classified as other fiction, I came across features of several genres, such as non-fiction, historical fiction and science fiction. For example, there was a technique used to retrieve the memory that water kept in its molecules. The events recalled through this method dated back to two thousand years ago.

One of the recurring themes in the book was religion, which was widely discussed in the manuscript that Guillermo got from Charly. It included events of 1492 that took place in Lucena, Seville, Jerusalem, and Tétouan, where Jews were forced to convert to Christianity. The manuscript also contained fifteen poems and small stories, like Shmuel's life as a robber, Teresa's prayer as a Christian, Yehuda as a poet, Samuel's thoughts as a priest, and Alan scolding his dead father.

I would be lying if I said I didn't enjoy the book. Guillermo's friendship with Charly was very well documented. Their conversation was humorous: "They're like the Americans, who after they've spent half an hour chatting with you begin to tell you all about their medical problems."

The book was also an exemplary piece of realism. Even though it was written in the first person's perspective, I was able to learn a lot about other characters, in this case, Charly. Like other writers in real life, he struggled in his journey and had published twenty books with no bestseller.

The author was able to distribute his thinking in the kinds of sentences that had a significant literary merit. The story flawlessly serves as an inspiration for those who want to embark on the journey of writing books. It contains tips for writers. Again, the suspense and the mystery in the book had my eyes glued to the pages. Some events were not only surprising but also scary: the street that existed only at night.

The book seemed to be professionally edited and proofread. Excluding errors from the manuscript, which had been explained in the translator's note, I spotted few missing commas and only one doubled word. Consequently, I am awarding Andalusian in Jerusalem 4 out of 4 stars. 

I recommend the book to people who want to be writers and to lovers of historical fiction. It will also appeal to those who love poems, which were very easy to read and interpret. However, this book will not appeal to people who might find the manuscript's critics about Christianity offensive.

******
Andalusian in Jerusalem 
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4/4 stars excellent review of Andalusian in Jerusalem

Review by Braunsucre -- Andalusian in Jerusalem

Post by Braunsucre » 16 Sep 2018, 19:06



4 out of 4 stars
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3


Andalusian in Jerusalem, by Mois Benarroch, translated by Enriqueta Carrington, is a book of many flavors. I find the history therein informative, the poetic sections were intriguing, and the monologue was quite interesting.


It tells the story of young David, in Lucena, who likes to read. While reading, he found out that many inventors, writers, and scientists were Jews, therefore, he decided to fabricate a lie, and confesses this to his best friend; that he was a Jew. The news went viral, but little did he know of the long-lasting effects such a fabrication might have.


"sh*t Jew!" "Jewish asshole!" were some of the names his soccer companions shouted at him, but rather than enrage him, the names made him feel special. He got increasingly curious till he decided to attend the writers festival in Jerusalem, where the story begins in earnest.


Andalusian in Jerusalem, is a book of raw talent and knowledge. It demands all your attention, otherwise, you get lost. It brings you to a certain point, where there is a thin, invisible line between reality and imagination. The history of the era of the Inquisition, when forced religious conversions took place, moved me to tears. The poetic lines also had a very smooth flow. It was interesting to read about the racial discrimination of Jews in Sepharad (modern Spain), and their numerous sufferings, because, this was a subject I'd only read about in the holy books. Numerous quotes appear throughout the book as well, one such quote is: "never again would someone's origin or the color of his skin make him different".


Andalusian in Jerusalem, might come across as a difficult, and poorly edited book at first sight, but the translator's note, at the preface, shed much light on the reason for the grammatical errors found in it. It is noteworthy, as well, that the flavor of the original Spanish manuscript was well-preserved.


In my assessment, the confusing nature of this book is related to the numerous issues that occur in translation, and should, therefore, not affect the rating of the book. I find this book as interesting as I find Shakespeare's books.


I would rate this book 4 out of 4 stars, because it stands out among other history books, the story is captivating, and at the same time informative. It makes for an interesting read. All lovers of history and good literature would find gems in this book, but if you're not part of this group, it might not appeal to you.

******
Andalusian in Jerusalem 
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Thursday, May 31, 2018

4 STARS Review by GabbiV -- Andalusian in Jerusalem


Review by GabbiV -- Andalusian in Jerusalem

Unread post by GabbiV » Yesterday, 17:46
[Following is a volunteer review of "Andalusian in Jerusalem" by Mois benarroch.]
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4 out of 4 stars

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Andalusian in Jerusalem is a work of fiction written by Mois Benarroch, which begins with the narrator’s complicated relationship with the word Jew. Exploring what that word meant personally and to others around him, the narrator’s tale is filled with runaway tangents and colorful embellishments. This book is more about appreciating the language used and not the conclusion to the overarching plot, as the author knows it’s all about the journey.

