Review by Joe Ranjo -- Keys to Tetouan by Mois Benarroch

Review by Joe Ranjo -- Keys to Tetouan by Mois Benarroch

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 Review by Joe Ranjo

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“Keys to Tetouan” is a book about belonging. It covers the history of various members of the Benzimra family, generation after generation, as they try to find a place they can call “home”. Either by force or by will the Benzimra clan members are dispersed throughout the globe. But most of them find themselves drawn back to Tetouan as they have come to identify with it as a temporary reprieve from their Exodus. We are able to capture a glimpse of their perspectives by delving into their personal lives and their individual attempts to make sense of a terrible past and their hopes for the future.

“Keys to Tetouan” is a historical fiction book, presented in the form of autobiographical instances of various characters linked by the Benzimra lineage. Mois Benarroch delves into the psyche of each character providing in-depth insight into their social life, religious beliefs, families and their endeavors to “break bread”. On cannot help but be drawn in and wonder where they ultimately reach in their quest for a sense of belonging and acceptance by themselves, their neighbor’s and the world.

Benarroch through this book raises a myriad of philosophical questions. Personally, the quest for one’s purpose and the social dogma that we encounter in every society, resonated with me the most. Segregation by wealth, tribe, religion are major themes in this book. All of which serves to test our sense of equality and patriotism. Benarroch, through this book forces as to ask the question “Do we truly belong?” and more importantly “is it possible to quench this thirst for a sense of belonging?”

He also tackles the issue of our inability to explain our personal experience to other people. How hard it is to understand without context the decisions that people make. How unreasonable the benefit of hindsight can be to a person outward, looking in.
The book is very instructive in a subtle way that isn’t preachy. It will make you laugh, it will make you sad and it will make you feel a part of the human race in our shared quest for belonging.

I would give “Keys to Tetouan” a rating of 3 out of 4. This is because it is very believable even though it is historical fictional. Benarroch does not force the story to make sense. Instead, He leaves it to the reader to piece it together. If you’re looking for something engaging, intense and edifying; this book will surely engross you to the very last page.

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Keys to Tetouan 


Links to the books in
English getbook.at/keys2tetouan
Castellano getbook.at/llabesdetetuan
Hebrew עברית http://www.lulu.com/shop/paperback/product-22974017.html 

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