Jean Genet In Tangier

One of the rare books I could read in one breath. It is short, inspiring, and imaginative. Choukri's writing is very simple, like a dessin, in a diary style. Simple, yet it tells so much about so many things, mainly about Genet and how he relates to people, what he thinks about literature. It also tells a good deal about Morocco. The translation is excellent, I think. The beauty of the language is well preserved. One will sense the respect Choukri has for Genet, and his compassion, sensitivity and warmth toward the society. There are a few pictures of the author with Genet and his friends also, which is a treat. A great page turner. Couldn't put it down. One of the most beautiful proses I've ever read. Now I'm looking for more books by Choukri.

This book details the encounters of Choukri with Jean Genet in Tangier over a short period of time. The prose describing the encounters and the selection of details to include in the description is masterful - in a slim volume one gains both a feeling of Morocco's bureaucrats, of the author's respect for Genet and of Genet himself. There is no hint of "gossip column" or "me with a big shot" - both of which are dangers for this type of writing. This is book is well worth your time.