The narrator’s voice as he regaled his audience with his tale is rich and nuanced, filled with idiosyncrasies and catchphrases. This strong narration works with the (almost) seamless stream of consciousness style of writing, to faithfully recreate the singular effect of listening to a rambling elder who likes to both hear their own voice and impart knowledge to the youth.

The plot follows the narrator as he questions his identity with how others perceive him and how he thus defines himself. This is central to the book, with each reiteration and personal revelation, the narrator delves into a deeper understanding of himself.

I would recommend this book for the rich attention to detail, the amusing anecdotes that fill the narrator’s stories, the high quality and strength of the narrator’s voice, and how well it works with the stream of consciousness writing style. Due to the nature of the book, I think people who enjoy Virginia Woolf would be similarly pleased, even if some of the tangents get a bit long. I rate this 4 out of 4 stars for its deceptive simplicity and elegance of form. The text is self-aware to a degree, having the characters remark on various plot points as they are thus affected, creating room for a breath of levity when the fourth wall breaks.

This book will probably not be enjoyable to people who prefer action-packed plot-driven page-turners because of the slow pace and amount of text dedicated to “superfluous" information. Though the stream of conscious style is not employed throughout the book, it makes up a significant part of the text. On top of that, it takes a while for the plot to focus and pick up past its somewhat rambling start, where several topics of varying importance were discussed at various lengths. I also noticed that transitions between actions were quick or barely stated, catching me slightly off guard any time the characters took off in a new direction plot-wise.


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Wednesday, May 9, 2018

Review by iknwuzoh -- Keys to Tetouan by Mois Benarroch

Review by iknwuzoh -- Keys to Tetouan by Mois Benarroch

Unread post by iknwuzoh » 07 May 2018, 06:19



4 out of 4 stars

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Keys To Tetouan by Mois Benarroch is a tale of Mois Benzimra who is the father of a Jewish tribe that settled in Tetouan from where they dispersed to other countries of the world.

The theme of the book reflects on the effects of civilisations on the Jewish identity. It emphasizes on the state of Jews in the modern day society, their wanting to go back to the Jewish ways of life, in a world that is turning into a global village. It reflects on their wish to return to Jewish traditions in this modern era. Many Jews are experiencing the effects of migration. I see this book as a book that fits into the Jewish genre. My view of this theme is that it is recommendable for the Jews of nowadays who want to understand and know what it means to be Jewish, who want to know what the Jewish lifestyle was like before this modern era. I noticed the book expanded much on the state of the Jews in many nations wanting to retain their Jewish identity. I strongly recommend this book for Jews and non-Jews. This is because the Jews have had some impact on non-Jews and mixture of races have taken place due to the Jewish expansion. I will say that non-Jews should also read this literary piece to see how they may be affected by the Jewish expansion. Many non-Jews who read this book may find out they have reasonable connections with the Jewish identity. It expresses how many Jews seek their homeland and how many non-Jews became Jewish through interracial marriages.

This book is very interesting to read as it is a book that has the capacity to unite Jews with non-Jews. I strongly recommend this book as a book that can join different tribes in conflict. The Jewish exile is well stressed in the theme including the effects of westernisation. The modern Jew finds himself in a state different from the olden times when the Jewish retained its unique identity. The theme questions the Jews with regards to whether they can ever realise their previous state before westernisation. The answers are not definitely given in this very book but is left for the reader to figure out.

This literary piece is a contemplation of the state of the Jewish tribe and not an answer to that state. This book is interesting with some interesting characters like Moshe Benzimra who poses here as the father of the tribe. His character in this book shows much about the nature of the Jewish lifestyle. He seems to be a major character in this piece.

I also observed while reading the book about a categories of keys. There was reference to a particular key that will open the house in Tetouan. Keys were mentioned many times in this book with a particular reference to the key used with a scanner in a device that opens the historical aspects of the Jewish in Tetouan. The book got its name from these categories of keys.

I like the way the book was written, how it uses the characters of the Benzimra family to explain the plight of the Jewish identity in the modern era with respect to the Jewish town of Tetouan. I will rate this book 4 out of 4 stars because of it's unique way of entertaining the reader and connecting Jews and non-Jews. In conclusion, I strongly recommend this book for Jews and non-Jews alike.

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Keys to Tetouan 
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Friday, May 4, 2018

Review by Tim Bets -- Gates to Tangier by Mois Benarroch



Review by Tim Bets -- Gates to Tangier by Mois Benarroch

Post Number:#1 by Timbets » 05 Jan 2017, 20:25
[Following is the official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Gates to Tangier" by Mois Benarroch.]

