I really enjoyed this window into the political and social upheaval of 1960s Morocco. Ouarrachy vividly describes the smells and sounds and sights of Casablanca and Doukkala in a way that make both urban and rural Morocco feel immediate and alive. I was caught up in Tamo's story and rooting for her as she worked within and pushed against the narrow limits put on her by her gender. The characters were all fully drawn and believable, and I enjoyed reading a story whose arc I couldn't predict.

This was four stars instead of five for me because the accident that sets the stage for so many of Tamo's choices seemed physiologically improbable to me, so much so that it pulled me out of the story for a stretch. But aside from that distraction, it was excellent, and the characters and story will stay with me. It's a very impressive debut - I look forward to reading more of her books in the future!

With many thanks to the publisher for this advance copy.

After the death of her father, Tamo is sent from her family home in the Moroccan countryside to her uncle's house in Casablanca. The structure of her life is extremely rigid, as she is enlisted by her uncle to assist with the house chores in his very traditional household. Tamo is full of dreams and aspirations. As the months go by, she is able to eke out more freedoms learning new skills and being introduced to the music scene inCasablanca through a friend. This opens up the whole of the city for her, as she's able to slowly create more independence for herself.

Set against the political backdrop of 1960s Morocco, Ouarrachy depicts the struggle between the traditional held views of a highly patriarchal society and that of Tamo straining against these in order to make a better life for herself. The political upheaval in Casablanca is a great use of setting to show both the personal plight and that of a country as a whole and the impact that French colonial rule still had.

Tamo is an incredibly easy character to get behind, as she is determined and resilient in the restrictive society that women had to face. All of the surrounding characters feel incredibly well realised and not an afterthought. You also get a real sense of place, as we explore the city with Tamo.

I will say, it did feel that sometimes there a few plot conveniences to move the story forward and the ending seemed incredibly abrupt. Overall though this was a fascinating look into 1960s Morocco and very happy to have read it.

Many thanks to Netgalley and Persimmon Publishing for a review copy.

Morrocco, the upheavel, the traditions and the music scene at the backdrop, this is the story of a teenager who is ambitious and resourceful.

1960s Casablanca is beautifully told by Quarrachy.

Tamo is a likeable character and the plot is thick.
Driss and Tamo’s and his dynamic are also both interesting and amazing.

4 stars.
Some plot choices, the pacing at times and the ending were not 100% to me, but otherwise, it was a wonderful read. Overall, it felt original and authentic to a large degree. Characterisation and writing style were the highlights followed by the setting and the themes.
I cannot wait to see what Quarrachy does next.