"Originally published in Arabic in 1970, the novel's theme of survival from remnants of colonial misery, anguish and dejection, during a time of disorder from political change, is still current today, particularly following the Arab Spring. Mahmoud Saeed's tale of infatuation, reprisal and treachery, with evocative descriptions of North African scenes and life, entices us. Also, his writing style will remind readers of Camus' celebrated The Stranger. The wonderful lines, such as "Can you discover a forest the first time you walk through it?" will surely beguile readers into a second perusal. Highly recommended."