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4 out of 4 stars

It can be a terrible burden and a lot to process when someone dies. When finding out about a brother that never existed until reading the will can be an overwhelming shock. Gates-to-Tangier by Mois Benarroch is a short story about the Benzimra family traveling to Morocco to find a brother they never knew. Finding their brother is the only way they will receive the money left for them.

Isaque, Israel, Fortu, Alberto, and their sister Silvia, are all Jews returning to Morocco. Morocco is a place that became exile because it is without Jews. Therefore, these siblings, have not been to Morocco in years. If it were not for the will, they would probably not have gone back at all. While forming a plan to try to find their brother Zohra, mixed emotions, confusion, and frustration combined make it hard for the siblings to want to complete the job they were given. What they didn't know is their brother Zohra is a woman. Can they complete the task to find their brother?

Zohra has been with her boyfriend for 2 years. For the longest time, Zohra was confused as to why she cannot have children even though she knows why. The reason still does not make sense to her. Zohra decides to do more research. Once she found the answer, her whole life could change. The biggest question for her is, what would become of Marcel and me?

I enjoyed the story about the siblings looking for their brother. It wasn't too short or too long. I did not find any mistakes at all. The author did a very good job relating details up to the end. The characters were also broken down to sections so that you could read about them one at a time instead of all at once. It felt like you got to know them better that way. There wasn't much I did not like about the story. I was disappointed to find out the news about Zohra, however it did make the story even more interesting. So it was a very good twist that was not expected.

I would rate this book 4 out of 4 stars. I would highly recommend this to anyone, except young children. Do not let the first sentence fool you. I almost wondered at first what I got myself into. Once I got past that part I can understand why it was written that way. The only thing I would say that could maybe be different is the first sentence because not everyone likes to read a book beginning that way.

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Wednesday, April 11, 2018

Review by Helen_Combe -- Keys to Tetouan by Mois Benarroch 4/4 stars

Review by Helen_Combe -- Keys to Tetouan by Mois Benarroch


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4 out of 4 stars

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Keys to Tetouan by Mois Benarroch is a remarkable and very individual book. It tells the story of the Benzimras, a Jewish family who settled in Tetouan in Morocco after they were expelled from Spain in the 15th century. When Israel was created in 1948, a very large proportion of the Tetouan population emigrated there, and to other parts of the world.

The story begins with Fernando Benzimra who has received a letter from his late father telling him that he (his father) was Jewish. Fernando then goes to Tetouan to seek out his family and learn his ancestry. The history is told piecemeal by other members of the family in the form of letters, conversations and memoirs. The book explores the experience of being in exile and of longing to belong while belonging nowhere, not even in Israel.

What makes this book so remarkable is how creatively it has been written. Benarroch is a poet and, as poets are wont to do, he has complete disregard for the rules of written English. Much of the book takes the form of a stream of consciousness and is difficult to follow. Often an entire paragraph will be made up of just one sentence and may stretch across several pages. There are no dialogue attributions and it can be difficult to work out who is speaking or writing.

The text is littered with grammatical errors, but as I was unsheathing my red pen, a thought struck me. Perhaps it’s meant to be like this. There is very little narrative. Most of the book is either spoken or written by the characters. One character admitted that he was 80 years old and pounding on a typewriter while his ideas flowed too fast for him to keep up with them. I then made the decision that the errors form part of the idiosyncratic nature of the book, so I put my red pen away. I was glad I did because in the prologue, which is situated towards the end, it says ‘this book has a lot of grammar mistakes because it's (sic) author is very strict with Don't Do deeds only’. I’m not entirely sure I know what that means, but I get the gist.

What I like most about this book is the way it has been written. It’s often difficult, confusing and frustrating, but despite all that, it’s beautiful. There is pleasure in watching the words as they unfold.

There is one grammatical error that I can’t just sit back and accept. In the third chapter, it says that Tetouan was rebuilt in 1942 after the Spanish expulsion. That should read as 1492.

This is not an easy book to read. I haven’t had to work this hard since I discovered John Fowles and Salman Rushdie. I would recommend it to people who like the kind of poetry that you have to wrestle with in order to extract meaning. It’s also more of a philosophical than a historical novel and will appeal to people who are interested in people.

Despite giving me a headache and making me go boss-eyed with my attempts to comprehend it, I will nevertheless award this book 4 out of 4 stars.

