Title: Secret Son
Author: Laila Lalami
First published April 21, 2009
291 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9781565124943 (ISBN10: 1565124944)
Rating: 3.48
Overview
Youssef El Mekki always knew he was destined for more than the one-room house in the Casablanca slums where he was raised by his mother. His dreams come closer to reality when he discovers that his father, whom he believed to be dead, is alive and a wealthy businessman.
Youssef leaves his old life behind to live in luxury, but his fortunes change when he is thrown back onto the streets. Desperate and alone, he falls in with a fringe Islamic group, where he finds a sense of belonging he never had before.
In “Secret Son,” Laila Lalami explores the struggle for identity, the importance of family and love, and the deep-rooted desperation that affects so many in a world divided by class, politics, and religion.
About the Author
Meet Laila Lalami! She’s an accomplished author who was born in Rabat, Morocco and has been educated in various countries including Great Britain and the United States. Laila has written four novels, including The Moor’s Account, which has received numerous accolades such as the American Book Award, Arab-American Book Award, and Hurston/Wright Legacy Award.
The novel was also a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction. Her other novel, The Other Americans, was a national bestseller and a finalist for the National Book Award in Fiction.
Laila has also written essays and opinion pieces for various publications such as the Los Angeles Times and The Nation, among others. She’s received fellowships from the British Council, Fulbright, and Guggenheim, and is currently a professor of creative writing at the University of California at Riverside.
Her latest work, a nonfiction book, is highly anticipated.
Editoral Review
In “Secret Son,” author Laila Lalami presents a gripping narrative that delves into the complexities of identity, belonging, class, and politics. Lalami, a Moroccan-American writer and Pulitzer Prize finalist, weaves together a thoughtful and nuanced exploration of the human experience.
Published in 2009, the novel’s themes are still relevant today, particularly in the current political climate that has put a spotlight on issues of race and intersectionality. The plot centers around the life of Youssef El Mekki, a young man living in a slum on the outskirts of Casablanca.
Youssef is struggling to find his place in the world, feeling a sense of disconnection from his family and the broader society around him. This changes when he discovers a shocking truth about his parentage that sends him on a tumultuous journey of self-discovery, political awakening, and moral reckoning.
Lalami’s writing is beautiful and evocative, conveying the setting of Casablanca with vivid detail and a deep understanding of the city’s history and culture. The characters are fully-realized and multi-dimensional, with Youssef serving as a captivating protagonist whose experiences reflect the challenges and contradictions of life on the margins of society.
One of the strengths of the book is the depth of its portrayal of the political and social realities of Morocco. Lalami is able to explore a range of issues, from the corrupt and oppressive regime to the tensions between religious and secular forces in society.
At the same time, the book is very accessible and readable, with the plot moving at a brisk pace that keeps readers engaged. One potential limitation of the novel is that it can occasionally veer into didacticism, with characters delivering monologues that feel more like political speeches than natural conversation.
While this can be somewhat distracting, it doesn’t detract significantly from the overall impact of the story. Overall, “Secret Son” is a powerful and thought-provoking novel that is sure to resonate with readers interested in issues of identity, politics, and social justice.
Lalami’s writing is strong and her characters are compelling, making this an engaging read that is both entertaining and meaningful. This is a highly recommended book for anyone looking for a poignant and socially conscious novel that speaks to the complexities of the human experience.
Score: 4.5/5.0
