Secret Son

In this superb short novel, Laila Lalami deftly limns the rise and fall of Youssef El Mekki, unacknowledged bastard son of prominent businessman, disillusioned activist, and bon vivant Nabil El Amrani. Seemingly sprung from the trap of the Casablanca slums when he learns that his father, far from being dead, is in fact a Moroccan tycoon, Youssef is soon caught in a complex web of familial and political intrigue. A mark of this novel's quality is its ability to portray what for many Americans is the mildly exotic culture of Morocco while also convincingly revealing the ways in which both Americans and Moroccans are enmeshed in their own cultural contexts (a point illustrated in another fashion by Malcolm Gladwell's recent Outliers). While each character acts as though autonomously, behind the apparently simple interactions among the characters lies a complex web of human relationships, cultural relationships, and sometimes sinister motivations, which Lalami gradually unveils. Lalami's lean style, unsparing eye, and tight construction mean not a word is wasted in this elegant depiction of the book's all too human characters and its damning indictment of the cruel forces that manipulate them.

I personally loved your style of writing, one chapter led me to the other, and I couldn't wait to go back to the book and read what is going to happen next. I love the way Laila Lalami addressed various phenomena that the Moroccan society members encounter everyday, it was so real, and honest.However, I was reading the book with my friend, and we both hoped the story had a better ending. We thought it was very deceiving that it ended in such a manner.It was a very interesting book to read, though!

Youssef El-Mekki grew up in Casablanca, in the slums of Hay An Najat where houseflies "grazed on piles of trash, competing with cows and sheep for tea grounds, vegetable peels, and empty containers of yogurt." One young man by circumstance, another by birthright, at nineteen Youssef learns shocking details about his real father that thrust him into a world of sudden luxuries, luxuries that at once elevate his circumstances and separate him from the places and people he loves.Amal Amrani, by contrast, grew up a daughter of privilege and means. When she moves to the States and defies her wealthy parents' wishes, she is cut off both emotionally and financially. Later, in a gesture of reconciliation and renewed support, her parents cross the ocean to witness her graduation. Amal holds the door open for them at the end of a visit, "forgetting that Moroccans do not open doors for departing guests for fear of giving the impression that the guests are unwelcome." It is a striking symbol of how much her new life has changed her.Exhibiting two very different approaches to filial duty, Amal reluctantly returns to Casablanca to reestablish her position in the family, leaving her new love behind in the States; Youssef embraces his newfound father's world of wealth and status, leaving his mother behind in the slums. Repercussions from the secret that Amal and Youssef have both borne for years---each without knowing it---ultimately cause them to question the very foundations of duty, loyalty, and love. In the end, both must choose. Both must declare their allegiance. Unfortunately for Youssef, his choice (which is no choice at all) hastens his descent into a shadowy religious underworld where faith is a weapon and all believers must be tested.At its heart, Secret Son is a gorgeously rendered and heartbreaking tale of longing and belonging, of finding---and also leaving behind---the people and places we call home.

I became a huge fan of Ms. Lalami when I read her most recent book -- "The Moor's Account" -- which was deservedly nominated for several prizes. This work is reportedly her first true novel -- though it's not clear if an even earlier work was a novel or a collection of related short stories."Secret Son" not a bad book, and some passages and issues are very well done indeed. In fact, I gave it "only" three stars more as a comparison to "The Moor's Account" than on a standalone basis. (OK, I recognize that that may be a bit unfair, but it's hard for me not to compare works by the same author.) It is a bit too obvious for my taste, in terms of plot, dialogue and characterization (mostly in respect of the minor characters), and it lacks the subtleties and shadings -- the beautiful language -- of her more recent work.I don't mean to discourage people from reading this, but its just not as good as the more recent one. The good news is that she's clearly become a better writer over time, and perhaps her fourth book will be even better than her third, which would be quite good indeed.

I am really enjoying the story line I read a little each night until I get sleepyI gave 4stars because it is a cheap looking book like they have all been lately looks like a $1.00 book you get at the Dollar Store I will pass it on to my local thrift shop when I finish reading it

I am an avid reader of fiction from the Arab world and had high expectations of this novel based on reviews I had read. This novel is easy to get into, fairly short and does hold your interest. However the characters lack any real depth, the story is predictable and the ending abrupt. I like to read books which leave me thinking about the characters or the issues raised snd while this book does highlight corruption and inequality, it doesnt engage the reader enough to leave a lasting effect.

I find the BBC's coverage of the Arab world deeply depressing: one dimensional, simplistic, emotional and defined by a set of prejudices formed within the leafy confines of Islington.Behind the cheery talk of democracy and the 'people', there is no hint of the ghastly reality of everyday lives for the vast majority of the population in most of these countries. Best to visit them to get an insight into that wretchedness.But if you have neither the time nor the funds, then read up through the brilliant novels now emanating from the region. For instance, The Yacoubian Building tells you more in one chapter about modern Egypt than Jeremy Bowen's nightly drivel.And for Morocco, what better book than 'Secret Son' which is beautifully written and well plotted? It demonstrates the huge contrast between the very rich and the very poor, the corruption which has become so endemic across the Arab world and thehuge dangers posed by virulent extremists preaching to dispossessed young people who have no hope of jobs or of economic security. Just like Germany around 1930.The novel tells the story of a young man who is rescued from destitution by a well-to-do father who discovers him only when he is a teenager. But it is not a happy story. It seeps with sadness.For anyone who enjoyed the Kite Runner or the Yacoubian Building, then 'Secret Son'will be for you, as it was for me, a really compelling read.

This book is beautifully written--so, thought provoking; a truly human story- Youssef the chief protagonist- is a young man in a poor neighbourhood of Casablanca .All the way through I was longing for him to make it. His mother, his father, his friends--they all ultimately let him down. Us, in the world of plenty need to read work like this to understand how hard life is for a lot of people; Laila Lalami makes it a pleasure a truly gifted writer.

A wonderful read

An ok read but it did not truly engage me. The ending was somewhat predictable however the characters and sense of the country were good.