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Keys to Tetouan 
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Monday, April 9, 2018

4/4 stars Review by Juliet Muia -- Gates to Tangier by Mois Benarroch

Review by Juliet Muia -- Gates to Tangier by Mois Benarroch

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4 out of 4 stars

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Gates to Tangier by Mois Benarroch is a novel about the events that followed the reading of a certain Jewish man’s will. In the will, the deceased asked his children to look for their half-brother as a condition to accessing their inheritance. He had never told them about his illegitimate child when he was alive. The story begins after the lawyer reads the will to the family. Upset and determined to find their half-brother, the siblings set out on a journey to find the truth.

The author employs suspense as a literary tool to drive the reader through the pages of the novel. His choice of words is excellent. He uses humor to ease the tension created by some events in the story. He also has a strong sense of imagination. The use of thoughtful insights, pictures of the world through the minds of others and the reflections of the dead exhibit the great creativity of the author. He gives detailed accounts about how the narrator’s family is scattered in different parts of the world-Madrid, New York, Paris and Israel. The trip to Morocco in search of their half-brother reminds them of their early years in life since their parents had lived in Morocco before going to Israel.

He gives a full representation of the Jewish community. He sheds light on the issues that affect the contemporary Jewish community such as the crisis with the Palestinians and the identity crisis among the Jews. Also, he incorporates the evils that have torn the moral fabric of both the Jews and the rest of the world, which gives the novel a universal outlook. They include corruption, prostitution, adultery, ethnicity, and greed. He paints a picture of the contemporary family. The struggles within the institution of marriage take a center stage. This leads to identity crisis of the children born thereof. However, the author is also keen to note that there is still a remnant that upholds the Jewish values-those who have stood the test of time.

As expected from a Jew, the author mentions some of the aspects of the Jewish history as recorded in the Bible. For example, the story of Cain and Abel, the tower of Babel, circumcision of young males and the synagogue as a place of worship among others. Such aspects give the story authenticity. The writer is also keen to mention Nazism and Hitler since they played a pivotal role in the history of the Jews.

I give the novel 4 out of 4 stars. It is an excellent piece of Jewish literature. It covers both the historical and contemporary aspects of the Jewish community. The novel gives a view of the world through the eyes of a Jewish family. It is an epic piece of work.

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Gates to Tangier 






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Sunday, April 8, 2018

Review by Eileen R -- Keys to Tetouan by Mois Benarroch 4/4 stars

Review by Eileen R -- Keys to Tetouan by Mois Benarroch

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4 out of 4 stars




Keys to Tetouan is a beautiful historical fiction novel by bestselling author Mois Benarroch . It follows the story of the Benzimra family, a Moroccan- Jewish clan in their search for their identity and roots. The book follows the journey of the Benzimra family through the Middle East, Europe and Africa, as they’re exiled and robbed of their identity and origins. First published in 1999 in Hebrew, Keys to Tetouan is one of the books in the Tetouan trilogy, the others being Lucena and Gates to Tangier.

The book is made up of narratives by the Benzimra family in which they try to make the reader understand their frustration at being exiled from everywhere they’ve ever been including; Europe, Africa and the Middle East. In his line “How can I be a Spanish exile if I wasn't even born there, if my father wasn't born there, how is it possible you're an exile, exile everywhere, exile is my home…”, the author captures the very essence of emigration and exile.

Consisting of interviews, letters, dialogues and anecdotes, Keys to Tetouan fully narrates the story of the Benzimra family in an interesting yet unusual way. It’s not every day that you see a book that is bewildering yet enlightening at the same time. I was completely impressed at how the author succeeded in doing this.

Although it was unconventional in every way, the book was surprisingly good. To be honest, at first I was hesitant to pick this book for review. I rarely read historical fiction novels. However, after reading the first few chapters, I was completely hooked. I loved how the author used narratives to pass his message across.

Understanding where you come from is essential to building your own identity. Therefore I could understand when the Benzimra family and their generations asked the question, “where is home?” It’s easy to sympathize with their dilemma especially in today’s world where there are many emigrants simply looking for a place to call home.

The author might come across as blunt at times but it’s completely called for in my opinion. This bluntness solidifies the book’s position as a must read in my eyes. I loved how he didn’t beat about the bush when it came to matters of exile and origins. He asks the hard questions that more often than not we are quick to brush off.

I admit that there were some instances where I was completely lost and I had a hard time understanding the dialogues. It was so ambiguous at times that I couldn’t comprehend what was going on. However, I believe that this was completely intentional on the author’s part which made the book all the more interesting.

Overall, I rate this book a 4 out of 4. I have to say, it’s one of the best written books I’ve ever had the pleasure of reading. It’s perfectly imperfect in my opinion. It was so masterfully written that I couldn’t resist giving it a perfect score. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who’s looking for an intellectual challenge that will give you a completely different view on issues of exile and origins.

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Keys to Tetouan