Review by jimthorne2 -- Gates to Tangier by Mois Benarroch
Gates to Tangier is an adventure in point of view for readers who are used to a single perspective. To read Gates correctly, one has to recognize the constant change of perspective from one character to another and back again. The writer leads the reader on a thought journey with just enough clues to provide interest and the anticipation that the problem introduced at the beginning will be solved.
Benarroch is a challenging writer who takes the reader on a journey in search for a child that no one expected in the deceased father’s legacy. The motivation for the search is money. When the father of the Benzimra family dies, he leaves a will informing his family of an illegitimate son he fathered with a Muslim woman in Morocco. The condition for receiving the inheritance is that the family do everything possible to find that child. The members of the Benzimra family speak throughout the book sharing thoughts and frustrations which exhibit their humanity and view of life.
Benarroch introduces his traditional themes of Sephardic identity, Morocco, and life as a journey. As a part of his opinion, God is someone who likes to see sacrifices and whom we must approach as beggars in prayer. He sees identity as an ever-emerging mirage through place and circumstance. Each member of the family speaks and reveals the nature of their identity from the compulsive Alberto to the confused Zohar.
Benarroch’s perspective is a Jewish view of family interests and conflicts. His tone is personal and penetrating with insights into people living in the struggle of our time. He keeps our interest by showing that modern travel includes but is not limited to travel by plane to various important places in the story. His writing is highly emotional with captivating dialogue but little narrative structure. I have never read another book like this. There is no author or title to compare.
The book is rated 3 out of 4. It is not rated better because the author expects the reader to figure out, without help, that the point of view is the point of the book. This expectation is a stretch that most readers will not appreciate. I don’t like the view of God that fails to recognize the God who Himself makes sacrifices. Also, his understanding of prayer as a complaint is too simplistic. I like the book because it challenges me to think outside my usual reading pattern. I also am Jewish friendly and appreciate the personal exposure from one who understands that point of view and can express it.
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Gates to Tangier
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