The books of Mois Benarroch

Mois Benarroch

[Following is a volunteer review of "Andalusian in Jerusalem" by Mois benarroch.]

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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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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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.]

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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Gates to Tangier

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