The Lemon

Paul Bowles discovered Mrabet when the latter was a young man living in Tangiers and the former was already an accomplished musician and writer. The elder Bowles took Mrabet under his wing and translated/edited several of his short stories and novels. THE LEMON is one of Mrabet's most sustainted narratives and one of his most accomplished works. This is perhaps the most linear and "simple" novel I have read in my lifetime. It recounts the passage into manhood of a muslim youth thrust into the turbulence of a decadent society for which he has a limited appreciation and presepective, as he is only ten years old as the narrative begins, and about fourteen as the tale ends. His sole foundation of knowledge is what he has memorized of the Koran from a brief stint at a madras (or its Moroccan equivalent), as well as a few months under the supervision of a kindly French female teacher at a "Nazarene" school. So much for "formal" education. The boy's true education occurs after he flees home after having been struck by his father. Part of the charm of the story lies in the fact that it is told from the perspective of raw youth, uncluttered by any but the most essential matters (Where's he going to sleep at night? How will he find work?) As the incidents unfold, the young narrator fends for himself in one of the less savory neighborhoods of Tangiers. He finds lodging with an alcoholic longshoreman whom he despises (the Koran forbids alcohol), yet puts up with out of necessity. He also discovers the pleasures of women and kif. The former he can take or leave, the latter he seemingly can't do without. This short novel is composed primarily of lots of little incidents. Nothing of real moment occurs until the final chapter of the book, which will also provide the reader with an explanation of the book's title. Though not much happens, the narrative is nevertheless oddly compelling. Mrabet paints such a vivid picture of Abdeslam's world and provides such a clear insight into the young protagonist's simplistic psychology, plot is not really a factor. This is definitely not earth shattering fiction, just an expertly rendered, lucidly faceted, middle-eastern gem. Mrabet's volume of short stories, THE BOY WHO SET THE FIRE & OTHER STORIES, also translated and fine-tuned by Bowles is also highly recommended. BEK